Minor’s William Heinecke was named HOTELS 2017 Corporate Hotelier of the World. His art-filled penthouse atop the St. Regis Bangkok (available for about US$8,400 per night) features two ornate costumes worn by Yul Brynner in the Broadway production of “The King and I” – the king being Thailand’s Mongkut, or Rama IV.
Lacking a mentor in the traditional sense, Heinecke named Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years in a constitutional monarchy until his death last year, as a major influence.
“He was incredibly talented as a monarch,” said Heinecke, who met him several times. “He never traveled from the time that I knew of him outside of Thailand. His interest was always the Thai people, the Thai country.” Some Minor hotels are located on royal land. The king’s death and the subdued mourning period that has followed partly account for a dip in Minor’s 2016 profits.
“The king’s reign really resonated with Bill,” concurred Michael Sagild, principal and managing director of Bangkok-based Sagild & Associates, an adviser to hospitality owners and developers.
Heinecke is “very passionate about the country,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Minor Hotels’ CEO. “I think his legacy is his contribution to Thailand… I think that’s a legacy that will go with him.”