The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Dean of School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Since its founding in 1979, PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) has not merely participated in the evolution of hospitality education—it has defined it. SHTM boasts an unparalleled reputation, consistently ranked among the top few hotel and tourism schools among research universities globally. It has secured the 1st place in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in ShangaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 for the ninth consecutive year and holds the number two position globally among the research-led universities in the subject area of Hospitality & Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2026. This remarkable standing is propelled by a paradigm-shifting approach to education and research, epitomized by Hotel ICON, a purpose-built top-tier teaching and research hotel that serves as a living laboratory where theory meets practice. Together, they nurture a new generation of industry leaders while pioneering cutting-edge research that underpins the future development of the global hospitality and tourism sector.

As SHTM embarks on its next era of success, it seeks a visionary leader to build upon this extraordinary foundation. The appointee will be entrusted with guiding this world‑leading School to even greater heights, championing a world-leading research culture and harnessing AI‑driven innovations to address the most pressing real‑world challenges in the hotel and tourism field, with a strategic focus on advancing the sector across the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Through deep collaboration with industry, the appointee will push the boundaries of what it means to be in the business of hospitality - ensuring that SHTM remains the definitive global benchmark of excellence for education, research and innovation in the field.

Job Functions

Reporting directly to the Deputy President and Provost, the Dean (SHTM) will provide visionary academic and strategic leadership for all aspects of the School, with core responsibilities as follows:

(a) articulate and drive a forward-looking vision for SHTM through proactive strategic planning, innovative strategies, collaborative teamwork and effective execution within the evolving global landscape of hotel and tourism education;

(b) secure and manage resources efficiently to drive excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer;

(c) lead the AI and digital transformation of hospitality and tourism in education, research and community engagement to underpin the future development of the sector;

(d) ensure high-quality education and holistic student development while continuously aligning programmes with evolving societal needs, positioning SHTM as a key contributor to the development of Hong Kong and the nation;

(e) foster a culture of innovative, original and interdisciplinary research that generates significant benefits for the community, the Greater Bay Area, the nation and beyond;

(f) serve as a member of the Hotel ICON Board, ensuring its role as a distinctive, community-facing instructional enterprise grounded in operational excellence and meaningful integration with student learning and public engagement;

(g) build, expand, and strengthen ties with diverse stakeholders and organizations - including industry leaders, alumni, government bodies, and academic partners - to foster collaborative partnerships and elevate SHTM’s global influence and impact; and

(h) undertake any other responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy President and Provost or the University’s Central Management Team.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

(a) a PhD degree (or an equivalent academic qualification) in hotel and tourism management, business administration or a relevant field;

(b) status as a world-leading scholar in hotel and tourism management, whose research has gained high recognition within the academic community;

(c) distinguished leadership experience underpinned by a clear strategic vision and a proven track record of driving excellence in research, education and services;

(d) a demonstrated ability to develop and sustain extensive networks to enhance collaboration within and beyond the Greater Bay Area, attract top-tier talent, and advance the internationalization of SHTM’s educational and research activities;

(e) an open mindset with exceptional communication, interpersonal and resource management skills, to foster an inclusive, high-performing school culture while serving as a key strategic partner to the Central Management Team;

(f) proven experience in leveraging the transformative potential of AI and emerging technologies in the hospitality and tourism sector;

(g) an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of ethics, transparency and fairness in all aspects of decision-making; and

(h) sound knowledge of the higher education landscape, including key trends, challenges and opportunities at local, regional and global levels.

Conditions of Service

The successful candidate will be appointed as Chair Professor or Professor, normally on regular tenured terms, and will concurrently serve as Dean of the School. The Deanship appointment is normally for an aggregate period of six years in two three-year terms of office. Further extension is possible subject to performance and mutual agreement. The terms of appointment and remuneration package are commensurate with qualifications and experience and highly competitive. For general information on the terms and conditions for the appointment of academic staff, please visit https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/docdrive/careers/doc/Prof.pdf.

Application and Nomination

Complete application should be uploaded via this page, and the reference no. for this role is 8513. Consideration of applications and nominations will commence on 22 June 2026 until the position is filled. 

All enquiries, applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence. The University reserves the right not to fill the position or to make an appointment by invitation. The University’s Personal Information Collection Statement for Recruitment can be found at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/careers/pics_for_recruitment.