Executive Team

  • Leon Larkin

    Leon is an Australian national with over 40 years’ experience gathered across the world as a General Manager and senior industry figure. A passionate industry innovator, he has been awarded numerous accolades for his commitment and contribution to the hospitality profession, as well as his focus on Corporate Social Responsibility.

    Leon’s previous appointments include: General Manager of the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg; General Manager of the Intercontinental Kiev; General Manager of the Intercontinental Prague; General Director of the St Regis, Beijing; General Manager of the Sheraton Nevskij Palace Hotel, St Petersburg; Managing Director of the Hotel Kamp, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Helsinki; General Manager of the Sheraton Brisbane Hotel; General Manager of the Great Wall Sheraton Hotel, Beijing; Inaugural President of the Australian & New Zealand Association in China and Founder of State of Origin Football (1977).

    For full career history visit https://ae.linkedin.com/in/leon-larkin-07397222

  • Heikki Julin

    Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Olympia Air Travel, Former Chairman of AFTA (Association of Finnish Travel Agents)

    Heikki is a Finnish travel agency and tour operation professional with over 40 years’ experience in the family company Olympia Air Travel Ltd, which was established in 1952 by his parents specialising in upper market cultural and special interest tours. First serving in junior positions, he then took over as Managing Director for 15 years and after that continued as President of the company for close to 20 years.

    Besides running and developing one of the most profitable travel companies in Finland, Heikki was a Board Member of AFTA for 30 years and served as Chairman for the maximum term of 6 years. He now enjoys the privilege of being an Honorary Member of AFTA. He was in the Founding Committee of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Finland Chapter and served numerous years as a Board Member.

    On a more personal level, Heikki in his spare time is a passionate rally-driving competitor. 

  • Hans-Peter Betz

    Performance-driven Senior Executive offering 30 years’ comprehensive achievements across unique hospitality projects. Leverage business acumen across diverse cultures and economies. Recognized for ability to incorporate innovative management techniques that result in enhanced business practices, increased productivity, and profits. Known for forming collaborative partnerships, relationships and networks with owners, shareholders and superiors alike to deliver great business outcomes, both inside and outside the organization.

    In the past years Peter was assigned to open and manage some of the best hotels and assets under world class brands such as the Alpensia Resort in South Korea a, 1.8 billion USD project purpose built to accommodate the Winter Olympics 2018 and voted by Forbes as the top 4 most luxurious ski accommodation in Asia or his just recent assignment establishing the Hospitality Division “The Heart of Europe Hotel Management” and open and manage this 1.9 billion USD project with 15 hotels.