David Traynor

John TG Nielsen

VP Business Development – Asia Pacific (Australasia) 

Areas of Expertise

  • Operational Advisory
  • Wellness
  • ESG Advisory
  • Sales & Commercial

Professional Biography

John is an experienced hospitality and wellness leader, with broad international expertise in luxury hotels, catering, wellness resorts, education and sustainable tourism. John has held senior leadership roles, most recently as General Manager of Fivelements Retreat Bali, leading wellness-oriented hospitality and cultural integration.

Having spent decades in senior management roles with Hyatt International, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and managing top international hotel schools, Les Roches Shanghai and Blue Mountains Hotel Management in Shanghai, Sydney, and Melbourne, John was a key figure during the pre-openings of Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Crown Towers Melbourne, and several restaurants & catering operations.

A former Board Member of the Wellness Tourism Association and Director of Sustainability at the Bali Hotels Association, he serves as a global ambassador for World Wellness Weekend. He is a dedicated advocate for sustainability and regenerative travel. John is currently pursuing his second Master’s in Sustainability Leadership and continues to shape the future of hospitality by mentoring professionals and developing innovative, purpose-driven programs that align with wellness and sustainability values.

Qualifications

John graduated from the Glion Hotel School in Leysin and has attended Cornell University twice; completing the 6-month Real Estate Property Management program and Hotel Real Estate Investments & Asset Management, and attending the university’s General Manager Program in 2008.

He completed his Master of Business (Marketing & Tourism Management) in 2008 at Charles Sturt University. In 2022, he was certified as a Nutritionist and a Health & Wellness coach, and he is a member of Nutrition Council of Australia. John is currently pursuing his second Masters at UTS in Sydney in Sustainability Leadership.

Passions

John is a fitness enthusiast, a passionate golfer and loves a good sports podcast. A lover of great wines from cooler climates, especially Champagne and Sangiovese.