CONNIE LAU

CONNIE LAU

Director Operations and Projects at Worldchefs
Lives in Paris, France

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About me

Results-driven management professional with 20+ years of experience in strategic organizational planning and implementation. Recognized for driving positive impacts and creating a better world through integrity and passion.

Summary:
With a diverse background spanning operations, project management, and business development, I bring expertise across various industries, including hospitality, engineering, and non-profit organizations. My career started in engineering, managing multi-million dollar projects for nuclear power plants across Europe and Asia. I excelled in leading cross-functional teams, implementing Agile methodologies, and optimizing processes for enhanced efficiency.

Driven by personal growth, I transitioned into the culinary field, obtaining a culinary art diploma from Ferrandi Paris and gaining invaluable experience in renowned restaurants. Currently serving as the Director of Operations and Projects at WORLDCHEFS, I oversee strategic planning, day-to-day operations, and a multidisciplinary team encompassing IT, marketing, operations, events, and project management. Throughout the pandemic, I spearheaded the digital transformation of Worldchefs, expanding our online business and programs through educational webinars and virtual events and conferences.

My passion lies in developing people, fostering diversity and inclusion, and championing sustainability efforts, as I firmly believe in collaboratively building a better world. Extensive collaboration with hospitality industry professionals, such as hotel general managers, restaurant owners, executive chefs, and suppliers, has given me deep insights into industry requirements and concerns.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I have actively contributed to non-profit organizations, dedicating six years to developing young leaders at AIESEC and founding Cooking4Charity.org, where cooking classes generated proceeds for orphan support.

Let's connect and explore collaboration opportunities.

Experience

19 years and 5 months

  • Director Operations and Projects

    Worldchefs - Paris, France

    Management
    September 2016 - Now · 7 years and 7 months

    • Led strategic planning and day-to-day operations, doubling team size and overseeing IT, marketing, operations, events, and project management staff. • Spearheaded Worldchefs' digital transformation, expanding online business and programs through educational webinars, online events and virtual conferences. • Implemented organizational changes, applied Agile project management practices, and enhanced workflow and process efficiency. • Led teams to organize large-scale physical events such as Worldchefs' congress and expo, ensuring seamless execution and delivering outstanding experiences for participants. • Fostered strong relationships with hotel GMs, restaurant owners, executive chefs, and equipment and product suppliers. • Developed a deep understanding of hospitality industry requirements and concerns.

  • Career change: Culinary studies and restaurant experience

    Saline Ceviche Bar, Biarritz and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon à Paris - Paris, France

    F&B kitchen
    January 2015 - January 2016 · 1 year and 1 month

    • Pursued a culinary art diploma at Ferrandi Paris, gaining valuable experience at renowned restaurants and acquiring fluency in French.

  • Project Manager, Nuclear

    CCI AG - Zürich, Switzerland

    Project Management
    May 2010 - December 2014 · 4 years and 8 months

    • Managed and delivered USD $20M+ new construction and outage projects for nuclear power plants in France, China, and Belgium. • Led a matrix team of 30 people through design, manufacture, quality assurance, delivery, and installation of mechanical and electronic equipment. • Successfully managed full project scope, including planning, budgeting, cost control, quality control, manufacturing, on-time delivery, and installation. • Reviewed contracts and managed technical changes, securing USD $4M+ in design change orders. • Led a team of 20 for on-site equipment installation during nuclear power plant outages. • Fostered relationships with key customers, including Areva, EDF, CNPEC, TNPJVC, CNPE, Tractebel, and Electrabel.

  • Quality and Manufacturing Engineer

    Solomon Systech Ltd - Hong Kong

    IT & Technology
    September 2006 - September 2008 · 2 years and 1 month

  • Vice President and National Executive (Non-profit Organization)

    AIESEC - Hong Kong

    Education
    September 2002 - September 2006 · 4 years and 1 month

  • Research Assistant, Physics

    Hong Kong Baptist University - Hong Kong

    IT & Technology
    January 2004 - December 2004 · 1 year

Education

  • Post Crisis Hospitality Management Certificate

    University of South Florida - Florida City, FL, United States

    January 2020 - December 2020

  • Diploma in culinary art for French gastronomy

    FERRANDI PARIS - Paris, France

    January 2015 - December 2015

  • Master of Philosophy - MPhil in Physics

    Hong Kong Baptist University - Hong Kong

    September 2004 - September 2008

  • Bachelor of Science (hons) - Applied Physics with Computer Science concentration

    Hong Kong Baptist University - Hong Kong

    September 2001 - September 2004

Languages

4 languages

  • English

    Native or fluent

  • Chinese

    Native or fluent

  • Cantonese

    Native or fluent

  • French

    Professional working

Personal information

Nationalities

  • Hongkonger

Work Permits

  • France

Skills

12 skills

  • budget analysis
  • Budgeting and finance
  • CONTRACT
  • Engineering
  • Improvement and quality
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Operational Management
  • process improvements
  • Project management
  • Team Building
  • team managment

Additional Information

1 information shared

  • Chartered Engineer, Engineering Council UK since 2014

Connections
Darrin Creenaune
Founder & CEO at PICTURE PERFECT CATERING
Anand Shukla
Digital Product Manager at Worldchefs
Ragnar Fridriksson
Managing Director at World Association of Chefs Societies
View 9 connections
Following
FERRANDI PARIS
FERRANDI PARIS
Paris, France
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises
Geneva, Switzerland
WORLDCHEFS Academy
My Communities
Join more communities
Other members
Clara Bostyn
Paris, France
Nicolas Redon
Paris, France
Pierre Chaton
Paris, France
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