Guy Hutchinson, 37, was born in Caracas Venezuela, educated in South Africa,and then moved to London to complete the Graduate Management Programme developed by Trusthouseforte Hotels. After holding several management positions with Forte Hotels, he joined Hilton International as Director of Business Development at the Hilton Amsterdam. Three years later he was appointed Hotel Manager of the Hilton Dubai Creek, in the United Arab Emirates. The year 2002 brought a transfer to Tokyo as Director of Operations of the Hilton Tokyo Bay, which with a US$ 130 million turnover, is one of the largest properties in the Hilton portfolio. Reflecting on his move to Australia as General Manager of the Hilton Cairns, Guy considers ‘four countries across three continents’ in eight years proves he was right to choose Hilton for being truly international. He is single, a keen sportsman and an enthusiastic student of international cultures.

1. In three words – what does Cairns mean to you?
Resort, nature, marketing.

2. What was your first ever job?
Management Trainee Trusthouse Forte Hotels London

3. For people just starting their own business – what are your 3 success
tips?
Quality market research, detailed business plan, be flexible but zero compromise
on your goals.

4. What business decision or action have you taken that has had a
beneficial impact on Cairns?
I have not been here long enough really to make that kind of decision. However
the Hilton Cairns has always been focussed on driving destination Cairns. So our
continued commitment to the destination and the local community, will I think be
at the forefront of my approach to decision making.

5. What do you dislike most about your industry?
Management ego, when hoteliers begin to convince themselves that they are
more important than their customers and partners.

6. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
I am completely passionate about my job and the industry I work in. There are
few businesses that offer the diversity of a Hotel environment. I don’t need
motivation I am normally jumping to get into the office every day.

7. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would
you do?
I originally wanted to be a trial lawyer. So it would have been interesting to have
been Michael Jackson’s defence attorney. I love high-pressured situations so to
manage that kind of media circus must have been a real experience.

8. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that wish you had the
time to pursue?
In the mid 90’s I started a small trading company in London with a friend, dealing
only in high-end Cuban cigars. We were extremely successful for six months, but
never gave up our day jobs; so eventually wound the company up.

9. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
I would have taken a more serious approach to sports. My only regret, so far, is
that I did not play cricket at a higher level.

10. Tell us something we don't know about you?
Growing up (very young) my career ambition was to be a gentleman thief.
Something between cocktail parties, tuxedos and rare diamond heists.

11. Who do you aspire to?
To be honest I don’t really aspire to anyone. I try to learn from all around me, at
all levels, but believe firmly that you have to develop your own values and shape
your own future.

12. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
Opening my first successful restaurant. There are few things more satisfying than
putting a lot of yourself into a project and delivering something that people
actually respond well to and value as an experience.

13. If you could invite someone famous for dinner (dead or alive) – who
would it be?
Dead would be Alexander the Great, fascinating achievements. Alive would be
Carlos Ghosn, the CEO who re-invented Nissan.

14. When was your last overseas holiday and where?
April this year in Dubai. I love this place. Crazy development with the most
amazing projects being completed (like a 250 room underwater hotel).

15. What’s your favourite journey?
I am a travel addict so my favourite journey is always one to somewhere new and
unknown.
16. Your favourite time of day?
Early evening (sunset) with a glass of good wine. Can I say Mondo’s?

17. Your favourite restaurant for that Friday afternoon lunch?
Still early days, so no real favourite just yet. But I am eating my way around
town, so expect to have one soon.

18. What music or radio station do you listen to in your car?
I am an iPod convert, so listen to everything from lounge to Linkin Park.

19. Your favourite author or book?
Greek mythology is a favourite. At the moment I am reading the Alexander
trilogy, which is pretty good.

20. What will you be doing when you’re 80?
With luck, everything I do now, just more carefully.