Name: Ha Le Nguyen Thu
Position: Market Director of Finance, Vietnam & Director of Finance
Hotel: Le Méridien Saigon
Dream destination: A family safari
Drink or treat of choice: A Bailey’s coffee-flavored dessert drink

Success often begins with a single bold step. For Le Ha, that moment came at a Marriott career fair in Hawaii, where she turned a missed opportunity into a defining milestone. Today, she leads financial strategy for over 23 hotels in Vietnam while mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals. Her journey is a testament to persistence, purpose, and passion.

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Tell us about your Marriott career journey.

Fresh out of college with a dual degree in Hospitality Management and Accounting, I took a leap of faith and attended a Marriott career fair two hours from home. I initially applied for a role in revenue management but was turned down. Still, I wasn’t ready to walk away. As I noticed two executives leave the interview room, I seized the moment. I approached them and asked for a second chance—any opportunity to prove myself. That bold move led to a finance interview the very next day.

“If I hadn’t asked for that second chance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

That one moment launched a career that has taken me across continents and through some of Marriott’s most iconic brands—from Marriott to Sheraton to Westin—working in properties with up to 1,310 rooms. I’ve grown from a trainee to an accountant, stepped into management, and eventually earned my first Director of Finance role. Today, I proudly serve in a dual leadership position in Vietnam.

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

As Market Director of Finance for Vietnam and Director of Finance at Le Méridien Saigon, my day revolves around driving financial performance, ensuring compliance, and nurturing talent across the region. It’s a mix of strategic planning, meetings, project reviews, and close collaborations with cross-functional teams to deliver results and support growth.

Contrary to popular belief, Finance isn’t just about numbers and KPIs. It’s about understanding the broader business, staying attuned to market trends, and engaging with operations. When we take time to listen to other departments, we gain insights that allow us to create solutions, elevate outcomes, and garner support.

Can you share some of the proudest moments in your career?

One highlight was in Hawaii, when I helped transform a small storage space along the beach walk at Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui into a profitable juice stand. During the day, I worked as an accountant, and in the evenings, I took on the role of cashier and juice maker. Through dedication, creativity, and teamwork, we turned that humble space into a vibrant juice and cocktail bar that quickly became a hit with guests.

Another proud achievement in my career has been taking on a financial leadership role overseeing an entire market. Balancing the responsibilities of mentoring a talented team while raising a young family has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It’s in these moments—where personal purpose meets professional growth—that I find the greatest fulfillment and joy.

How Has Marriott’s Culture Helped You Thrive?

After more than a decade working in the U.S., Marriott gave me the opportunity to return to Vietnam—my home country—and continue my career in my native language. Even with the change in location, the culture remained familiar.

“The TakeCare programs, charity work, and Women in Leadership initiatives were just as strong in Vietnam. That consistency made me feel like I truly belonged.”

As a working mother, Marriott’s support for parents and its commitment to work-life balance have also helped me thrive personally and professionally.

Can you share how you’ve navigated key challenges in your field?

My biggest challenge is balancing dual responsibilities: building the next generation of finance talent while managing both hotel-level and market-level financial strategies. What keeps me grounded is a positive mindset and a focus on prioritization.

I return to the basics, tackling tasks by urgency and importance, and trusting that everything will work out for the better.

What Advice Would You Give to New Associates?

To anyone just beginning their Marriott journey, here’s what I’ve learned:

“Be yourself. Stay curious. Ask why. Learn your hotel, sharpen your skills, and strive to be the best version of yourself. The opportunities will follow.”

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