Christopher Guest
14A Shetland, Braemar Heights, 7 Wai Tsui Crescent, North Point,
Summary
Senior Sales and Marketing Leader with 25 years of global experience including 15 years in airlines and corporate travel sectors. Skilled in driving strategic business development, managing multimillion-dollar client accounts, and leading marketing initiatives in APAC and Greater China markets. Expert in client relationship management, digital marketing, and sales technology utilization. Multilingual with strong cultural adaptability and a proven track record of revenue growth, market expansion, and team leadership.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial & Key Account Manager
ATPI Travel (Hong Kong) Ltd.
12.2015 - 03.2024
- Launched and scaled ATPI’s wholly-owned China business within the corporate travel market, significantly increasing market share and revenue.
- Successfully negotiated and retained a key global client contract valued at approximately USD 21 million, ensuring long-term partnership and revenue stability.
- Designed and implemented impactful marketing materials (visuals, presentations, event collateral) enhancing brand presence across APAC markets.
- Conducted detailed client travel spend and policy compliance analysis to drive behavioural changes that optimized budgets and enhanced duty-of-care adherence.
- Managed onboarding and integration of new global and local clients, advanced technology rollouts, and collaboration with APAC partner agencies.
- Served as APAC 'Super User' for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, leading adoption of sales and analytics tools to boost sales operations efficiency.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team productivity.
- Regional Liaison for APAC Partner Agencies: Coordinated communication, service delivery, and strategic alignment with partner agencies across APAC markets not directly served by ATPI. Developed robust relationships to ensure consistent service standards, shared best practices, and maximized cross-border sales opportunities.
- Facilitated training and support for partner agencies on ATPI’s products, processes, and brand guidelines. Acted as the escalation point for partner-related issues, ensuring swift resolution and continuous client satisfaction.
Freelance Marketing & Business Development Consultant
07.2014 - 11.2015
- Delivered marketing refresh for boutique executive search firm, including updated promotional materials and online presence management.
- Chaired and managed various projects for Quarry Bay School PTA, including contract tendering, events planning, and operational system enhancements.
- Enhanced personal skills through targeted training in Excel, PowerPoint, and business development tools.
Working Capital Manager
Clifford Chance, Hong Kong
07.2009 - 07.2014
- Managed profitability and billing performance across multiple large legal practice areas, streamlining financial processes and client invoicing.
- Advised senior partners on work-in-progress and debt status, leading process improvements that increased operational efficiency.
- Contributed to marketing and business development through preparation of pitch documents, tenders, and client deal monitoring.
Recruitment Consulting Roles
05.2005 - 06.2009
- Delivered recruitment consultancy services to blue-chip clients in Finance, Accounting, and Real Estate sectors, generating consistent revenue and client loyalty.
- Developed marketing collateral, salary surveys, and presentations to support business growth initiatives.
- Played a key role in the launch and marketing of a startup recruitment firm, contributing to system development and brand identity.
Corporate Sales & Account Management
South African Airways (UK) and United Continental Airlines, London
09.2000 - 06.2002
- Drove a 24% revenue increase (£3.5 million) in UK corporate travel markets through strategic sales and promotional initiatives.
- Acted as UK liaison for United’s European offices and managed key corporate volume agreements.
Airport Operations United
United Continental Airlines, London Heathrow Airport
11.1998 - 09.2000
- Managed passenger processing and ramp services, developing operational systems and training staff.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies with Spanish
Royal Holloway, University of London
Certificate - Basic Mandarin Course For Foreigners
Hong Kong University SPACE
Skills
- Strategic Sales & Business Development
- Key Account & Client Relationship Management
- Marketing Campaign & Brand Development
- Corporate Travel Market Expertise (APAC/Greater China)
- CRM & Sales Analytics (Microsoft Dynamics CRM, MI Reporting Tools)
- Contract Negotiations & RFP/Tender Management
- Team Leadership, Mentoring & Training
- Multilingual: English, Cantonese (spoken), Mandarin (basic), Spanish (basic)
Additional Interests
- Military Service- University of London Officers’ Training Corps- Completed the MTQ2 qualification through service as an Officer Cadet in the, an accredited leadership program equivalent to the City and Guilds Leadership Award.
- Served for two years with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), a prestigious British Army Reserve regiment based in the City of London.
- Sport- Played for various Rugby & Cricket sides since school, coached youth rugby from U5 to U16 level. Completed the 100km Hong Kong Oxfam Trailwalker event in 2011 & 2013, raising c. HK$35,000 for charity in the process.
Technology
Competent in Microsoft Office applications and various sales, analytics and AI tools
References
Available upon request
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spoken Cantonese
Professional Working
Spanish
Limited Working
Basic Mandarin
Elementary
Timeline
Commercial & Key Account Manager
ATPI Travel (Hong Kong) Ltd.
12.2015 - 03.2024
Freelance Marketing & Business Development Consultant
07.2014 - 11.2015
Working Capital Manager
Clifford Chance, Hong Kong
07.2009 - 07.2014
Recruitment Consulting Roles
05.2005 - 06.2009
Corporate Sales & Account Management
South African Airways (UK) and United Continental Airlines, London
09.2000 - 06.2002
Airport Operations United
United Continental Airlines, London Heathrow Airport
11.1998 - 09.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies with Spanish
Royal Holloway, University of London
Certificate - Basic Mandarin Course For Foreigners
Hong Kong University SPACE