Ho Ren Yung, the deputy chief executive of Banyan Group, has been pivotal in steering the brand's evolution as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024. Under her leadership, the group has successfully launched 19 new properties, including the highly anticipated Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto and Angsana Tengchong. Ho has set an ambitious goal to open the 100th hotel by 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company [570650c2].
In a notable move towards sustainability, Ho established the Rewilding Banyan Fund on November 1, 2024, pledging to donate US$1 for every direct booking made through the group. This initiative aims to support habitat restoration efforts globally. In 2023 alone, Banyan Group contributed to environmental efforts by planting 7,500 saplings at Laguna Phuket [570650c2].
Ho emphasizes a philosophy of 'belief-building' over traditional brand-building, focusing on creating meaningful experiences and fostering community engagement. This approach reflects her commitment to not only enhancing the brand's global profile but also ensuring that the company operates responsibly within the communities it serves [570650c2].
Banyan Group, which operates in over 20 countries and employs approximately 12,000 people, is poised for further expansion with plans for a new safari lodge in Tanzania set to open in late 2025. Ho Ren Yung, as the daughter of founder Ho Kwon Ping and co-founder Claire Chiang, carries forward the family's legacy while innovating for the future [570650c2].