Best of the Best
1 Week to Go Till Hong Kong’s First-Ever Leaders of Luxury Summit, Gathering Nearly 50 Luxury Industry Titans to Discuss Pivotal Topics Shaping the Luxury Landscape
Subject matters run the gamut from AI and healthcare, hospitality, and watches and jewellery to brand collaborations, design, and luxury investment opportunities.
BY Robb Report Hong Kong  |  November 20, 2024
5 Minute Read
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As the inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 approaches, the anticipation within the luxury sector is palpable. Set to take place in less than a week, this prestigious event promises to bring together nearly 50 distinguished speakers and panellists, each poised to engage in discussions on pivotal topics that shape their respective industries. 

With over 300 attendees confirmed, the Leaders of Luxury Summit serves as a vital platform for addressing the pressing questions that permeate the minds of luxury professionals and those in the industry’s orbit as these matters influence markets beyond borders.

Our agenda is unquestionably ambitious, tackling a range of issues that include the intersection of artificial intelligence, health, and luxury; the evolving landscape of hospitality and experiences; and the complexities surrounding brand collaborations. Notably, the Leaders of Luxury Summit will delve into the latest trends in the luxury sector, and what implications this holds for customer expectations. Additionally, we will explore the investment potential of watches and jewellery, questioning whether their status as reliable investments is grounded in reality or mere public relations narrative that consumers have collectively accepted. 

In the “New Horizons of Health, AI, and Longevity Among the Elite” panel discussion, key figures such as Danny Xiang, CEO and chairman of Saint Bella; Don So, CEO of Humansa; and Ye Chen, CEO and founder of Tigerobo will share insights on redefining health and wellness for the affluent clientele of the future. As ultra-high-net-worth individuals are increasingly seeking advancements in health and longevity, with growing interest in hyper-personalised luxury maternity care and breakthroughs in biotechnology, this session will explore how artificial intelligence is poised to unlock new frontiers in healthcare. 

As luxury brands evolve, many are venturing into the realm of hospitality, often with remarkable results. In “Reimagining Luxury Hospitality: Where Hotels and Lifestyle Converge,” the panel discussion will examine the motivations behind these cross-category expansions and how luxury hotels are crafting unique experiences that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Speakers, including Bryant Stone, chairman of Baccarat; Enver Arslan, area general manager of Joali Maldives; and Deepak Ohri, CEO and founder of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness, will discuss the strategies employed by hospitality brands to meet the demands of discerning guests seeking more than a place to lay their heads down.

Austen Chu, CEO and founder of Wristcheck; Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury and co-owner of Drake’s; and Ronny Hsu, head of sales, jewellery, at Christie’s Asia-Pacific will provide expert perspectives on “The Convergence of Art and Culture in Watches and Jewellery.” In the luxury watches and jewellery market, there has been a significant transformation; the stable business model has evolved into a highly competitive arena. Our speakers will focus on how established maisons are reinventing themselves to resonate with consumer preferences, and the role that art and culture play in this reinvention. 

In a landscape increasingly defined by exclusivity and personalisation, brand collaborations have become a cornerstone of luxury strategy. In our “Charting the Evolution of Brand Collaborations” panel discussion, our diverse speakers will explore how brands are crafting unique partnerships that appeal to a new generation of highly engaged consumers. Moderated by Johannes Neubacher, co-founder and VP of WWD China, the panel will include Camille Cheng, Hong Kong Olympic swimmer and Lululemon ambassador; Amy Yang, vice president of marketing, APAC & IMEA for VistaJet; and Becky Yeung, regional head of brand partnerships and sync for Asia at Warner Music Group.

As family offices emerge as significant wealth generators, particularly with China on track to dominate the global luxury market by 2025, the “Future Opportunities for Luxury Brands and Family Offices” discussion will analyse the implications for luxury brands. Kwan Chi-man, director of the Family Office Association Hong Kong, will lead a conversation on the strategic opportunities for family offices in leveraging their investments in this changing landscape. Erudite speakers such as Angel Chia, executive director of Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy, and James Root, senior partner of Bain & Company and co-chair of Bain Futures, will offer insights into the future of wealth and luxury.

Unique design in luxury spaces is increasingly important for attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In our “Rethinking Luxury Spaces: Extraordinary Design Reshaping Experiences” panel, we will explore how developers and auction houses are reshaping the luxury experience through innovative design solutions. Christina Gaw, managing principal, global head of capital markets, and co-chair of alternative investments at Gaw Capital; Sara Klomps, director of Zaha Hadid Architects; and Francis Belin, president of Christie’s Asia-Pacific will share their visions for integrating cutting-edge design with rich heritage to create memorable luxury experiences that resonate deeply with their clientele.

Hosted by Robb Report Hong Kong, the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 is set to be a significant, mark-your-calendar occasion, attracting top-tier decision-makers from the international luxury scene to Hong Kong for an unparalleled gathering. The event promises to offer fresh perspectives on the latest developments, strategies, and innovations that are shaping the luxury market. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions and dialogue that delve into the complexities of luxury branding, lifestyle world-building, the evolving customer journey, and the impact of global trends on local markets.

The overarching theme of the summit, “Redefining Luxury Through a Global Lens,” encapsulates the essence of the discussions that will unfold. Supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the event will feature a full schedule of engaging talks, panels, and keynote speeches designed to illuminate the future directions of the global luxury market.

As the day culminates in a glamorous black-tie gala dinner, guests will celebrate the achievements within the luxury industry. Regent Hong Kong will serve as the backdrop for this elegant occasion, reinforcing the luxurious experience that the summit embodies. 

The Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 promises to be a pivotal event, uniting thought leaders and innovators to explore the trends and challenges that define the industry today. With just a week to go until the summit, the excitement is building, and we look forward to welcoming delegates to an event that promises to pave the way into the future of luxury.

For more information and full list of confirmed speakers, click here.