Nicolas Ishkanian’s Inspiring Journey: From Trainee to Senior Vice President Global Distribution

Nicolas Ishkanian’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for the hospitality industry. His journey from a management trainee to his current role as Senior Vice President Global Distribution at Absolute Hotel Services is truly inspiring.

Early Beginnings in Paris (1992-1994):

Nicolas’s journey began in the heart of Paris, where he embarked on his career as a management trainee at Hôtel Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador. During this apprenticeship, he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances. This formative experience laid the foundation for his future success.

Global Exploration (1994-1998):

Le Méridien Etoile provided Nicolas with the opportunity to broaden his horizons. As a Management Trainee, he gained valuable experience in many operational departments.. This period of growth and learning contributed to his expertise in managing hotel operations.

Toronto Experience (1999-2001):

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Nicolas’s journey took him across the Atlantic to Toronto, Canada. There, he served as a Revenue Manager at Le Méridien King Edward, a part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. During his two years in Canada, he fine-tuned his skills in revenue management and gained insight into North American hospitality practices.

Europe Experience (2001-2005):

Nicolas returned to Europe, in Budapest Hungary as a Business and Revenue manager at Le Meridien Budapest (Today’s Ritz Carlton). In an extremely difficult and competitive market, he led the hotel to #1 in RevPar in its competitive set.
This success resulted in Nicolas being chosen to assist in the opening in Le Meridien Vienna Austria in 2003 where he stayed on managing both hotel’s revenue management strategies, traveling between both countries.

The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts (2005-2011):

Nicolas then moved to Thailand and joined The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts, where he held key positions as Vice President Revenue & Distribution and Vice President Sales & Marketing. These roles allowed him to contribute significantly to the success and growth of the company, managing 11 hotels in different location within the country.

Absolute Hotel Services (2011-Present):

Nicolas joined Asia’s fastest growing hospitality company Absolute Hotel Services as the head of revenue management, based in Bangkok. His vast experience, accumulated over years of hard work and diverse roles, has made him a valuable asset to the company. In this senior leadership position, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the global distribution strategy for the company.

Throughout his journey, Nicolas Ishkanian’s determination, adaptability, and passion for the hospitality industry have been the driving forces behind his remarkable success. His story is a source of inspiration for those aspiring to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality, proving that with unwavering commitment and a willingness to learn, one can rise to the top of the industry.