Topic HR

News & Stories

Newcomer: Helen Princess of Oettingen-Wallerstein, Interior Designer 
Staying authentic, at home and in the hotel
5.9.2008

Fremdingen Country estates, hunting and holiday homes have up to now dominated her resume, only recently has she begun to venture into the world of hotels: Helen, Princess of Oettingen-Wallerstein from Fremdingen near Stuttgart, has created a representative interior for the Graeflicher Park Hotel & Spa in Bad Driburg. In Norway, she created one of the first boutique hotels and recently she's been awarded a further project for a German stately hotel. Her noble descent has opened many a door and with her individualist style, she's not only made friends. "I would like to de-stereotype," she exclaims, "as only hotels with unique characteristics will survive! Worldwide." Her focus, the authentic restoration of historic buildings, has moulded such thoughts, yet she's equally open to working on new buildings.

Study: coincidence and not talent is decisive for entering tourism industry
Discouraging working hours
5.9.2008

Alpbach. Austria's growing resort hotel business is complaining about the shortage of experts and assistants more than ever. An Austrian study shows impressively why the drive for the hotel business has been so low. A core message that applies not only to the Austrian hotel industry - which is characterised by medium-sized businesses - but also to all German-speaking countries: very often, the decision to take over a hotel or a restaurant occurs through coincidence, not talent.

Employer rankings stand high, only the hotel industry fails
"We all slept through it until now"
22.8.2008

Munich. The best, most popular and most attractive companies - employer rankings are meanwhile like coals in Newcastle. More and more companies are taking advantage of the ranking lists in the battle to attract the most talented employees. Only the hotel industry has failed to recognise the opportunity. All the same, hoteliers are advised to consider carefully what competition they enter.

Heads of Personell meet youngsters
15.8.2008

Dusseldorf. Getting to know new companies, finding potential new employers... And the other way round, hotel companies presenting themselves to potential employees. The career fairs organised by "Your Careergroup plc" have set dates in Dusseldorf.

Internet: Now employees can evaluate their employers as well
Severe words, helpless hotels
15.8.2008

Munich. After the introduction of hotel evaluations in the Internet, there are now platforms which enable employees to evaluate their employers anonymously. Hotels often do badly in this respect, and they are helpless in dealing with the partly severe evaluations. There are only a handful of companies like Accor that implement strategic tools for internal communication with employees. Lawyers of employers warn employees, while the Internet portals defend themselves against the accusation of being nothing other than a platform for the frustrated or a means of agitation.

Singapore is booming, just like the rest of Asia - Cornell on the staff
There is a shortage of staff, not managers
8.8.2008

Singapore. By 2015, the number of visitors to Singapore is expected to double to 17 million; the  income from tourism is expected to triple to 30 billion Singapore dollars and it is estimated that more than a quarter of a million people will be working in the tourism sector. But Singapore is only a small piece in the large Asian puzzle. According to the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management, China and India alone are in need of more than two million workers each in the hotel industry. In this challenging, dynamic environment, the first "ITB Asia" starts on October 22 and human resources will also be an issue for discussion. Judy Siguaw, Dean at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute, a branch of the renowned Cornell University in the US, has been observing the construction boom as well as the staff development in Asia.

Cornell offers a Master's degree for the hotel industry in Asia as well
Global studies: opportunity for Europeans too
8.8.2008

Singapore. Since 2006, the Cornell University has been offering a Master's course for the hotel industry as part of a joint venture with the Nanyang Business School in Singapore. The classes are still small, but due to the enormous growth in Asia, the course of study will become increasingly interesting for Americans and Europeans too. The new programme addresses employees who want to speed up their careers or aspire to change careers.

NEWCOMER: Markus Semer, 32, Kempinski Board Member
Reto`s translator
25.7.2008

Geneva. Young, dynamic, successful - this zippy cliché is simply unavoidable in the face of the flowing blazer of this 1.94-metre tall and slim man approaching the coffee table in the lobby of the Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Munich. Markus Semer has arrived. Or better: he is present, apparent, and perceptible. In the polished-up lobby of the grand hotel, he clarifies what Kempinski does not want to be like in future: slow and antiquated. On May 1, 2008, at the age of 31, he advanced to Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs & Strategic Planning in the Managing Board of Directors of Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. Chairman Reto Witwer will celebrate his 60th birthday this year, and Semer could be his son. The unspoken question behind this statement makes Markus Semer roll his eyes reluctantly, but he smartly answers: "You can view it like that: two generations sitting at one table!" A newcomer chats about himself, the industry, Kempinski and strategies.

Majority on call on holiday
25.7.2008

Eschborn. A worldwide survey of almost 12,000 participants conducted by an online career portal has revealed that almost two thirds of all employees can also be reached by colleagues or customers whilst on holiday. Above all the Spanish and the French are real workaholics.

Summer courses for Hospitality Real Estate Management
16.5.2008

Bad Honnef/Bonn. With twelve students, the first "Hospitality Real Estate Professional" study course has been launched at the International University of Applied Sciences in Bad Honnef near Bonn. This summer's course, hold in English language will already welcome students from Asia and Eastern Europe. The course, which will conclude with a certificate, is unique in German speaking Europe.

VIP News

Change at all levels

HI+Change at all levels

Augsburg. Radisson CEO Federic Gonzalez is said to run the Minnesota headquarters now in addition to his current job. As already reported, Accor has now confirmed Marc Dardenne as COO for the group's luxury brands in Europe. Michael Nöske is hotel director of the IntercityHotel Hamburg-Altona. And Stephan Hein replaces the opening director at Lulu Guldsmeden in Berlin.

Big names, big changes

HI+Big names, big changes

Augsburg. Six Senses President Bernhard Bohnenberger leaves the company after 28 years. Kempinski CFO Michael Pracht is now officially confirmed. Hennig Matthiesen takes over Brenners Park in Baden-Baden, Frank Marrenbach concentrates on the Oetker Collection. Prermier Inn continues to expand in Germany, now with a new director for M&A, Khadija Brémont. Eike Clausen has been promoted to GM of the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba on the Red Sea, in the Schweizerhof Bern Maximilian von Reden takes the lead. Nils Arnold dares to make the leap from Bad Neuenahr to the IntercityHotel Riad Malaz. And Horwath HTL Germany reorganizes its management.

Developers, Investors and Managers

HI+Developers, Investors and Managers

Wiesbaden. Burak Ünver changes from Titanic Gendarmenmarkt Berlin as Managing Director to Smartments business. Mario Schyma joins Staycity's development team, and Kay Strobl is now Asset Manager Hotel at Deka. Mario von Hoesslin becomes new Operations Director Germany at Groupe Pierre et Vacances Center Parcs. New GMs include Sascha Rosski at the Pentahotel at Paris Airport, Mark Hussler at the Hilton Munich Airport and Daniel Halbersatter at the Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront.

hospitalityABC: What is "Call-in allotment"?

HI+hospitalityABC: What is "Call-in allotment"?

Heilbronn. In today's edition, hospitalityABC addresses the term "Call-in allotment". Explained by Dr Christian Buer, Professor for International Management, Hospitality Real Estate & Development at Heilbronn University, which develops the weekly terms for hospitalityInside.com as part of a cooperation.

New appointments everywhere

HI+New appointments everywhere

Wiesbaden. Kerzner International has filled two new management positions with COO Philippe Zuber and CCO Brett Armitage. At RIMC Kurt Weber has been appointed COO for the international hotels, at NinetyNine Hotels Lorenz Mauer was named Director of Operations. Eike Clausen is GM of the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba. Fleming's Hotels will soon have a VP Commercial with Dirk Lobowsky and announced new GMs in Frankfurt. Martin Ott has moved from Facebook to WeWork. And at GBI there were various changes in the supervisory board and board of directors.

New areas of responsibility

HI+New areas of responsibility

Wiesbaden. Michael Pracht is said to become the new CFO at Kempinski. Richard Wiegmann leaves Sabre. Peter de Bondt becomes General Manager of the Grand Swiss-Belresort Seef in Bahrain. At Steigenberger, Alexander Skibbe took over the management of the hotel in Bremen and Guntram Weipert became GM of the Grandhotel Handelshof in Leipzig. Oliver Staas is now GM at Radisson Blu Berlin, Roland Becker Director at Travel Charme Kurhaus Binz and Markus Daurer-Zeman Cluster F&B Manager at Victor's Residenz Hotels. Roman Tkaczenko joins the Engel & Völkers Hotel Consulting team.

What does the lodging industry look like in 2030?

HI+What does the lodging industry look like in 2030?

The Hague. Where will the lodging industry be in 2030, in which ways will technology and digitalization replace services practiced by human beings and hospitality experience? A symposium found answers to important questions.

New Management and Supervisory Board positions

HI+New Management and Supervisory Board positions

Wiesbaden. Christian Landais has moved from Accor to AHC as CEO, Bart Beerkens from GHC to Plateno as Managing Director. At Choice, Megan Brumagim, five managers will take on new VP positions. Holger König becomes GM of The Diaoyutai Mansion Frankfurt and AntonioCatalán resigns from Belagua. Dirk Iserlohe is now Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Dorint and Carsten Rath the chair of the Advisory Committee of 12.18. Michel Rochart is now Chairman of the Board of Directors of EHL Advisory Services.

New minds, also for sustainability

HI+New minds, also for sustainability

Augsburg. Scandic has a new manager who is responsible both for HR and Sustainability. Commerz Real has also appointed a Head of Sustainability. Marc K. Thiel is now Chief Transaction Officer at Gerchgroup. Azimut welcomes a new Commercial Director for Europe. After the arcona Hotels acquisition, Vienna House extends its sales team for Germany. Hard Rock Hotel Davos also hired a new Sales & Marketing Director. The budget group Cocoon hired a new Junior Development Manager and b'mine has chosen a Hotel Manager for its first hotel.

Personnel changes in the middle of the year

HI+Personnel changes in the middle of the year

Wiesbaden. NH has a new Business Development Director for Italy, Dorint appointed a Director Digital Distribution. Mathieu van Alphen is now Area General Manager for IHG's Dubai Festival City Hotels. Chantel Moore will lead the 25hours Hotel in Dubai, Patrick Mattick is the new "Soul Manager" there. New General Managers have been appointed for Four Seasons Milan, Como Hotels' Castello del Nero and Hotel Posta Marcucci. Mandarin Oriental Macau is now managed by Christian Dolenc. The Agate Comfort in Mannheim/Hockenheim hired a new director and at Union Investment Thorsten Purkus is now in charge of the Asset Management Hospitality International team.

Personnel announcements: Mark Pearce deceased

HI+Personnel announcements: Mark Pearce deceased

Augsburg. Mark Pearce, Senior Vice President International Division of Choice Hotels died completely unexpectedly last Friday. After 25 years with the company, he leaves a huge gap behind as a person and executive. The German resort hotel group Travel Charme is expanding its management team with well-known minds. René Schappner moves from IHG to Colliers, where he succeeds Andreas Erben in January. Following the merger of GS Star and Rilano, Holger Behrens, the previous Rilano managing director, becomes managing director of the associated holding company Gorgeous Smiling Hotels. IntercityHotel welcomes four new directors. There are also young and new managers at Victor's Residenz-Hotels.

Careers from all over the world

HI+Careers from all over the world

Wiesbaden. John Davidson was appointed President and CEO of Four Seasons and Anton Tardif COO of the Karma Group in Europe. Federico Versari is the new GM of Helvetia & Bristol Firenze Starhotels Collezione and Niclas Corbach Regional General Manager Munich at Gorgeous Smiling Hotels. On 1 June, Norbert Kunz will take over as Managing Director of the German Tourism Association.

New minds from other industries

HI+New minds from other industries

Augsburg. Accor's current COO Europe Luxe has a new name from September: Marc Dardenne. Avani Hotels get their VP Operations from the new sister company NH. Radisson's long-term CFO Knut Kleiven hands over to Sergio Amodeo, a software specialist. IHG hires Joanna Kurowska as Director Operations Luxury & Managed Hotels for Northern Europe. Premier Inn Investment continues to increase its staff in Germany – this time with a Development Director and Managing Director. Dormeo has formed a new supervisory board. The new Director in the Best Western Wiesbaden is called Joachim Freche. And Union Investment hires a senior investment manager for its hospitality sector.

Expertise in demand

HI+Expertise in demand

Augsburg. Zoku's new COO Jens Gmiat comes from Ruby Hotels. Andreas Meier moves from Zurich to Andermatt, but stays with Radisson. The Arcotel Kaiserwasser Wien is bringing in a new Vienna expert, and Steigenberger manager Ilgo Hagen Höhn has just joined Vienna House. At the EHL in Lausanne, the new COO Maxime Medina will also support CEO Michel Rochat.

More growth, more brains

HI+More growth, more brains

Augsburg. Deutsche Hospitality hired a new VIP Group Sales, Achat Hotels hired an operation manager. Prince of Hessen expands the hotel part with a sales director. The Best Western hotel Hohenzollern in Osnabrck and the Novotel Erlangen set far on heads from the own rows.

New engagement or retrieval

HI+New engagement or retrieval

Augsburg. Althoff Hotels is getting a CFO from a DIY store chain, Dorint's parent company Honestis is hiring a hotel professional for Human Resources, the Atlantic Hotel in Kiel welcomes a man from the group's own ranks, and the Berlin hostel chain a&o has brought back a young talent.

New structures, new minds

HI+New structures, new minds

Wiesbaden. Olivier Harnisch is no longer the CEO of Emaar Hospitality in Dubai; he has left the company. Alper Can Bulcum is now General Manager of the San Clemente Palace Kempinski in Venice, and Oliver Gerber is General Manager of the new Campell Gray Alex in Zurich. Sandro Bohrmann and Tina Groth-Müller have assumed management positions at the Hessische Hausstiftung. Nico Nusmeier succeeds Klaus Naeve as Chairman of the Management Board at Schörghuber Group Munich, and Stefanie Salwender was appointed Director Consulting at Treugast.

Spring brings many changes

HI+Spring brings many changes

Wiesbaden. COO Aurelio Vázquez leaves Iberostar. Katie Fallon from Hilton becomes deputy chairman of the board at ITP. Boris Simm is a member of Ruby's Executive Board now. Jörg Herrmann became CEO of Holiday Home and Joelle Edwards-Tongs SVP Marketing, Sales and Communications at the Oetker Collection. The HR Group is restructuring its commercial department. Mathias Schotten and Andrea Latzel are now with Premier Inn. Kai Behrens heads Kempinski Istrien and Thies C. Bruhns becomes GM at the Grand Hotel Heiligendamm. Christoph Schmidinger becomes GM in the Four Seasons Madrid and Thomas Gretenkord joins the DFV. Steigenberger appoints six new managers for the Egyptian hotels. There are also personal details of the associations.

New COOs, Creatives and GMs

HI+New COOs, Creatives and GMs

Augsburg. The new COO of Six Senses Hotels has experience at InterContinental and Regent. Welcome Hotels in Germany also welcome a new COO. At the same time, TUI's Nordic specialist also takes on the new role as Chief Creative Officer. B&B Hotels hires an e-commerce and revenue management specialist. Besides there is director change in two Intercity Hotels and the Achat Premium in Dortmund/Bochum is pleased about its new "old" director.

One construction director and three GMs

HI+One construction director and three GMs

Augsburg. In view of 35 projects in the pipeline, Premier Inn Germany has appointed a construction director. In the two 25hours Hotels in Zurich, Andri Bodmer will take over from Anita Vogler. In Hilton's Curio Collection Hotel, the Aleph Rome, an Italian luxury hotel takes over. And Steigenberger Munich hires a city connoisseur from the Arabella/Starwood Group.

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