MEET OUR MEMBER – JOHN GARDNER

Originally from New Zealand, John is a passionate and seasoned hotelier with over four decades of experience in the hospitality industry. His career began in New Zealand where he owned and managed 3 restaurants before moving to Australia, where he spent ten years managing a portfolio of 4- and 5-star hotels across the country, building a solid foundation in hotel operations and leadership. Seeking broader horizons, John transitioned to Asia, where he held senior management roles for Accor and IHG in China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia, gaining invaluable cross-cultural experience and regional insight.

His most prominent tenure was at the iconic Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he served as General Manager and later as General Director for over 15 years, helping elevate the property’s reputation both locally and internationally.
Recognising the untapped potential of Vietnam’s rapidly evolving hospitality sector, John co-founded Optimum Hospitality four years ago—a full-service consultancy, asset management, advisory, and independent hotel management company supporting hotel owners and developers across Southeast Asia but focusing more on Vietnam.

John is supported in life and business by his wife Cass, a well-known and active figure in the local community. A proud Kiwi at heart, John remains an avid rugby fan and rarely misses a great match during the season.

John Gardner’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gardner-33141759/