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There’s something thoroughly refreshing about sitting down with someone who breaks the mould without announcing it. Abigail Tan, the CEO of St Giles Hotel Group, isn’t merely managing a hotel—she’s piloting helicopters, boxing at dawn, championing marginalised communities, and bringing a compassionate heartbeat to the often sterile corridors of hospitality leadership. In this exclusive, we go up close and personal with the fearless, family-rooted adventurer turning traditional hospitality on its head—with elegance and edge.

Stephen: Abigail, growing up in a family with deep roots in hospitality and real estate, what’s the most important lesson you learned early on?

Abigail Tan: That legacy isn’t entitlement—it’s a responsibility. I was born into a family where success came through discipline, hard work, and never sitting still. My grandfather and father were towering examples of work ethic, but my mother gave me the emotional compass—she taught me the value of support. You need both grit and grace. I learned early that true success is collaborative—it’s built on relationships, humility, and gratitude.

Stephen: Tell me about growing up in Penang, Malaysia. Its intoxicating blend of cultures shaped your leadership style.

Abigail: Oh. Penang is a melting pot where you learn to appreciate differences, understand perspectives, and accept people for who they are. That’s the DNA of genuine hospitality. It showed me that leading is not just about giving orders; it’s about creating an inclusive environment where every guest and every team member feels seen and valued.

Stephen: And then there’s this streak of adventure in you. Flying helicopters? Boxing at 6 a.m.? That’s not your typical boardroom warm-up…

Abigail (laughs): No, it isn’t. But adventure teaches resilience. It sharpens the senses. Learning something new—a flight manoeuvre or a sparring technique—forces you to stay present. That presence translates into leadership. It energises me, brings in new perspectives, and reminds me we’re never done growing.

Stephen: You joined St. Giles officially in 2009. Did you always imagine leading the brand one day?

Abigail: I think, deep down, yes. I was exposed to hotels from a young age—not just staying in them but understanding how they function and how people interact within those spaces. I didn’t just want to manage a business; I wanted to shape something meaningful. Leading St. Giles feels like an extension of everything I love: people, places, and purpose.

Stephen: And now you’re CEO. A mother. An adventurer. How do you keep all the plates spinning?

Abigail: First, I don’t believe in “balance” traditionally. My work is my passion. It’s part of who I am. And I’m surrounded by an extraordinary support system—family, my team, mentors. I’ve learned that being present wherever you are—whether it’s a board meeting or playtime with my son—is the real secret.

Stephen: St. Giles has such a distinctive company culture. How much of that reflects you?

Abigail: A great deal. Culture isn’t something you enforce—it’s something you embody. I infused my values—adventure, compassion, and curiosity—into how we operate. That’s how our “Go Solo, Go St. Giles” campaign came about. It encouraged solo travellers to find confidence and joy in their journeys. And that came from my love for exploration.

Stephen: Were there any growing pains stepping into the CEO role? Especially as an Asian woman in a male-dominated industry?

Abigail: Oh, plenty. There were rooms where I was the only woman—still are. But I never saw that as a disadvantage. I listen first and then speak with intention. I’ve also ensured that our leadership reflects our values—70% of our executive board and most department heads are women. It’s not a quota. It’s a testament to the incredible talent that deserves to be seen and heard.

Stephen: You oversee properties in the UK and the Philippines. How do you maintain a unified vision across these different markets?

Abigail: It starts with values—service, independence, integrity, community, and inspiration. These aren’t just words on a wall. We recruit, train, and evaluate through them. Of course, every market has its rhythm. But values? Those are universal.

Stephen: With St. Giles Makati opening in 2010 and your elevation to CEO in 2025, what excites you most about this next chapter?

Abigail: Opportunity. The Philippines is such a vibrant market. St. Giles Makati is more than a hotel—it’s a platform for transformation. We want to blend cultural heritage with innovative hospitality, and I’m incredibly proud to lead that journey.

Stephen: What defines excellent hospitality today?

Abigail: Connection. Guests want authenticity. They want to feel understood. Our ‘Inspired Joy’ campaign is about creating unexpected, heartfelt moments. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a surprise birthday serenade—those little things become the most memorable.

Stephen: And Hotels with Heart—what a beautiful initiative. What sparked it?

Abigail: The desire to make hotels more than just buildings. I wanted them to be part of the community. Hotels with Heart isn’t charity—it’s our responsibility. We’ve supported everything from Coram Life Education to Hospitality Action. We’ve raised over £300,000. But more than that, we’ve changed lives.

Stephen: £1 per room, every night—that’s commitment. How do you keep your team and guests engaged in that mission?

Abigail: By showing them they’re part of something bigger. When guests stay with us, they’re not just booking a bed—they’re helping someone get back on their feet. Our team knows this. It gives their work deeper meaning.

Stephen: The St. Giles Hospitality Academy has already made waves. Tell us more about that.

Abigail: It’s close to my heart. We train individuals facing homelessness or long-term unemployment. They gain hospitality skills, life skills, and even Cornell University certifications. Two cohorts in, and we’ve seen over 30 graduates start careers or continue education. Some now work at the very hotels where they trained.

Stephen: That’s legacy work. Speaking of legacy, how would you describe your leadership style in three words?

Abigail: Passionate, family-driven, and empowering. Passion fuels everything I do. My team is my extended family. And empowerment? That’s how we grow. I want people to stretch beyond what they think possible and know we’ll catch them if they fall.

Stephen: What kind of legacy are you hoping to leave for the industry and your son?

Abigail: I want to redefine hospitality leadership. It should be rooted in empathy, driven by community, and open to transformation. If my son grows up seeing that business can be kind and successful, then I’ll know I’ve done my job. I hope he carries that flame forward.

Stephen Morton’s Closing Note: Abigail Tan is not simply running a hotel chain—she’s stewarding a new era in hospitality, where kindness and courage coexist. Her journey reminds us that leadership is less about position and more about purpose. In a world yearning for heart, she’s delivering it—one room, one guest, one empowered life at a time.

For more on St. Giles Hotels and Hotels with Heart, visit stgileshotels.com and hotelswithheartfoundation.com.