FRANCK LOISON, GENERAL MANAGER OF FAIRMONT AMBASSADOR SEOUL: ' IN KOREA, FRANCE IS PERCEIVED AS THE CRADLE OF LUXURY, HAUTE CUISINE AND A CULTURE OF REFINED SERVICE (Korea, South)
Having lived in Asia for 27 years, the GM of Fairmont Ambassador Seoul insists that passion, curiosity and the ability to adapt are the essential ingredients for a successful expatriation. |
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FRANCK LOISON, GENERAL MANAGER OF FAIRMONT AMBASSADOR SEOUL: ' IN KOREA, FRANCE IS PERCEIVED AS THE CRADLE OF LUXURY, HAUTE CUISINE AND A CULTURE OF REFINED SERVICE (Korea, South)
Having lived in Asia for 27 years, the GM of Fairmont Ambassador Seoul insists that passion, curiosity and the ability to adapt are the essential ingredients for a successful expatriation. |
Category: Asia Pacific - Korea, South - Careers
- Interviews and portraits
- Career - Interviews
Interview made by Guillaume Chollier on 2024-11-08
 Franck Loison has been General Manager of the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul since December 2022
Photo credit © Lucia Lee / Fairmont Ambassador Séoul
After six years at Sofitel, where he worked as F&B manager, then executive assistant manager in Siam Reap, Cambodia, he took up a position as resident manager in Hua Hin, Thailand.
On the strength of this experience, the Frenchman remained loyal to the Accor group. First, in Indonesia. In what is known as the ‘Equatorial Emerald’, he was general manager delegate Accor Hotels central Java Indonesia for MGallery Hotel Collection. He then moved to Putrajaya in Malaysia, where he was area general manager Accor Hotels Kuala Lumpur, before returning to Indonesia, this time to Bali, asarea general manager Accor Hotels Bali & Lumbok. Eight years later, in July 2018, Franck Loison landed his first position as general manager, at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara.
In September 2021, he flew to Vietnam and the Oakwood Residence Hanoi, where he held the same position. Finally, in December 2022, he moved to South Korea, to the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, where he is still General Manager today.
From the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’, Franck Loison agreed to share with the Journal des Palaces his vision of a sector and a region he is passionate about.
Journal des Palaces: What is your definition of luxury hotels and excellence?
Franck Loison: Excellence in the luxury hotel industry goes beyond simply satisfying customers. It's about creating memorable and unique experiences through a combination of exceptional service, attention to individual needs, and continuous innovation. It also involves the ability to anticipate customer desires and deliver a smooth, seamless service.
You've had an international career for over 20 years. What led you to move abroad?
Asia has always been at the forefront of innovation in luxury hotels, with cutting-edge design concepts, cutting-edge technologies and unique service offerings. Asian establishments often pioneer new trends and customer experiences.
As a French person, running an international hotel is a unique and rewarding experience, combining professional challenges with personal fulfilment.
Why did you opt for a career in Asia?
Asia offers unique working environments, from modern, densely populated metropolises to heavenly destinations. In my opinion, working in these inspiring environments contributes to personal fulfilment and makes the professional experience even more rewarding.
How are the French perceived in the luxury hotel sector in Asia, and more particularly in South Korea, the country in which you now work?
The French enjoy a positive image in the luxury hotel sector in South Korea, mainly because of the association with excellence, refinement and the art of living. In Korea, France is perceived as the cradle of luxury, haute cuisine and a culture of refined service. French professionals are often seen as experts in gastronomy, design and hotel management, bringing a distinctive know-how that enhances the prestige of their establishments.
For my part, I find that South Korea offers a unique and stimulating environment, both professionally and personally, where dynamism, innovation, a culture of performance and excellence, quality of life and safety all come together.
What do you miss most about France? Do you plan to come back?
Obviously, there are always aspects of France that I miss: family and friends, the French art de vivre, traditions and cultural events. However, I'm not planning to return to France any time soon. Indeed, continuing to evolve in an international context allows me not only to position myself at the heart of industry trends, but also to build a career marked by diversity and adaptability.
What advice would you give to luxury hotel professionals who want to work abroad?
Working abroad means leaving your comfort zone and adapting to different working cultures. It requires passion, curiosity and commitment. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out on your career, open-mindedness, ongoing training and the ability to adapt to new environments are the keys to a fulfilling and successful career.
 Situated on Yeouido Island, the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul is ideally located, close to cultural and entertainment venues
Photo credit © Lucia Lee / Fairmont Ambassador Séoul
 The property's 308 spacious rooms are tastefully decorated and overlook the city and the Han River
Photo credit © Lucia Lee / Fairmont Ambassador Séoul
 Spectrum and its semi-open kitchen offers a blend of South-East Asian and European flavours
Photo credit © Lucia Lee / Fairmont Ambassador Séoul
 On the 29th floor, the rooftop restaurant Mariposa serves European-inspired dishes created using the finest local artisanal produce
Photo credit © Lucia Lee / Fairmont Ambassador Séoul
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