Words: Raja Izz
Some men run hotels. Sebastian Krack runs a home with the same quiet care. On Father's Day, that title matters to him more than any other.
As General Manager of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, Krack has spent nearly two decades inside some of the world's finest hotels, from Frankfurt to Beijing, Bangkok to Jakarta. He has learned how to read a room before anyone speaks, how to stay calm through the longest of days, and how to make every guest feel like the only one in the building. It is a career built on presence, patience, and genuine care for people.
But ask him what he is proudest of, and the answer has nothing to do with five-star reviews. It is a two-year-old girl named Ellie, who has taught him more about leadership than any boardroom ever could.
This Father's Day, GC sits down with Sebastian Krack for a rare, honest conversation. Not about hospitality, but about heart. About the lessons he hopes to pass on, the rituals that hold his family together, and why he believes that true strength looks a lot like vulnerability.
Suit: Sebastian Krack's own
Watch: Piaget Polo Signature Date watch, 42 mm.
As a leader of a premier lifestyle hotel, you are constantly orchestrating experiences for others. How do you define "balance" as a modern father in a high-pressure industry, and what is the most important lesson you hope to teach your daughter, Ellie, about the value of work-life harmony?
Balance means being fully present wherever you are. When I am at the hotel, my focus is on supporting the team and creating memorable experiences. When I am at home, I try to be completely present for my wife and daughter. In hospitality, the reality is that there will always be busy periods, unexpected challenges, and long days, but I have learned that balance is not about dividing time equally. It is about giving your full attention to what matters in that moment.
The most important lesson I hope to teach Ellie is that success should never come at the expense of the people you love. I want her to see that ambition and family are not competing priorities. You can pursue your goals while still making time for the people who give your life meaning. At two years old, she is already teaching me how valuable presence is. Children don't measure how successful you are; they simply want your time and attention. For me, being a great father and husband is just as important as being a successful General Manager.
You began your journey by observing your uncle in his hotels in Germany, which sparked a lifelong passion for hospitality. As a father, what are the core traditions or values from your own upbringing that you are most intentional about passing down to the next generation
Growing up in Germany, I was fortunate to be surrounded by strong family values. One thing that stayed with me from an early age was the importance of humility and respect. Whether you are speaking to a CEO or someone setting up breakfast tables, everyone deserves the same level of kindness and appreciation.
I also learned the value of hard work by observing my uncle in his hotels. Hospitality is not a glamorous industry behind the scenes. It requires commitment, consistency, and care. Those are values I hope Ellie will carry with her. At the same time, I want her to remain curious about the world, to ask questions, and to always be open to learning from others.
Suit: Sebastian Krack's own
Watch: Piaget Polo Signature Date watch, 42 mm.
You have often noted that true hospitality is about understanding the person in front of you and responding with genuine care. How do you translate this "service-first" philosophy into your daily life at home with your family?
For me, hospitality has always been about understanding people. At work, that means recognising what a guest may need before they ask for it. At home, it is very similar. It is about paying attention, listening, and being present.
Sometimes hospitality at home is as simple as noticing when my wife needs support after a busy day, or making sure we spend quality time together as a family despite hectic schedules. The small gestures often matter the most. Hospitality is not a profession I switch on and off. It is really a way of caring for the people around you.
You describe yourself as a compassionate and resilient leader. In a world that often demands a "stiff upper lip" from men in corporate roles, how do you embrace vulnerability and emotional connection within your family life?
I think becoming a father has made me even more aware of the importance of vulnerability. In leadership positions, there can be pressure to always appear strong and have all the answers. But I have learned that authenticity creates stronger relationships than perfection ever could.
At home, I want Ellie to see that it is okay to express emotions and to ask for help when needed. Vulnerability is not weakness. It is honesty. Some of the strongest connections we build as human beings come from being open and genuine with one another. As a father, I hope to create an environment where she always feels safe to express herself.
Suit: Sebastian Krack's own
Watch: Piaget Polo Signature Date watch, 42 mm.
You have lived and worked across Beijing, Bangkok, Jakarta, and now Kuala Lumpur. How do you plan to nurture Ellie’s sense of adventure and global curiosity in an increasingly interconnected world?
One of the greatest gifts my career has given me is the opportunity to experience different cultures. Living in Beijing, Bangkok, Jakarta, and now Kuala Lumpur has taught me that there is always something new to learn if you remain curious.
At two years old, Ellie is naturally curious about everything around her, which is one of the joys of this stage of life. My role is simply to nurture that curiosity. Whether it's introducing her to different foods, taking her to explore a new neighbourhood, celebrating cultural traditions, or travelling together as a family, I want her to grow up seeing the world as something exciting rather than unfamiliar. My hope is that she develops an open mind, a respect for different perspectives, and the confidence to embrace new experiences wherever life takes her.
You mentioned that your favorite Sunday ritual is cooking a nice dinner for your family. Can you share a signature dish or a "Gentleman’s recipe" that represents the heart of your home?
Sunday dinner is something I genuinely look forward to. After a busy week, cooking becomes my way of slowing down and spending quality time with my family.
If I had to choose a signature dish, it would probably be a hearty roast with seasonal vegetables, something inspired by the comfort food I grew up with in Germany, but often influenced by flavours I have discovered across Asia. The recipe itself is not particularly complicated. The secret ingredient is simply bringing everyone together around the table.
For me, that is what a gentleman’s recipe should be: not just good food, but creating a moment where family can connect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
Suit: Sebastian Krack's own
Watch: Piaget Polo Signature Date watch, 42 mm.
You take great pride in mentoring your team and watching them grow into leaders. Beyond your professional achievements, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind for your daughter to inspire her own future path
Throughout my career, I have always taken pride in helping people grow. Seeing someone develop confidence, discover their potential, and go on to become a leader themselves is incredibly rewarding.
As a father, however, the legacy I hope to leave is much simpler. I hope Ellie remembers me as someone who was kind, curious, and genuinely cared about people. I want her to understand that success is not measured solely by titles or achievements, but by how you treat others and the positive impact you leave behind.
If she grows up with empathy, integrity, and the confidence to pursue what she loves, I would consider that my greatest achievement.
As the General Manager of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, you aim to craft experiences that connect guests to the heart of local discovery and adventure. How do you curate similar "discovery-led" experiences for Ellie to ensure she remains connected to the world around her, even amidst the fast-paced nature of your professional commitments?
One of the things I love most about Hyatt Centric is the idea of connecting people to the heart of a destination. Discovery creates memories, and I believe the same principle applies to family life.
At two years old, every day is an adventure for Ellie. Something as simple as discovering a new park or introducing her to new foods can become a meaningful experience through her eyes.
We try to expose her to the richness of the communities around us. Living in Kuala Lumpur provides wonderful opportunities to experience different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. Even small outings can spark curiosity and create lasting family memories.
Life can be busy, especially in hospitality, but I believe meaningful experiences do not always require grand plans. Sometimes the most memorable discoveries happen during a walk through the city, a conversation with someone new, or seeing the world through a child’s eyes. Those are the moments I hope to create with Ellie as she grows up.