Meet James McBride | Stelliers Asia 2024 Judge!
James McBride
Co-Founder & CEO, NIHI
Recognized as “One to Watch” by Bloomberg Businessweek’s Bloomberg 50 and awarded Independent Hotelier of the World by Hotels magazine, James McBride is a global hotelier who has led some of the world’s leading hotels during his 35-year career. Known for his limitless creativity, clever marketing techniques, and exceptional hotel experiences, he has raised the bar in the hospitality industry.
In 2012, he transitioned to hotel entrepreneurship when he partnered with famed brand builder, long-time friend, and investor Christopher Burch to acquire Nihiwatu, a coveted surf destination in Indonesia then, now known as the iconic brand NIHI Sumba.
For the past twelve years, James has not only ensured that NIHI® Sumba has consistently received top industry awards like Best Hotel in the World by Travel & Leisure for two consecutive years, but he is also enthusiastically working on the expansion of the brand to realise further opportunities grounded in NIHI’s vision, the Edge Of Wildness™, including two new properties, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica and Rote Island, Indonesia.
We are thrilled to be welcoming James McBride to the Stelliers Asia judging panel for 2024, and cannot wait to witness the unique perspective he’s sure to bring to the table.