Date of publication: Jul 02, 2018

Anne-Marie Aucouturier

Director of Regional Sales, Japan: IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan

Date of birth:

Hometown: Montlucon, France

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 1 (as of July 2018)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

I came to Osaka for the first time in 2000 and continued to visit on a series of business trips until 2005, making some good friends along the way. On one of these trips, I had the great privilege to experience the 2002 FIFA World Cup, attending matches in Saitama, Niigata and Yokohama.

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

Do the right thing, care for people (colleagues, clients, friends and family) and put quality at the heart of everything you do. If you are true to yourself, respect others, focus on delivering quality, and take a positive approach to life, nothing can really go wrong. This is particularly true in the hospitality industry.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

Building deep connections with people around the world. In addition to Japan, I worked in Latin America, Egypt and across Europe, learning the local languages and getting close to each culture. By doing so, I made and kept friends in each region. I believe the world would be a better place if people took the time to understand and embrace everyone’s heritage, culture and differences.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

In my first year here, I visited many of our 33 hotels and worked with a number of great colleagues. As director of regional sales, I am focused on building our team and growing our inbound clientele — I want more people to visit this great country (and stay at our hotels!). IHG ANA has a great culture and I am keen to show that off to our clients, owners and guests.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

Reset! Open your eyes and observe, open your ears and listen, make the most of your time here — it is an endless learning curve, both personally and professionally. Enjoy the moment and work with the culture, don’t try to impose yours. Connect with people; you will learn so much.

Last updated: Jul 02, 2018