Robert Hecker
Managing Director, Singapore
Robert Hecker is the Managing Director for the Pacific Asia division of Horwath HTL.
Bio
He oversees operations across offices in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and Bali. In his role, Robert is responsible for driving business development, managing client relationships and overseeing project execution. He leads the regional team with a clear focus on achieving both company and personal goals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality advisory services to clients.
Since joining Horwath HTL in the Pacific Asia region in 1988, Robert has built a comprehensive background and deep expertise in the evolving hotel and tourism industry. He has planned and analysed hundreds of projects, giving him extensive experience in business strategy, project planning, asset management, valuation methodology and negotiations for hotel operator selection and management contracts.
Robert has over 45 years of experience in the hospitality sector. He began his distinguished career with Pacific Plaza Hotels in northern California, where he gained practical knowledge in hotel operations. He further refined his skills by conducting in-depth market and financial analyses for a diverse range of hospitality assets, including hotels, resorts, cruise ships, convention centres, conference centres, and restaurants with Laventhol and Horwath in San Francisco.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley as well as a Masters of Professional Studies from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. His contributions to the industry have been duly acknowledged with the HICAP Lifetime Achievement Award.
Robert's Experience
Bold steps forward
We help clients achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort
Clark , Philippines
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning, Operational Support
Assets
Sheraton Manila Bay
Manila, Philippines
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Assets
Grand Hyatt Hotel & Residences
Manila, Philippines
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Assets
Puerto Princesa – Hotel Study
Palawan, Philippines
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Assets
Four Seasons Mauritius
Mauritius
Hospitality
Valuation and Transaction Advisory
Assets
Proposed Luxury Resort
La Digue, Seychelles
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Assets
Radisson Kandy
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Assets
Market Study for Courtyard Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hospitality
Strategy and Planning
Assets
Expert Insights
Cutting edge analysis.
AI in Hospitality: where it is working in Asia and where it is just marketing
Every hotel owner in Asia Pacific has, by now, sat through a pitch that promised artificial intelligence would transform their property or their asset portfolio. The pitch is often well-produced, the demo is often impressive, and the price tag is almost always substantial. What is rarely clear, however, is what problem the technology solves for this asset – at this stage, under this ownership — and what it will take to realize that promise.
Buahan a Banyan Tree escape
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape is a 16-key open-air luxury retreat in the highland valley north of Ubud, Bali in Indonesia. Built around a “No Walls, No Doors” architectural philosophy, it is the first fully open-air property in the Banyan Group portfolio — and one of the most formally recognised sustainable luxury properties in the world.
Turning Spas, Gyms and Retreats into profit centers
Historically, spas and gyms were considered an “amenity” or a nice-to-have perk intended to elevate the brand perception or to fulfil the “star rating” requirement. Today, the growing global emphasis in the post-COVID era on healthy lifestyles, work-life balance, mental wellbeing, and mindful living is driving increased spending on wellness services and retreat experiences.
A tribute to Hotel General Managers
Across the hospitality industry, the role of the Hotel General Manager (GM) has continued to expand in both scope and complexity over the years. Nowhere is this more visible than during regional or global GM conferences organised by international hotel groups, where General Managers gather to align on corporate direction and priorities.
Awakening Horizons: Hotel Market Update for Kota Kinabalu, the Land below the Wind
Nestled on the shores of the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu (KK) in Malaysia continues to captivate travelers with its unique blend of pristine islands, lush rainforests, and vibrant cultural heritage. The city serves as a gateway to Borneo’s unparalleled natural wonders, making it a highly sought-after destination for both leisure and adventure travelers. In this report, we will explore some exciting updates and the current outlook for the hotel and tourism market in Kota Kinabalu, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of the region.
Outdoor Lodging in Asia Pacific
The rise in global demand for outdoor lodging products has emerged as a key trend in travel, captivating the imagination of travellers seeking unique, immersive experiences in nature without compromising on comfort and, in many cases, luxury. So, what is outdoor lodging and why does it matter now to hospitality industry stakeholders in Asia Pacific?