New GM at InterContinental Hotel Beijing Financial Street

The exhilarating night view of the InterContinental Hotel Beijing Financial Street. Photos Provided to China Daily

Frankson Lee knows service crucial to maintaining standards and legacy of legendary hotel group, Ma Xue reports.

The sun had yet to break through the mist on a recent winter morning, but the day was already in full gear for Frankson Lee, newly appointed general manager of the InterContinental Hotel Beijing Financial Street.

A Singaporean with more than 17 years of international experience in the hospitality industry, Lee has worked abroad in a range of departments, experience that has made him an adaptable and extroverted leader.

"As a manager, it is crucial to remain calm and patient, but alert at all times," he says. "I can't stress enough the importance of communication for stimulating internal integration in a hotel like the InterContinental. No one, certainly no department, actually achieves anything on their own."

Located at the heart of Beijing's financial street, the hotel continues to gain prominence as an internationally influential business center. Some 90 percent its guests are corporate and business clients.

"We are determined to create a home away from home for our clientele, and our engaged employees play a critical role in this," Lee says.

From the concierge welcome to guests at the door to the maitre d' greeting them at the restaurant, paying attention to details is now a natural habit for employees, said the general manager. Employees know their guests' names, preferences and some even know about their allergies, he noted.