Adi Kwok (Photo: JG)

My Jakarta: Harvey Nichols General Manager Adi Kwok

Adi Kwok’s passion for perfection is rivaled only by his ability to tell a story. Give him five minutes and he’ll tell you a tale that you’ll find yourself repeating to a friend later on.

Whether it’s his story about skiing or skydiving, or his extensive knowledge of fashion trends, Adi’s natural ability to connect with those around him makes him a perfect fit for his job as general manager of Harvey Nichols.

How did you get the job as general manager at Harvey Nichols?

I was head-hunted. I was working for Ranch Market over a year ago. When the project started, I came on. The company sent me to Harvey Nichols in London and Edinburgh, and on the way back, I went to Harvey Nichols Hong Kong.

What’s the key to operating a place like Harvey Nichols?

It’s important to know the market segment that Harvey Nichols positions itself in as an operator. We trade in gourmet food for our supermarket, items that are limited and selected. With the fashion selection, we have close to 150 brands that are exclusive to us. We’re tailoring ourselves to the hip and chic crowd.

How do you spend your day?

I spend quite a bit of time out on the floor, meeting with clients and giving them assistance or advice. I’m also involved in a lot of coordination meetings with staff so we don’t experience any glitches.

Do you work the normal nine-to-five hours?

Most of the time. If there is a movie star or a VIP here at the store, then we make special arrangements for them. One time, a lady wanted to buy an Oscar de la Renta dress worth Rp 90 million. She didn’t have time to come to the store and buy the dress, so we just talked about it over the phone. I never saw her. She just made the bank transfer, and I had my driver deliver it to her. We go to great lengths to accommodate our VIP guests. It’s about service, service, service.

You’re originally from Surabaya. Did you go to school there?

My background is in hotel management. I majored in food and beverage services in Switzerland. I got my degree from Domino Carlton Tivoli.

You studied in Switzerland. Can you ski?

I was there for three years. For the first couple of days I was skiing on my butt, then I learned to do it right and I loved it. I love anything that has to do with speed — skydiving, skiing and motor racing.

What trends are you seeing in Indonesian fashion right now?

Indonesians still go for popular brands. They’re still learning about the high-end brands that are just catching on here like John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta.

You’re a well-dressed guy. Where do you get your suits?

They all come from Harvey Nichols. This one I’m wearing is Paul Smith.

You have to keep up with fashion trends, the new seasons. What do you do with your old clothes?

My family gathers up all the clothes that don’t fit us anymore and we give them to an orphanage.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do?

I like watching movies with my wife, and I’ve always wanted to have a private pilot’s license so I’m looking for a place to do that.

How many times have you been skydiving?

A few times. Once, a friend got me to do a tandem dive while the Indonesian military was training in Senayan. We jumped from a helicopter. I was like, “You keep the Rp 1 million, but I’m not jumping.” But the big military guy who was with me just jumped out of the helicopter. If I had a chance, I would do it again.

Is it easy to spot a fake signature bag in Indonesia?

I had a friend who went to a Prada store in Singapore and had a bag she bought for Rp 150,000 at Mangga Dua checked on. All the people at the store told her was, “We don’t sell this model here, but they have it in Hong Kong.” The bag looked so authentic the store couldn’t tell the difference.

Do you ever miss Surabaya?

At times I do, mostly because of the food. Whenever I get out of Jakarta, I like to visit food destinations like in China and Hong Kong. I try to eat at the same places that the locals like.

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