Name: Katie Benson
Title: CEO and executive director
Company, city: Langham Hospitality Investments Limited, Hong Kong
Number of employees: Approximately 1,000
Recent project: Recently named CEO of the newly formed Langham Hospitality Investments Limited out of Hong Kong
First job: I began my career as a chef with Grand Metropolitan Hotel Co. in London’s West End.
Little-known fact about you: I practice kickboxing in my spare time.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Hospitality is fundamentally about people. Whether in negotiations or everyday conversations, it matters that everyone involved leaves feeling heard and that they gained something from the interaction. That mutual respect and consideration form the core of strong relationships and repeat business.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Staying informed is key. A motivated team that continuously networks, monitors global trends and looks beyond the company will be better tuned to customers’ evolving needs. That outward focus helps identify opportunities, attract new guests and keep offerings relevant.
Yardstick of success: I first felt successful when I became a general manager and my mother finally stopped asking when I would get a “real” job. More broadly, my measure of success is personal fulfillment: feeling proud of my work, contributing daily, and ending each day with the sense that I made a positive impact. Without that pride, success feels hollow.
Katie Benson as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? I always bring a pashmina or shawl — planes get chilly and it’s more comfortable than airline blankets. I also pack wax earplugs because they reduce noise more effectively than foam ones.
How do you spend your time on board? I try to balance productivity and rest. I will catch up on work if needed, but prioritizing sleep on long-haul flights helps me arrive refreshed and ready to perform at my best.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? ABC Kitchen in New York. It combines a relaxed, informal atmosphere with consistently creative, high-quality food.
What is your favorite destination in the world? Melbourne, Australia — my hometown. It’s vibrant, culturally rich and always worth a visit.
About Langham Hospitality Investments Limited
What is the mission behind the formation of Langham Hospitality Investments Limited? Langham Hospitality Investments was created to own and invest in a portfolio of hotels, with an initial emphasis on completed properties in Asia. The current portfolio, managed by Langham Hospitality Group and owned by Langham Hospitality Investments in Hong Kong, includes The Langham, Hong Kong; Langham Place, Hong Kong; and Eaton, Hong Kong. The company’s objective is to deliver sustainable long-term growth in portfolio value and to provide stable, distributable income by pursuing new investments initially across Asia and later in other regions.
How does the guest experience vary from one Langham brand to another? The Langham and Langham Place both deliver five-star service, but they express that service differently. The Langham is a classic heritage brand known for poised, white-glove service. Langham Place offers a modern take on top-tier service—sophisticated and understated. Eaton, as a four-star brand, focuses on balanced living: it’s approachable and designed for tech-savvy, environmentally conscious travelers who appreciate friendly, down-to-earth service.
What is on the horizon as Langham continues its expansion into the North American market? Langham Hospitality Group actively seeks opportunities in North America. While there are no new developments to announce at this time, the leadership team regularly evaluates potential sites in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Miami and San Francisco, among others.