Our Academic Team

Chris Meylan BSc, MA, MEd

Chief Operating Officer – Minor Education

Bio

Chris Meylan is the face of AIHM. A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, the top ranked hospitality institute in the world, he also holds Master’s degrees in hospitality management and education.

Chris first began his hospitality career with the Onyx group in Thailand. It is only fitting that two decades later, he finds himself at the helm of the kingdom’s leading hospitality institute, AIHM.

In 2006, he first began teaching at the Swiss Hotel Management School, managing both the BA and MSc programmes. In 2019, he returned to his alma mater, EHL.

In 2022, Chris relocated to Thailand as COO of Minor Education. He brings with him a particular focus on all things digital, preparing our students for the exciting workplace of tomorrow.

Education:
• Bsc in International Hospitality Management, EHL
• MSc in International Hospitality Management, University of Derby
• MA in Education, University of Derby

Warren Stanworth BA(Hons), EDMS, PGCE, MBA

Academic Dean

Bio

Prior to moving to a professional career in education in 2010, Warren has had significant work experience in various industries. Warren brings many years of lecturing experience to AIHM, having taught and managed faculties and programmes at institutions in the UK and Thailand.

Warren is responsible for programme planning and development at all levels of the institute and drives excellence in teaching and learning through pedagogical innovations and solutions incorporating new technology and digital options. He is responsible for student academic progress and satisfaction.

Education:

• Masters of Business Administration - University of Central Lancashire
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education - University of Central Lancashire
• Executive Diploma in Management Studies - Lancaster University
• BA (Hons) Business Administration - Huddersfield University

Gavin Tiffin TE SOL, BA (Hons)

Lecturer in Hospitality Management

Bio

Gavin is the lecturer for Culinary Arts. Prior to relocating to Thailand in 2018, Gavin held senior roles in various hospitality venues across the UK. He brings a wide range of skills and knowledge. Manging complex kitchen operations, front of the house, and back of the house.

He has acquired experience in preparing and cooking across a range of events, from thousands at a banquet to small intimate dinners.

Opening and operating his own restaurant gave him valuable insight into the world of entrepreneurship.

Holding a degree in International Business Hospitality Management from Derby University, as well as TESOL certification. He has spent time teaching English to a range of students from all backgrounds, as well as acting as a mentor to staff and apprentices in the past.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons) International Hospitality Business Management, University of Derby
• TESOL Certification, TEFL International

Tip Tirakanirunkul BA

Lecturer in Hospitality Management

Bio

Tip is a culinary maestro who began her career running one of London’s most upscale bakeries in the ritzy Chelsea area, while also formally qualifying in International Culinary Arts at the University of West London.

In 2011, she was recruited to teach at the Novelli Academy – thus began her career in education. As well as instilling a passion in her students for culinary arts, she also taught them the practical skills needed to run large daily operations, based on her years in the catering business.

In 2017, she moved back to Thailand to teach Hospitality Management at Stamford University. K. Tip now joins the AIHM team as a lecturer in Practical Arts.

Education:

• BA in Sociology and Anthropology, Prince of Songkhla University
• FdA in International Culinary Arts, University of West London

Kate Varini MSc

Lecturer in Hospitality Management

Bio

Kate Varini is one of the world’s leading experts in revenue management. For over a decade, she has lectured at institutes such as Les Roches, Glion, Vatel and EHL, educating the next generation of leaders. She has many academic publications to her name, and is sought out for conferences and by top hospitality companies such as IHG to train their senior executives.

At AIHM, Kate will oversee the BBA programme in Global Hospitality Management, ensuring academic rigour and excellence in collaboration with Les Roches.

Education:

• PGCE in Teaching & Learning, Oxford Brookes University
• MSc in Hospitality Management, Leeds Metropolitan University

Corrado D'Urso BSc, MA

Lecturer in Hospitality Management

Bio

Corrado D'Urso began his career here in Thailand at International Vocational & Business Education, managing training programmes at leading international colleges while partnering with prestigious institutes such as LSE. Promoted to Head of Learning & Development, he then worked with Thailand’s Ministry of Education to roll out a series of national diplomas, training educators around the country.

In 2020, Corrado returned to his native Milan to take on a senior coordinating role at Ernst & Young. There, he worked on high-level training projects with Italian government ministries and EU-wide agencies, specialising in management-level and e-learning modules.
Today, Corrado joins our faculty teaching BBA marketing and also supervising CIHA students’ independent projects. With his depth of educational experience, he will also be contributing to future curriculum development, including online learning, ensuring AIHM’s offering remains cutting-edge.

Education

• Bachelor of Business Economics, University of Catania
• Master of Marketing and International Management, University of Reading
• Postgraduate Certificate of Learn and Teaching in Higher Education, University
of London

Anton Van Papendorp PhD

Lecturer in Hospitality Management

Bio

Anton Van Papendorp brings a wealth of experience to AIHM from his significant tenure in the hospitality industry, having contributed to the development and success of notable organizations such as Hilton, Marriott, Alshaya Group, Crown & Champa Resorts, and Oman Tourism College. In 2022, he advanced to become the Group HR/Learning & Development Manager at Destination Group, spearheading training and development initiatives. Before joining AIHM, Anton was the Dean – Teaching & Learning at The Independent Institution of Education, where he oversaw the audit and quality control of lecturer lesson plans and classroom delivery techniques.

At AIHM, Anton will contribute to developing teaching strategies, lesson plans, and support curriculum design, focusing on student success and retention. His vast experience in Training & Development, coupled with his academic credentials, makes him a key asset to our team, ensuring the provision of high-quality education in hospitality management.

Education

• Doctorate Degree in Hospitality Management, Technological University Dublin, Ireland
• Post Doctorate degree in Adult Education, Technological University Dublin, Ireland

Alison Stanworth BA

Head of Student Engagement

Bio

Alison Stanworth joins the AIHM faculty as Head of Student Engagement. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the education sector, including almost 15 years at Blackburn College, the largest education institute in her native Lancashire, UK, providing guidance for students ranging from high schoolers all the way through to those pursuing a master’s.
Alison first came to Thailand in 2016 as Head of Pastoral Care at Regent’s International College. There, she developed its student engagement policy, as well as providing English language and study skills support, and advising students on their future career and education options.
At AIHM, she will continue in this role, rolling out a robust strategy for student engagement, satisfaction and wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom, with even more educational, recreational, athletic, social and cultural programmes on the horizon.

Education
• BA in Working with Children and Young People, Lancaster University
• Certificate in Education, University of Central Lancashire
• Foundation Certificate in Mental Health in Schools and Colleges, Leeds Beckett University

Samantha Lauver-Marion BSc

Director of Global Partnerships

Bio

Samantha first joined Minor Hotels a decade ago, first as an intern, and afterwards spent a number of years in operational roles at various properties around the world before relocating to Minor Hotels Global Office in Bangkok, Thailand to focus on the development of the Loyalty & Partnership Marketing department. In her current role as Head of Student Engagement Samantha is focused on the student’s experience ensuring that all those who embark on a journey with AIHM will be empowered to craft their own individual development plans to reach their career goals whether that be within hospitality industry or as entrepreneurs building a new world with their unique vision.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Tourism & Hospitality Management – Temple University