1. You have worked in Europe, Africa and just arrived in Asia. Can you tell us more about your experience?

I have been fortunate to have worked in a few different locations and destinations, such as the Michigan USA, London England, and Basel Switzerland. My first taste of working in hotels started back when I was 16 years old, working in a 5 star hotel just outside of Cape Town, South Africa. I worked as a Concierge Assistant, which mainly comprised of delivering of newspapers to guest rooms, assisting guests with all their luggage to and from their room as well as giving information of the local area (where to go out, restaurants to try and beaches to enjoy). It was a great experience to see how the heart-beat of the hotel pumped, and after working there for 6 weeks over our Christmas vacation, I was hooked. After graduating from high school in Cape Town, I attended the Three Cities International Hotel School in Johannesburg. This gave me my grounding for the hotel business in general, which has taken me on quite a journey. I moved to London in 2000, working in Sales and Marketing for various hotel organisations, finally joining Swissotel Hotels and Resorts (part of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International), at the Swissotel, The Howard. Unfortunately due to redevelopment of the area that we were located – right on the bank of the River Thames – the hotel was forced to close, and to be redeveloped into Luxury Apartments. Swissotel then moved me and my family to the home of Swissotel – Switzerland – to be based at the Swissotel Le Plaza in Basel. After a short placement in Basel, I was offered the opportunity to move to Shanghai to the Swissotel GRAND, of which I of course took.
My background in Sales and Marketing has covered all market segments, with a strong focus on Corporate, Consortia and MICE business, through strategic business development.

2. What are your first impressions about Asia?

Having now been living in Shanghai for 4 months, I have had a chance now to be able to get out and about, taking in the sights and sounds of this extremely vibrant and exciting city. Asia was one of the destinations I had always wanted to work in – and explore – and now I have that chance. The people are friendly, the food amazing and the city always has something to offer you – no matter what time of the day or night. I look forward to exploring more of Shanghai as well as China, as its such a huge country with much diversity. I have been down to Foshan in the Guangdong Province which was great, and have future plans both within China as well as other parts of Asia.

3. Can you introduce Swissôtel and Jingan Temple as a meeting destination?

Swissôtel Grand Shanghai is located at the heart of this leading business district, and just a short walk from Shanghai Exhibition Center and the well-known West Nanjing Road, famous for its shopping and other attractions. We also have the clear advantage of the 2 Metro stations below us and the Shanghai City Terminal next door, with Jing ‘An Temple and the beautiful Jing ‘An Park also close by. So all this contributes greatly to Swissôtel Grand Shanghai being able to offer such a desirable and convenient location for meeting planners to hold a successful event here and meet every need to both business and leisure travelers.

4. What are your hotel ongoing plans for this year?

We will continue to reinforce our services and products to meet today’s sophisticated guests, and to be listed as preferred hotel for domestic and oversea MICE planners. You see, here at the hotel we spend a lot of time and effort in service training. What differentiates hotels from hotels is in essence the service. Yes room decoration will vary and location will vary too, but service is one key ingredient that will make a guests experience that much better – whether it is a meeting, conference, group or individual. And it’s key to get service right in this extremely competitive hotel market.

5. What is your favorite place in Shanghai?

Well I have to say that Xintiandi is one of my favorite places to explore. There are some great little eateries there and the atmosphere is great. I also enjoy exploring the Fabric Markets. Having clothes and suits made is a real novelty for me, and enjoy the environment that its all set in.

6. What is your career best memory?

Working in hotels you get to meet a lot of well-recognized people and I have had the pleasure in meeting pop-stars, actors and world leaders. But to be honest, my best career memory is everything to date. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively for work, see and experience some amazing cities around the world, made some incredible friends and contacts along the way, and it’s the friends you make and the experiences you have that makes this job and industry as exciting as it is.