Lina Hak: The Visionary Director Steering Thalias Hospitality into Cambodia’s Premier Culinary and Hospitality Sphere

Editorial team
Aug 11
2 min read

In the ever-evolving hospitality landscape of Cambodia, few figures stand out as prominently as Lina Hak, the Director of Operations at Thalias Hospitality. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Lina has been instrumental in shaping the identity and success of some of Phnom Penh’s most acclaimed dining and hotel experiences. Today, we delve into an exclusive interview with Lina Hak to explore her journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of Thalias Hospitality.

Lina Hak, the Director of Operations at Thalias Hospitality

Lina Hak balances tradition and innovation in her management approach by deeply respecting Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of hospitality excellence through modern techniques and global standards.

As Director of Operations at Thalias Hospitality, she views tradition as the foundation that grounds her brands—especially in their culinary offerings and service ethos—while innovation is the vehicle to elevate those traditions to international recognition, such as her current mission to earn Cambodia’s first Michelin star for Topaz Restaurant.

Lina, thank you for joining us. To start, could you share with us how your journey in hospitality began and what led you to your current role as Director of Operations at Thalias Hospitality?

Thank you for having me. My journey began quite early, back in 2006, when I took on the role of General Manager at Topaz Restaurant, a position I’ve held for nearly two decades now. Over the years, I expanded my responsibilities within Thalias Hospitality, overseeing operations at Topaz, Khéma, Malis, and Arunreas Hotel. In 2021, I was honored to be appointed Director of Operations for the entire Thalias Group.

My academic background from the Royal University of Law & Economics provided me with a solid foundation, but it was my passion for hospitality and dedication to service excellence that truly propelled my career forward.