Michael Sengol Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr Michael Sengol (left) receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Gastronomic Awards of Excellence ceremony

Michael Sengol, Chief Executive Officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the Singapore-based hotel management company owned by Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE) was awarded the Fonterra Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Gastronomic Awards of Excellence 2011 convened at Grand Hyatt Singapore last Saturday, 16 April 2011.

Organised by Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd and supported by Singapore Tourism Board and Workforce Development Agency, the annual Asian Gastronomic Awards of Excellence seeks to recognise outstanding local and regional luminaries in the food and beverage industry.

Assessed by a qualified and stringent team of professionals including F&B connoisseurs and over 300 selected jury members, the prestigious Fonterra Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred to an exceptional visionary whose significant contributions over a minimum span of 15 years have led to the promotion and growth of excellence within the food & beverage industry.

As Chief Executive Officer of MHR, Michael oversees the expansion of the Company in strategic locations, with particular focus on building brands under its portfolio and establishing new benchmarks for hospitality standards where the Meritus brand is present. New developments under his direction span fast-growing business and tourism hubs in Southeast Asia, China, and Europe.

The seasoned hotelier who has a self-professed “zero tolerance for non-performance,” has devoted over 30 years to the industry, always seeking the highest standards in hotel management and operations. His experience has taken him on key assignments with the world’s most renowned hospitality companies across Europe, Australia, Guam, and the Asia Pacific region, particularly Mainland China where he spent more than 20 years preopening hotels, establishing hotel brands, and developing industry professionals to include General Managers and Managing Directors.

The Fonterra Lifetime Achievement Award is yet another testament to Michael’s passion for the business of people, food and wine. “It is truly a great honour for me to receive this award. As we see more and more well-travelled customers getting sophisticated with their choices, it is imperative that food & beverage operators continue to innovate and uphold Singapore’s reputation as a gourmet paradise,” says Michael.