Archipelago Hotels Mourns the Passing of Founder and Chairman Charles Brookfield

Archipelago Hotels has announced with deep sorrow the passing of its founder and chairman, Charles Brookfield, on Monday, 29 June 2026, in Bali. Affectionately known as Pak Charley, he was a visionary in the hospitality industry whose leadership, integrity and unwavering dedication formed the foundation of one of the leading hotel management companies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Founded in 1997 under the name Aston International, amidst one of the most challenging periods in Asian economic history, the company was born from Pak Charley’s strong belief in the long-term potential of Indonesia’s hospitality industry. Whilst many viewed the Asian financial crisis as an obstacle, he saw it as an opportunity to build a hotel management company grounded in resilience, innovation and world-class service standards rooted in Indonesian hospitality. After rebranding to Archipelago Hotels in 2020, the company grew to become the largest private hotel management company in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. This achievement is a testament to Pak Charley’s leadership style, which always transcended mere business interests and inspired everyone around him. After nearly two decades in Hawaii’s hospitality industry, Pak Charley envisioned building a hotel management company that blended the warmth of Asian hospitality with international standards. Beginning with an ambition to develop a beachfront resort in Bali and a business hotel in Jakarta, this vision expanded into a company that now manages hundreds of hotels across Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America and other regions, serving millions of guests annually. Beyond the company’s remarkable growth, Pak Charley’s greatest legacy is its culture. He consistently championed a people-first philosophy, empowering local talent, building long-term partnerships and inspiring generations of hospitality professionals. His integrity and commitment to excellence will live on in the values that remain the foundation of Archipelago Hotels today. John Flood, CEO of Archipelago Hotels, said Pak Charley was an extraordinary leader with vision, integrity and genuine care for others. He added that Pak Charley’s leadership went beyond business, as he possessed a special ability to see potential in people and give them the confidence to achieve things they never imagined possible. The company extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of the founder and chairman. Amidst the grief over the loss of the visionary who established the company, Archipelago Hotels is committed to continuing the vision, values and spirit that Pak Charley bequeathed.