Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals Association (HFTP®), the global leader in hospitality finance and technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Dennie Matthews as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the India/APAC region. Matthews will officially begin his position on May 1, 2026.

With nearly two decades of experience in the association space, Dennie Matthews brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to HFTP. His career has been defined by impactful roles in globally recognized organizations, where he has driven growth, fostered partnerships and championed workforce development initiatives.

Most recently, Matthews served as the business head for the APAC region at the National Restaurant Association, where he spearheaded the expansion of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and National Restaurant Association brands. Prior to this, he held the position of Head of Global Sales at Infinito Revenue Management Solutions, where he led strategic sales initiatives on a global scale.

Matthews’ tenure with AHLEI spanned over 14 years, during which he held several key leadership roles, including Chief Managing Officer for South Asia and Southeast Asia, Chief Managing Officer for India and Director of Operations and Country Manager. In these roles, he was instrumental in ensuring smooth business operations, building relationships with professionals in the hotel industry and academia, and driving financial management and business growth.

Early in his career, Matthews served as Accounts and Finance Manager at AHLEI and began his professional journey as an audit trainee at Sharp and Tannan, where he gained valuable experience in internal and statutory audits for both not-for-profit organizations and corporates.

In his new role at HFTP, Matthews will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives in India and the broader APAC region. He will focus on fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships and expanding HFTP’s reach in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe shared his excitement about the appointment, stating, “Dennie is an icon in the region and we are incredibly fortunate to have him join the HFTP team. His unparalleled expertise, deep industry connections and visionary leadership will undoubtedly elevate our mission to empower hospitality professionals with cutting-edge financial and technology solutions."

R.P. Rama, hotel owner and founder of HFTP India, expressed his enthusiasm for Matthews, saying, “I am honored to have Dennie join HFTP and contribute to its legacy of excellence in the hospitality industry. He is the right person at the right time to help HFTP create impactful programs that help bridge the ever-growing skills shortage in the hospitality sector.”

HFTP has had numerous successes globally, including the release of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), 12th Revised Edition; the expansion of its HFTP Academy; the creation of regional CIO events, including in India; the growth of its news site Hotel Online, with an online audience of 130K; Hospitality Upgrade, the world's oldest and most regarded hospitality technology magazine; and more than 80 chapters around the world.

As HFTP continues to expand its global footprint, the addition of Matthews to the leadership team underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the hospitality sector.