OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group has announced the appointment of Chris Long as the new General Manager of OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort. Chris assumed the role in April 2025, marking a significant leadership milestone within the group and reinforcing OUTRIGGER’s focus on experience-led, locally connected island hospitality.
With nearly a decade of leadership experience within OUTRIGGER, Chris brings strong institutional knowledge alongside a deep understanding of resort operations across island destinations.
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A career shaped by culinary and operational leadership
Chris returns to Asia for his first General Manager role after spending nine years with OUTRIGGER in senior culinary management positions. His career also includes extensive senior roles across the Maldives and Southeast Asia, where he developed hands-on expertise in remote island operations, local sourcing, and sustainable supply chains.
A defining aspect of his professional journey has been the integration of culinary identity into the broader guest experience. His approach places food, provenance, and people at the centre of storytelling, ensuring that dining becomes an essential part of how guests connect with a destination.
A return to Asia and a new chapter
Speaking on his appointment, Chris Long said,
“OUTRIGGER has been a defining part of my professional life, and returning to Asia in this role feels like a homecoming. Phi Phi offers a rare balance of culture, landscape and community, and it’s the right environment to introduce a style of hospitality that feels relaxed, local and genuinely connected to the island.”
His return signals a leadership style that values continuity, cultural sensitivity, and a measured pace aligned with island life.
Sustainability through connection, not instruction
Chris’ philosophy on sustainability is centred on authenticity and everyday practice rather than prescriptive messaging. He emphasises guest engagement through understanding, experience, and interaction with the local ecosystem.
“Sustainability should feel natural, not instructional. When guests understand where their food comes from, meet the people behind it and feel the ease of the surroundings, the island speaks for itself. That sense of connection is what I hope they carry home,”
Long added.
This perspective aligns closely with OUTRIGGER’s broader commitment to responsible tourism, local partnerships, and environmental stewardship across its portfolio.
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Strengthening the resort’s island-led identity
Under Chris Long’s leadership, OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort is expected to further strengthen its position as a destination that blends relaxed luxury with cultural and environmental authenticity. His background in culinary leadership, combined with operational expertise in remote island settings, supports the resort’s focus on meaningful guest experiences rooted in place.
The appointment reflects OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group’s continued investment in leaders who understand both the operational complexity of island resorts and the importance of creating genuine, lasting connections between guests and destination.
