Founded with the opening of the Philippe Starck-designed JIA Group Hong Kong on March 6, 2004, followed by JIA Group Shanghai—Shanghai’s first design boutique hotel—on August 10, 2007, JIA Group has established itself as a key player in the hospitality and food & beverage industry. Today, with 283 employees, the group continues to push boundaries in an ever-evolving landscape.
Headquartered in Hong Kong—a highly competitive market—JIA Group has earned a reputation for pioneering unique culinary concepts and selecting unconventional locations. Instead of opting for prime commercial hotspots, the group strategically sets up in areas where the community craves high-quality food and drink served with warmth. This approach has set them apart, offering a diverse range of cuisines, each with a distinct identity based on simplicity, originality, quality, and authenticity—while maintaining the flexibility to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Leadership Rooted in People
At the heart of JIA Group’s success is founder and CEO Yenn Wong, who believes that employees are the backbone of the business. The management team fosters a culture built on knowledge, decisiveness, warmth, and attention to detail—ensuring that every customer experience is exceptional.
JIA Group’s clientele is as diverse as its restaurant portfolio. From Mak Mak, a retro Thai eatery in The Landmark, to 208 Duecento Otto, a beloved Italian restaurant in Sheung Wan, each venue serves a unique audience. Families frequent 208 Duecento Otto for its renowned pizzas, while weekend brunch-goers enjoy free-flow champagne and Aperol Spritz. This ability to curate distinctive experiences across various demographics underscores JIA Group’s industry expertise.
Achievements and Growth
JIA Group’s mission is to lead the hospitality industry by creating vibrant, experience-driven properties. Their strategic growth plan focuses on reinforcing brand identity internally and externally while ensuring every restaurant embodies the JIA Group ethos.
Among the milestones that Wong holds dear are developing Hong Kong’s first boutique hotel and successfully competing with multinational hospitality giants. As one of the youngest leaders in the industry, Wong has earned multiple accolades, including Restaurateur of the Year. Under her leadership, Duddell’s restaurant earned its second Michelin star, paving the way for its first international expansion in London.
Leadership Challenges and Philosophy
Managing people at various levels is one of Wong’s greatest challenges. With JIA Group serving 3,000 to 5,000 guests daily, she navigates interactions with employees and customers alike, balancing empathy with decisiveness. She values problem-solving in real time and approaches diverse perspectives with an open mind.
Her leadership style has fostered a high retention rate within the company. She believes in hiring individuals with initiative and talent, then empowering them to take ownership of their work. This approach nurtures pride and passion across all JIA Group venues.
Wong credits her entrepreneurial mindset to her father, a self-made businessman who instilled in her the importance of hard work. While she values formal education—holding a degree in Marketing and International Economics from the University of Western Australia—she believes that true learning comes from hands-on experience. Mistakes, she says, are opportunities for reflection and growth.
The Essence of Success
For Wong, success is not just about financial achievements—it’s about earning respect and credibility in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, treating colleagues and partners with the same respect one expects in return.
Compared to her peers, Wong’s success stems from transparency and inclusivity. She ensures that her core team is actively involved in decision-making, welcoming their ideas and insights. This collaborative approach, coupled with her disciplined lifestyle, enables her to stay focused and maintain a clear vision for the future.
Looking Ahead
In ten years, Wong envisions JIA Group not just competing in the hospitality industry but leading it on an international scale. Her ambition is to position JIA Group at the forefront of global hospitality innovation.
Outside of work, Wong enjoys quality time with her sons, Gregory and Gabriel, and values rest as an essential part of her routine. As a working mother, she prioritizes balancing family life with her demanding schedule, which includes meetings, tastings, and site visits.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Do your homework. “Live and breathe what you do. Never switch off. If you love what you’re doing, even checking reports or emails on vacation won’t feel like a chore.”
