Omer Acar.
If there’s one thing to know about HPU alumnus Omer Acar, it’s that he has spent his entire career at the intersection of happiness and success, helping to shape some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels with a deep understanding of culture, service, and leadership. Acar’s life and career are defined by his curiosity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Acar moved to Switzerland after high school to study hotel management. He trained in kitchen and room service, immersing himself in the foundational aspects of hospitality. His journey led him to Hawaiʻi, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration at HPU. Acar chose HPU for its rich diversity and unique opportunity to explore the blend of cultures that defines Hawaiʻi.
“I wanted to understand different cultures at a young age. The U.S. travel culture, the Asian cultural influence, and how important that is in Hawaiʻi and how beautifully all cultures blend together to create an extraordinary paradise,” Acar said. “Hawaiʻi is a melting pot in the middle of the Pacific. I knew then that I could discover and experience a rainbow of cultures at HPU.”
Once enrolled, Acar found a dynamic learning environment that set the foundation for his global career. His education in business and legal studies gave him the practical tools for success, but it was the diverse perspectives of his classmates that truly enriched his experience.
“The multinational student backgrounds at HPU are remarkable. You could be in a classroom with students from six different nationalities, each contributing their own unique perspective to solving a problem,” Acar said. “That experience prepared me for working in a multicultural environment. It taught me how to be flexible, adapt, and appreciate diverse points of view.”
Acar recalled how professors and staff at HPU went above and beyond to support students, fostering an environment of openness and collaboration. “The faculty and staff at HPU are very open and friendly, always willing to go the extra mile to help. It wasn’t just about the lessons they taught, but the way they genuinely cared about us as students. They were approachable and invested in our success.”
In his current role as CEO of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Acar mirrors a similar work approach that he experienced at HPU. "We focus on fostering a culture of warmth, openness, and collaboration, much like the environment I felt at HPU," he explained. "It’s not just about the luxury of the property—it’s about the people. I want my team to know that I’m here to support them, to guide them, and to empower them. We go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, whether a guest or team member, feels valued and cared for."
After graduation, Acar began his hospitality career at Halekulani’s Orchids restaurant, where he learned the art of merging European elegance with the warm spirit of Hawaiʻi. “Halekulani is a masterful balance of heritage, tradition, and exceptional quality,” Acar shared. “It’s one of the world’s iconic properties, and I learned so much from that experience.”
His career then took him to Four Seasons properties, first in Maui at Wailea, then Beverly Hills, and later to Egypt, where he worked at the Four Seasons in Sharm El-Sheikh and in Cairo. Acar believes that, at the core of luxury hospitality, there is one universal language: the pursuit of personal, unforgettable experiences for guests.
“When it comes to world-class hospitality, guests are looking for personalized experiences that make their trips special,” Acar said.
From Egypt, Acar’s journey continued to expand with roles in London and Paris, first with Harrods as Group Director of Food and Beverage and later as General Manager of Ritz Paris and Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris. In 2014, he joined Katara Hospitality as Managing Director for Europe and the Americas, overseeing 18 luxury hotels, including The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York, Peninsula in Paris, and Grosvenor House in London.
“Ultimately, I wanted to go back to the hotel operator side of the business, and the opportunity to join Accor as CEO of Raffles and initially, Orient Express, was a perfect fit,” Acar said. “After a year, the opportunity to lead Fairmont came my way. It made perfect sense, and it’s been a wonderful journey.”
Acar’s interest in hospitality started at a young age. “According to my father, when I was six or seven, I always talked about how I would work in and manage great hotels around the world. I wanted to show him the world,” Acar recalled.
But before committing to hospitality, Acar studied interior design for three years. His heart led him back to his true calling, hospitality, and he hasn’t looked back.
Throughout his career, Acar has always considered two questions before making a decision: Would he be happy there? Would he be successful?
“When you are happy at your job, everyone can see it, and there’s a direct correlation between happiness and success,” Acar said. “That’s the secret: find the intersection of happiness and success. Be flexible, take opportunities when they come, and learn from every experience.”
The hospitality industry, Acar believes, is about people. “A luxury hotel isn’t defined by its architecture or décor. It’s defined by its people,” he said. “At Fairmont and Raffles, we believe in empathy, respect, and empowerment. A well-trained team is what makes a hotel elite.”
When things go wrong, he added, how a hotel recovers defines its level of service. “Sometimes, a guest’s issue isn’t even related to the hotel—maybe they missed a flight or had a problem with transportation. But we go the extra mile to help, and that’s what makes the difference.”
His advice for those seeking to work in hospitality? “Learning never stops,” he said. “Curiosity is key! There are no excuses for not learning. Knowledge is everywhere. You just must prioritize what matters most.”
And when it comes to happiness? “Harmony and trust,” Acar said. “If you trust your team and they trust you, everything else falls into place. Celebrate small wins. Every day, there are small victories. Appreciating those moments creates a culture of positivity, and that paves the way for bigger successes, both in your personal life and in your professional career.”
