Biographies of the Principals

Thomas Connelly, Managing Director
Old Burma Tour & Trading Company

My own fascination with Burma, now known as Myanmar, began with a corporate gathering in Hong Kong. I had never been to Asia. When the last agenda item was checked off and my partners dispersed to our offices around the world, I was intent upon exploring this magical part of the world.

I had been captivated by mystical images of the Irrawaddy River in a recent film. Was it possible to visit Myanmar? To sail down that legendary river? What followed changed my life forever. Extraordinary days filled with breathtaking images of golden Buddhas, temples adorned in ruby and sapphire, the intoxicating scents of gardenia and incense, and the warmest welcome in the world. Suddenly, my life was forever changed, and the idea for Old Burma Tour & Trading was born.

Prior to forming Old Burma Tour & Trading, I spent twenty years in the executive search profession, most recently as a Managing Director/partner with Korn/Ferry International, the leading global executive search firm. My area of specialization was the global travel, tourism, and hospitality sector.

San Myint Zaw, Director of Marketing and Operations
Old Burma Tour & Trading Company

Today my guide from that first of many trips is my partner in this wonderful adventure we call Old Burma Tour & Trading. San Myint Zaw was born near Moulmein, an old merchant port in the southern part of the country. It was here that Rudyard Kipling was inspired to write his famous poem Mandalay.

San Zaw graduated with a degree in International Relations from the University of Yangon. Prior to launching Old Burma Tour & Trading, he served as a private tour guide and coordinator for several other tour companies in Myanmar, and knows the operations side inside out. He and the members of our team have extensive experience hosting groups and individuals on in-depth tours, sharing their love and knowledge of their native country with visitors from around the world.

As Managing Director of Old Bagan Travel & Tour Company, Ltd., our in-country operating company, San Zaw is responsible for the day to day operations of the business within the borders of Myanmar, manages the office in Yangon, recruits and trains the staff and tour guides. He also serves as a private guide for VIP guests of the company.