Lessons in Leadership: 6 Inspiring Hotel GM Success Stories
Mikael Svensson, GM of Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai
1. Focus and Refocus: Pre-Opening Excellence
Mikael Svensson, GM of Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai
Mikael Svensson credits his success to rigorous planning and milestone-driven focus in the year before launch. He managed recruitment of over 1,000 candidates, sourcing of furniture, fixtures & equipment, and coordinated a multi-outlet opening—all while maintaining attention to every detail. His advice: “Establish clear milestones and meet them on time; every detail sets the tone for a new operation.”
Ulisses Marreiros, GM of Belmond La Residencia (Deià, Mallorca)
2. Dreaming In Deià: Boutique Patience
Ulisses Marreiros, GM of Belmond La Residencia (Deià, Mallorca)
At this 68-room boutique retreat beloved by artists and celebrities, Marreiros emphasizes a “tailor-made” service philosophy. He navigates seasonal staffing challenges by balancing recruitment in the off-season—maintenance, refurbishments, training—demonstrating flexibility and creative resourcing. His top tips: “Have patience, question everything, and remain adaptable.”
Holger Schroth, GM of Emirates Palace by Kempinski (Abu Dhabi)
3. Dare to Dream: Managing Scale
Holger Schroth, GM of Emirates Palace by Kempinski (Abu Dhabi)
Schroth oversees 1,400 staff of 62 nationalities at a 1,000,000 m² palace featuring 1,204 Swarovski chandeliers. He attributes success to two core rules: “Treat people how you want to be treated” and “Keep your promises.” Delegation is key; he encourages mobility in one’s career to gain global perspectives and resilience.
Nicolas Béliard, GM of The Peninsula Paris
4. A Human Adventure: People-First Growth
Nicolas Béliard, GM of The Peninsula Paris
For the 200-room Paris debut, Béliard found the real reward in the “human adventure” of hiring and training staff. With 18 years across nine properties and four openings, he climbed the ranks through steady passion. His counsel for newcomers: “Don’t fixate on the top—enjoy each step, take pride in your work, and success will follow.”
Eric Favre, GM of The Alpina (Gstaad)
5. It’s a Lifestyle, Not a Job
Eric Favre, GM of The Alpina (Gstaad)
Favre’s 35-year career shows that hospitality transcends tasks—it’s a way of life. “Be flexible, invest yourself fully, and never say no to an opportunity,” he advises. His holistic approach blends personal commitment with operational excellence at one of the world’s most exclusive mountain resorts.
Alain Kropf, GM of Royal Savoy (Lausanne)
6. Pardon Our Dust: The Pre-Opening “Human Venture”
Alain Kropf, GM of Royal Savoy (Lausanne)
Leading a hotel from blueprint to opening is a true “human venture,” Kropf explains. He credits team collaboration, shared responsibility, and transparent communication as pillars that carry a pre-opening project through inevitable challenges
“In hospitality, true leadership is measured not by the grandeur of the establishment, but by the genuine warmth and memorable experiences we create for every guest.”
Leave a Reply