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Singapore, 19 October, 2017 - Following a successful Series A, and to support the rapid expansion of BeMyGuest, experts in the science of technology for tours and activities in Asia, BeMyGuest today announced the appointment of travel veteran Graham Hills to the position of Chief Commercial Officer, and industry leader Kei Shibata to its Board of Directors.
“We are excited about the growth opportunities that Graham’s expertise in product development, data analytics, digital media as well as his track record in revenue generation and success scaling business operations, especially in Indonesia, will bring to our company,” said Clement Wong, CEO & Founder of BeMyGuest.
Hills’ well rounded career spans 15 years, ten of those in Southeast Asia. Graham has worked across multiple travel sectors, including government institutions (Tourism Western Australia), online travel agencies (Octopus Travel), travel publishers (Yahoo!) and metasearch engines (Wego).
Of his appointment, Hills said, “This is an extraordinary opportunity to be able to join the team who is setting the standard for technology in Asia in the fastest growing travel segment, within the largest regional market in the world - the attractions, tours and activities space. I am looking forward to playing a part during this period of hyper-growth, and help BeMyGuest continue to drive innovation for the sector.”
“Kei’s appointment to our Board of Directors, will allow us to work closer together and leverage his extensive knowledge of ecommerce and his strong entrepreneurial business acumen. We are honoured to add this level of experience to our management team,” said, Blanca Menchaca COO & Co-Founder of BeMyGuest. “Kei’s exemplary achievements in the Asian travel industry, especially in Japan, are well known. He co-founded Venture Republic Inc. and as CEO took the company public in 2008 after seven years of operation.”
Over the last 16 years, Shibata has built a variety of online vertical media including Travel.jp, the leading travel metasearch site in Japan, Hotel.jp and Coneco.net. He has also led multiple investments in travel and ecommerce startups particularly in Asia, including Allstay in South Korea and Trip101 in Singapore. Previously, Kei worked at Mitsubishi Corporation for 11 years playing a key role in the company’s largest M&A deal to acquire Lawson Inc. - one of the largest convenience store chains in Japan.
“BeMyGuest has successfully elevated Asia’s attractions, tours and activities sector,” said Shibata. “Their strategic execution and ability to attract global distribution partners, suppliers, industry talent and investors is outstanding, and I’m extremely happy to be working with the management team to progress the business even further.”
The appointments complement a number of additional high level specialist hires reflecting the company’s commitment and positive response to BeMyGuest Labs’ technology.
