IAG sits down with Dae Sik Han, the Chairman and CEO of Hann Resorts, to discuss his views on leadership and why succession planning is easier said than done.
As the founder of Hann Resorts, established in recent years as a clear market leader in the Philippine special economic zone of Clark, Dae Sik Han has never been short on solutions. He was an early investor in the region’s casino industry by way of Widus Hotel & Casino, was the first to introduce true five-star gaming facilities with his Hann Casino Resort expansion and is prepping to raise the bar even further with the ambitious Hann Reserve development, due to open its first phase in 2026.
Yet there is one question this lively entrepreneur struggles to find an answer for: when will he be satisfied that his work here is done?
“We never stop,” Han smiles while taking a short break from his hectic schedule to speak with IAG in an executive lounge at Hann Casino Resort.
“I sometimes contemplate my goals in life: What exactly do I aim to achieve? Is it financial gain, recognition, or leaving a lasting impact? If it’s purely about money, I could easily retire now without pursuing Hann Reserve. But financial gain isn’t the driving force behind my decisions.
“While legacy may play a part, I’m cautious about simply passing on my projects to my children solely because of our familial ties. It’s crucial for me to entrust the future of this organization to the right leader.
“As the company expands, the CEO’s role becomes increasingly significant as it undergoes transformation and impacts the internal and external stakeholders, from the employees to the partners and the community. Ensuring the company’s longevity is paramount. For now, I’ll continue to lead until my eventual retirement, which isn’t imminent as I remain actively engaged.”
It’s a unique insight into what makes Han tick, because if there is one constant when you ask the people around him, it’s that this Korean-born innovator has his finger on the pulse when it comes to current trends and developments.
His is a company on the move and growing larger by the day, yet the increasing demands on his time haven’t stopped him from maintaining a close connection to the business and those around him. Asked to describe his leadership style, Han says he is “very, very straight forward” with a “practical approach” to his management team.
“When I bring on board new staff or consultants, I prioritize listening to their insights. As long as their ideas align with our goals, I’m open to understanding and learning from them,” he explains. “I believe this collaborative approach is vital. However, I’m mindful of keeping our organization streamlined. I prefer a lean structure where key personnel can communicate directly with me. This ensures efficient coordination and maintains a pulse on what’s happening within the company. By avoiding unnecessary layers, we can make quick decisions based on real-time information without delays or distortions caused by multiple opinions.”
Does he see himself as a mentor? Sometimes, he replies, but this can go both ways.
“I always look forward to engaging with consultants, my team, partners like you (IAG), and experts in their respective fields. Their fresh perspectives offer new ideas that I find incredibly stimulating,” he shares.
“Yet, I also recognize the importance of injecting my own insights for refinement. With the company’s growth, teamwork is essential. While individual performance or expertise is a given, I place equal importance on collaboration. Together, we can achieve more than any individual can do alone. Through open dialogue, brainstorming sessions and shared ideas, we’re building a creative and collaborative company culture.”
Han points to his expansive Hann Reserve project and specifically the ongoing development of its first golf course (designed by Jack Nicklaus) as an example.
“I’m new to building golf courses, so I’m learning a lot along the way,” he says with a smile. “Whenever I visit the site, I chat with the experts and pick up something new. It’s all quite fascinating.
“This willingness to learn has been key for me. Even though I’m not from gaming or hospitality backgrounds, I’ve always believed in listening to my team. Understanding why they do things and finding better ways together is important. Without their help, there wouldn’t be much progress. So, I’m sticking to this approach as we work on the golf course.”
The Hann group of companies is currently developing three golf courses at Hann Reserve, designed by Nicklaus Design, KJ Choi and Nick Faldo, to form part of the 450-hectare property’s offerings. Aside from its three designer golf courses, the master plan includes the first Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA)-affiliated player development facilities in the Philippines.
Once fully complete, Hann Reserve will become what the company describes as a luxury eco-friendly development, designed to be the most comprehensive in the region and complemented by international luxury hotel brands Banyan Tree, Sofitel, SO and Emblems by Accor, The Luxury Collection and Westin by Marriott International and The Intercontinental Hotel by IHG. It will also feature MICE, gaming and entertainment facilities, a luxury mall, commercial areas and services to support the residential projects, an international school and other components of a master-planned development.
The scope of the resort has allowed Han to incorporate into its design a series of sustainability initiatives – a topic he is passionate about and one of the key factors he considered when sourcing materials.
“Even something as simple as the grass we are using for the golf course: it is pricier but consumes 50% less water,” he explains.
“We’ve designed the course to catch rainwater and have set up recycling systems. International consultants helped us ensure we’re protecting nature in every aspect of the design.”
He is also looking further into the future, revealing he is already in talks with prominent Korean real estate developers around possible joint ventures.
“I’m actively seeking partnerships with Korean companies to accelerate our development,” Han states. “This will elevate our visibility in Korea and pave the way for new business opportunities beyond real estate. It is exciting to have more Korean investors in this part of the Philippines, and the possibilities are endless.”
Such foresight is typical of a man showing no signs of slowing down, although as we circle back to the issue of being satisfied with his life’s work, he admits he hasn’t yet had time to look too far beyond the current horizon.
“I’m just focusing on Hann Reserve right now and at least for two or three more years,” he says. “But when everything is stable, I’m sure I’ll move on to the next project.”
