With a solid career in the hotel industry, Fernanda worked in several operational and commercial areas before taking on the challenge of leading the Latin American operation of PPG, a family-owned company from Hong Kong that revolutionized the airport lounge experience.
A career built in the hotel industry
Fernanda began her career in the hotel industry, working in several operational areas before falling in love with the events sector and, later, the commercial area. “I started in the hotel industry, in the operations area, then I worked in all the operational areas of the hotel. From there, I fell in love with the events area, also in the commercial area, and I stayed there for a few years,” she recalls. Her extensive experience in hotel operations and management led her to leadership positions in large international hotel companies, culminating in her role as hotel general manager.
Challenge at Plaza Premium Group
The expertise she has acquired over the years has opened doors for Fernanda at PPG. “One of the opportunities I received was the invitation here at PPG, Plaza Premium Group, to serve as general manager for Latin America and support the company in its major global expansion,” she explained. Now, her mission is to consolidate the existing lounges and foster PPG’s growth in countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
Humanization and democratization of airport lounges
PPG, founded in Hong Kong, was created with the goal of improving the airport experience for travelers. Fernanda highlights the company's pioneering spirit in creating comfortable and welcoming spaces for all types of passengers. "PPG is a family business, founded in Hong Kong, with the goal of providing travelers with more care. The owner's vision was very much about how to welcome and improve the airport experience," she commented.
PPG’s proposal is to democratize access to lounges, making them accessible to any type of traveler, regardless of their travel purpose. “Plaza continues to update itself, with this sensitivity to how to welcome all types of travelers at any time during their trip. Whether it’s family or work, all structures are always adapted to accommodate the numerous passengers that pass through in the same space, but in an individualized way,” explained Fernanda.
Partnership with travel agents
To ensure that more travelers can enjoy this unique experience, PPG works closely with travel agents and tour operators. Fernanda emphasizes that the company offers differentiated and pre-established rates, making it easier to include PPG services in travel packages. “Plaza works with all travel agents and operators, so to provide a better experience for your traveler, you can take advantage of differentiated, pre-established rates,” she highlighted.
With this strategic vision and focus on expansion, Fernanda Lemos is determined to bring the comfort and excellence of PPG lounges to more travelers throughout Latin America, contributing to the consolidation of the group as a global reference in airport hospitality.
Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.