Tourism & Hospitality Committee

Chair

Robert T. Connolly, EdD, General Director, Crossroads Vietnam Co, Ltd

Robert (Bob) Connolly’s credentials include an EdD in Leadership, an MBA in International Business and Finance, and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska (USA), Dr. Connolly moved to Vietnam in 2004. As General Director of Crossroads Vietnam, he offers consulting, workshops, and coaching to help companies develop the Leadership, Skills, and Culture needed to grow their business. He is also an adjunct lecturer teaching MBA Leadership courses at several universities.

He has worked in several industries including Mortgage Banking, Electronics Manufacturing, and Education. At various times, he has been responsible for project management, financial modeling, business unit reviews and budgeting, consulting, international business and market development.

While completing his Doctorate of Education in Leadership, the basis of his research was the study of the barriers to innovation. He continues to pursue research and activities to better understand how Vietnamese business leaders overcome barriers to changes required to compete internationally.

Vice Chair

Dr. Nuno F. Ribeiro, PhD, CHE, Senior Lectu​rer, Tourism and Hospitality Management, The Business School, RMIT University Vietnam

Dr. Nuno F. Ribeiro is Senior Lecturer, Tourism and Hospitality Management, RMIT Vietnam. Dr. Ribeiro is a passionate educator, researcher, and entrepreneur. He has devoted his career to understanding how culture impacts travel behavior, and how different stakeholders can use this knowledge to better plan and develop tourism destinations, optimise international travel, and enhance the delivery of hospitality services. Having grown up in the hospitality business, Dr. Ribeiro’s professional background is in hospitality and international tour operations management, and he has over 10 years’ higher education experience in hospitality, tourism, and cross-cultural research. Dr. Ribeiro has published widely in top academic journals, received more than US$1.3million in research grant funding, and he has received accolades for his teaching in the form of multiple awards and teaching grants. Dr. Ribeiro is also the Chairman of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee at EuroCham Vietnam.

Board Liaison

Walt Power, CEO, The Grand Ho Tram

Walt Power, the CEO of The Grand Ho Tram, is one of Asia’s most experienced gaming industry executives. Prior to his arrival in Vietnam in February of 2020, Walt worked for 18 years in Macau, and was instrumental in the development, opening and operation of the “Sands”, the first western casino in Macau.

A 30-year gaming industry veteran, he has accumulated extensive international experience through executive leadership positions at resorts in the United States, Argentina, South Africa, and the Philippines, in addition to his work in Vietnam and Macau.

Mr. Power is a former United States Marine Corps Major and aviator. During his time in the cockpit, Walt earned the designations of Helicopter Aircraft Commander, Flight Instructor, and Functional Test Pilot. He also served with the first International Peace Keeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon in August 1982, participating in the initial evacuation of non-combatants from that war torn country.

Walt earned his Bachelor Degree and Master Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan.  Walt holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and was a medalist in his age group at the 2014 and 2019 World Master Championships.