Hanoi, May 2026 – As part of the long-term strategic transformation roadmap developed and progressively implemented by the Board of Directors in recent years, Thien Minh Group officially announces the Group’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
After more than 31 years since its establishment, Thien Minh Group (TMG) is now entering a more defined stage of development, focused on leveraging its extensive industry expertise while adopting a modern operational mindset and accelerating technology enablement. As part of this planned transformation, TMG is realigning its leadership structure to meet the requirements of the next phase of development.
Accordingly, Mr. Nguyen Trung Cong, formerly Deputy General Director of TMG and Member of the Board of Directors, has been appointed Group CEO, succeeding Mr. Tran Trong Kien in line with the succession plan approved by the Board of Directors. He has led the Group’s technology function and directly managed its online business operations.
He previously led iVIVU.com, Vietnam’s leading online travel platform, achieving strong growth, and played a key role in developing Buffalo Tours into a leading destination management company in Asia with operations across 11 countries.
With over 20 years of experience in technology and product development, he brings strong execution capability to TMG’s transformation and growth plans.
Joining the new CEO are the members of the Group’s Board of Management, comprising:
- Mr. Chris Farwell – Managing Director Vivu Journeys
Having served as CFO of Buffalo Tours and TMG, Mr. Chris Farwell has extensive experience in finance and operations. He also established Vivu Journeys and has been the Managing Director of the business since its inception in 2019.
- Ms. Vo Xuan Thu – Managing Director of Victoria Hotels & Resorts and Victoria Mekong Cruises
Ms. Xuan Thu is a hospitality executive with 20+ years at TMG Hospitality, leading Victoria Hotels & Resorts with a portfolio of properties across Vietnam and Laos. She has also been instrumental in launching and growing the Victoria Mekong Cruise and strengthening the group’s market positioning.
- Mr. Le Phuoc Khanh – Managing Director of TMGH’s Mid-range Division
As a seasoned hotel operator with deep experience across sales, operations, and general management, Mr. Le Phuoc Khanh leads TMG Hospitality’s mid-range division and has served as General Manager of ÊMM Hotel Hue since 2008.
Mr. Tran Trong Kien, Founder, former Chairman and CEO of TMG, will continue to support the Group in his capacity as a shareholder and strategic advisor, contributing his experience and long-term perspective to TMG’s ongoing development. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for Mr. Kien’s contributions over 31 years. Beginning with Buffalo Tours, his vision and leadership guided the company through successive stages of growth, which have been instrumental in establishing Thien Minh Group as one of Southeast Asia’s leading travel and hospitality groups.
This leadership transition is a part of TMG’s broader restructuring strategy, aimed at refining the Group’s operating model, strengthening technology integration, improving capital efficiency, and aligning governance standards with international best practices.
In the period ahead, TMG will focus on its two core capabilities of Travel and Hospitality, while accelerating technology enablement across its ecosystem to enhance customer experience, optimize operational performance, and expand its capacity for sustainable growth. The Group will continue to evolve towards a modern, agile governance model suited to the rapidly shifting landscape of the global travel industry.
As TMG enters this new chapter, guided by its leadership team and supported by partners and customers, it remains committed to the same mission it has upheld for over 30 years: creating distinctive and lasting value for the community.
| For further information, please contact:
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Ca – Group Marketing Director M: 0987 799 593 |
