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The great thing about my job is… Getting the opportunity to work in different countries around the world, meeting amazing people and experiencing different cultures on the way. In the past 17 years with Hilton Worldwide I have lived and worked in seven different countries, which has been a great experience.
The challenge for the industry is… Sourcing new talent and finding passionate hoteliers. Hospitality is still all about the service delivery and we require people who are keen to go the extra mile for our guests.
My greatest achievement is… Combining a career, travelling the world and having a happy family.
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be… The cruise-liners moving from Princes Wharf to Queen’s Wharf and the opportunity to increase meetings, conferences and events held at Hilton Auckland next summer.
I try to relax by… Playing golf and going for a run. I also enjoy a good glass of wine on the weekends.
I don’t understand why…In soccer they still have not learned from rugby, cricket and many other sports to use a video umpire for making certain decisions in the game.
Currently the album playing on my iPod is… Doe Maar, Live concert – This is a famous Dutch band I listened to when I was a teenager. They came together again very recently and recorded an amazing live concert.
My favourite venue is… The Amsterdam Arena. It’s the soccer ground of my favourite team, Ajax Amsterdam.
I am scared to death of… Cobras! I recently found a dead 2m cobra in my backyard in India. There was nothing beautiful about that.
I can’t live without… My family: my wife Nathalie and my two children, Yorick and Marit.
Blackberry or iPhone… iPhone because of the apps. However, I find the Blackberry very handy for emails.
I really wish I had…A boat. From my office in Hilton Auckland I see the beautiful harbour every day so I am inspired to get a boat. I also wish The Netherlands was a bit closer to New Zealand.
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be… My friends from The Netherlands. I would be delighted to show them the best of New Zealand hospitality, cuisine and wine.
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