Throughout its history, Hornell Hall has had eight Wardens. The first Wardenship was taken up by Dr. Bernard Mellor (1953-1956). Dr. Mellor was a graduate of The University of Oxford. He went on to become an esteemed and long-serving Registrar at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), having spearheaded numerous educational initiatives at the university and throughout Asia. His textbook, entitled The University of Hong Kong: an Informal History, remains a seminal literary achievement. His interest in education, letters and adventure throughout Asia became a passion, having at one time pursued projects alongside Peter Fleming, who was an eminent travel writer and brother of Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond). For Dr. Mellor’s many accomplishments, he was appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Following Dr. Mellor’s tenure, the Wardenship was taken up by Professor Sydney George Davis (1956-1967), a famed geologist, who was also appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Following, Dr. Samuel Ping-Wai Wong (1967-1973) became Warden and ushered in a different chapter of Hornell’s history. Afterwards, Professor Ching Fai Ng  (1973-1975, 1977-1979, 1980-1981, 1983-1986) was appointed Warden of Hornell Hall. Professor Ng was a chemist who became Dean of the Faculty of Science, President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University as well as President of United International College. He was a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and served as a member of the National People’s Congress of China. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) order by the Hong Kong government. The subsequent Warden was Dr. Stephen Choi Lai Chan (1975-1977, 1979-1980, 1981-1983, 1986-2002). Dr. Chan helped usher in a new era of the hall by further unifying students and promoting educational and cultural outlets, in particular in establishing Hornell Hall as a key player in drama/theatrical events. His undying devotion to the hall and student affairs continues to resonate to this day. Following the tenure by Dr. Chan, Dr. John Ming-Gon Lian (2002-2008) was appointed as the next Warden. Dr. Lian served as the Director of the Centre for Advancement in Special Education (CASE) at HKU and further promoted hall culture and education. Between the years of 2008-2013, Dr. Pui-Tak Lee was appointed Warden of Hornell Hall. Dr. Lee is a well-known and respected historian and business specialist, in particular of matters involving Asia. Throughout Dr. Lee’s tenure, the hall witnessed a resurgence of members, re-connection with alumni, the development of the first Hornell Hall Study Tour, and the celebration of the hall’s 60th anniversary.

Currently, the Warden of Hornell Hall is Dr. Dino Samartzis, a clinical evidence-based health-care epidemiologist focusing on spine degeneration and pain, spinal disorders and personalized medicine.