The great thing about my job is… Having the opportunity to work at stunning hotels in amazing locations with a diverse group of people from multiple backgrounds.
The challenge for industry is… Ensuring consistency in providing top level service to all of our guests; 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. Accommodation providers need to be increasingly flexible, as they work towards meeting the ever-changing needs of their guests and ensuring quality of life. No two guests are the same so it is important to provide a bespoke experience which starts from the reservation or initial enquiry to final departure.
My greatest achievement is… Having built a career for myself in an industry which allows me to relish my love of travel and give something really special back to my kids as we experience multiple different environments. Given the multicultural nature of my family; with me being German, my wife Russian and our kids born in Turkey, being offered the position of GM for Swissotel Sydney has allowed us to expand our cultural portfolio even further!
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be… An increased consciousness around the importance of wellbeing. As people become more eager to maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst travelling, event organisers will be on the lookout for venues that provide what their delegates and clients are looking for. This concept is the basis behind our Vitality conferencing package where the menu has been designed to follow the 20/55/25 rule, 20% protein, 55% carbohydrates and 25% fat, otherwise known as the ideal athlete’s diet. Starting off with a booster in the morning and ending with a sugar hit in the afternoon, each break has been tailored to a specific time of day in order to enhance mental capabilities, motivate participants, magnify memory and defuse stress.
I try to relax by… Discovering new places whilst spending time with my family.
I don’t understand why… People can be so hesitant to explore their own cities; particularly when there are always new and exciting places opening up. I’d recommend more locals engage in fun staycations!
Currently the album playing on my iPod is… I have quite an eclectic taste in music, so it is a mixture of everything from the German rock band Herbert Grönemeyer to the current top 40 hits.
My favourite venue is… One where there is a great atmosphere, good quality food and an exceptional wine list mixed with local character.
I am scared to death of… Sharks!
I can’t live without… Mt wife, my kids, and ice cream! At the moment, salted coconut with mango salsa is my favourite.
Blackberry or iPhone… iPhone. I have been well and truly bitten by the apple bug.
I really wish I had… More time to travel and tick more destinations off my bucket list.
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be… Steve Jobs, The Queen, Heston Blumenthal, Michael Schumacher
