Ramesh Jackson, area vice president (Indonesia and Malaysia), Marriott International and Norman Cross, general manager of Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre have been recognised as the most valued mentors in Asia-Pacific’s travel and tourism industry this year.
ACI HR Solutions named Jackson its 2024 Mentor of the Year, an annual award that recognises individuals in the travel and tourism industry who lead the way in mentorship.
At the same time, the Highly Commended award was given to Cross.
Andrew Chan, founder and CEO of ACI HR Solutions, told TTG Asia: “I always look forward to reading about the inspirational impact our nominated mentors have had on their mentees – this year was certainly no different.”
Chan said the annual award, now in its eighth edition, provides a platform for mentees to voice their appreciation publicly.
“I hope we can continue to highlight the important role mentorship plays in the talent development process, which is even more critical in the post-pandemic working landscape where the paradigm of employment continues to evolve,” he added.
Commenting on his win, Jackson said: “Mentorship has always been about more than just guiding others; it’s about lifting people up, empowering them to discover their fullest potential, and watching them thrive. It is built on a foundation of trust and collaboration, and in a fast-paced and high-stakes industry such as hospitality, it means lending strength rather than pulling rank.
“Despite being in a guest-centric sector, I truly believe that success begins at home. By embodying Marriott’s core values of putting people first, I have witnessed first-hand the ripple effect that mentorship creates – a culture of accountability, excellence, and mutual respect that permeates into every aspect of our work. This has, in turn, raised the next generation of mentors – a team who listens and learns, who are intentional and empathetic.”
He added that seeing his team “flourish, not just as professionals but as individuals, is the most rewarding part of my role”.
For Cross, the recognition “is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective efforts of everyone I’ve had the privilege to work with”.
