Meet Dave Junker: Guiding Shangri-La Mactan through experience and vision

Life’s most valuable lessons often come from experience, shaping our journeys through travel, careers, and significant milestones. For Dave Junker, General Manager of Shangri-La Mactan, this principle rings especially true.

With over two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry, he’s navigated constant change, embraced innovation, and fostered growth.

The Spark of a Lifelong Passion

His fascination with the hospitality world began early. Beyond service, he was captivated by its diverse nature.  As he explained, “I was interested in the hospitality side, but at the same time also the culinary side, the service side, the side where you get an opportunity to travel and meet different people, but also an opportunity to work in an industry where everybody can be somebody and everybody can have a very good and successful career.” This inherent interest led him to pursue formal hotel management education, recognizing the industry’s potential for both personal and professional advancement.

A Global Journey of Service and Growth

Before assuming the position at Shangri-La Mactan, Dave honed his expertise in prestigious hotels across the UK, the US, India, and the UAE. A pivotal turning point arrived over 15 years ago when he joined Shangri-La in Cebu as Director of Rooms. “That experience was transformative,” he reflects. “It was the first time I truly aligned my career aspirations with a company.” This initial immersion in the Shangri-La culture, coupled with subsequent roles in diverse locations, provided him with invaluable insights into both international and domestic markets—knowledge he now leverages to guide Shangri-La Mactan’s strategic direction.

Leading Through Adversity and Triumph

For Dave, change isn’t something to fear; it’s an opportunity. He sees it as a chance to learn, adapt, and even rethink established practices. In the fast-paced world of hospitality, staying still isn’t an option. This mindset was put to the test during his four years at the position, a period marked by extraordinary challenges, including a global pandemic and destructive force of Typhoon Odette.

The typhoon’s impact on Shangri-La Mactan was significant, requiring a temporary closure for extensive repairs. Yet, amidst the challenges, Dave’s leadership shone through. “It’s crucial to develop adaptability and a willingness to change,” he emphasized. “We must be prepared to adjust our approach as needed.”

Dave’s approach transcended mere recovery; he used adversity as a catalyst to foster resilience and adaptability within his team, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. This mindset reinforced that change is an inherent part of progress.

A Collaborative Leader Who Listens

Dave champions a collaborative leadership style, emphasizing teamwork, open communication, and a shared vision. He believes that Shangri-La Mactan’s 30-plus years of success is a result of collective effort, not individual achievement. He fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, encouraging his team to challenge decisions and freely express their opinions. “Everyone deserves a voice,” he said, underscoring the importance of listening to both his team and his guests to identify the best solutions and ideas. 

This approach proved especially vital during the pandemic, when the hospitality industry faced unprecedented uncertainty. “We navigated those challenges by relying on each other’s ideas, support, and guidance. This collaborative spirit is a value I deeply cherish.”

Investing in the Future of Shangri-La Mactan

Beyond delivering exceptional guest experiences, Dave is committed to creating a thriving environment for his employees. “We strive to be a top employer, offering fulfilling career paths,” he explains. His strategic vision centers on continuous improvement across all facets of the hotel, with a particular emphasis on robust succession planning. “By investing in our team’s growth, we directly enhance the guest experience.”

Seasoned hotelier, Dave Junker’s journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning, adaptable leadership, and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. His unwavering commitment to both his team and his guests ensures Shangri-La Mactan‘s continued success in Cebu’s competitive tourism market.