Tom Connolly is the Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations at Sands China Ltd., responsible for managing the strategic direction of the Food & Beverage department and identifying opportunities to establish innovative culinary offerings within Sands China properties. Tom has more than 20 years of experience in the F&B industry in Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai and South Korea. Prior to joining Sands China, he was Chief Executive Officer of the Eclipse Hospitality Group, where he played a key role in developing and operating casual eateries and fine dining restaurants in Hong Kong, as well as providing management services to other food retail and trading operations. His earlier career included senior management roles at The Peninsula Hotels in Hong Kong and Wynn Macau. Tom comes from a long line of publicans in his native Ireland where his family have owned a pub in Dublin for 90 years. Once a keen rugby player, he now coaches the sport and also competes in triathlon events.
– What’s your idea of a perfect day?
I have had many ‘perfect days’ in my life and they mostly revolve around being with my family. Sharing life with the people that are most important to you never takes any effort. It’s a privilege that I never take lightly.
– If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
The present. We’re living in an amazing time with incredible technological advancements in so many fields, the ability to eradicate diseases and suffering, and the knowledge and know-how to clean up the planet. It’s simply a case of getting everyone on board with common goals to support humanity.
– What’s your favorite book?
Jack Kerouac’s On The Road. I read it almost 30 years ago and I remember how it made me feel at the time. It was a time in my life where there was so much adventure and self-realization as I moved away from home and gained independence. I was so excited by the energy and hunger-for-life of the two protagonists in the book and I remember feeling that I shared a lot of the same zest and commonality for adventure. Reminds me, I must read it again.
– And your favorite singer/ band?
Coming from the Northern-side of Dublin, in Ireland, the band U2 always had a big influence in my younger years. The band lived and went to school not far from where I grew up and it was incredibly inspiring to watch them succeed, from playing local club gigs to mega stadiums around the world. They were true heroes at a time when there was not a lot of good news coming out of a depressed and hopeless Irish economy, during the 70’s and 80’s. I love their music too, and despite a few bumps in the road, they are still producing great music 40+ years on.
– Who is your hero?
Christine, my wife. Mothers are always the unsung heroes given the commitment and dedication they have to nurturing and bringing up children. Her ability to do this while holding down a career is incredible, amazes me every day.
– What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
Music across most genres.
– What’s your worst habit?
Nail biting – a terrible habit.
– If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s cruel. I am not sure I want to answer that. Even in prison they offer variety!
– If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
Firstly, I am sure I would end up driving my wife crazy, not by design, but by her having to put up with me being around the house all the time. I enjoy outdoor and sports pursuits such as cycling, swimming, running and hiking, and it would be great if I were able to continue to do these.
– What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Such a question would likely provoke responses referencing Macau’s yester-year: The Portuguese architecture and eateries that stood the test of time, the old ruins, the narrow winding streets and the quieter more tranquil parts of Macau. I do enjoy these faces of Macau, however I guess my response to this question is not a typical response…. but I am so inspired by Cotai.
