Embracing multiculturalism and variety

With over 25 years of experience in the field of hospitality, Thomas Schmelter is currently the Director of Operations for IHG Thailand & Indochina whilst simultaneously serving as the General Manager of the InterContinental Bangkok and the Holiday Inn Bangkok.

Business career
Throughout his career, Thomas has focused on achieving premium standards in the industry and consistently striven to provide his guests with unique and memorable experiences. He combines a strong expertise in Food & Beverage, a result of both a genuine passion for excellent food and the great number of F&B roles occupied throughout his career, with extensive international experience.

From his beginnings as an apprentice in a gourmet restaurant in Munich, his career has taken him to London, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai amongst other cities. With IHG since 1989, he assumed his current position in 2014 following his most recent postings as the Director of Operations of IHG Gulf States & Saudi Arabia and Regional General Manager of IHG Vietnam.

For the past 15 years in particular, Thomas Schmelter’s focus has been on developing innovative and competitive concepts for the Asian and Middle Eastern marketplaces. In addition, he has worked closely with his IHG colleagues to stay ahead of the newest trends in the hospitality and gastronomic industries and define luxury for guests from all over the globe.

A love for excellent food is naturally central to these tasks, and Thomas therefore sees the Chaîne as a community where like-minded individuals come to share their passion and exchange views and ideas on a constantly dynamic and fascinating field.

Chaîne career, aspirations and vision
Thomas joined the Confrérie in 2004. He enjoys spending time and sharing ideas with other members about gastronomy. Naturally he loves to attend events whenever his busy schedule allows!

Asked to share his vision for the Confrérie, he says: “As the oldest and most prestigious international gastronomic society, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has its feet based firmly in tradition – a truly rare thing indeed in this day and age, but the Association also needs to take measured steps forward to embrace relevant trends and taste.”


Photos (c) InterContinental Hotels Group