Food_amp_amp_Travel_Arabia_Vol3_I7_I8_2016_vk_com_ENGLISHMAGAZINES

THE INTERVIEW
ANDREAS MATTMÜLLER
Previous page:
Mövenpick Hotel Ibn
Battuta Gate Dubai.
This page: Left to
right: Mövenpick
Hotel Al Khobar;
Mövenpick Hotel
Riyadh
Since Andreas Mattmüller joined Mövenpick Hotels in 2001
the chain has grown from a mere handful of hotels in the
region to more than 30 today with the burgeoning growth
of new openings in Asia too. So it comes as no surprise that he is
both determined and passionate about his high-octane role whilst
recognising the importance of teamwork in this most demanding
of service driven industries; where the need to consistently deliver
to the highest standards is a daily expectation.
With a degree in hotel management from the renowned Swiss
Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, and experience working at senior
levels for prestigious hotels in 15 countries across five continents
Mattmüller has a wealth of experience to share:
How did you fall upon a career in hospitality?
I was first introduced to the industry at a very early age and was
quickly captivated by it. I would even say that I knew at 15 years
old that working in the hospitality industry was what I wanted
to do. Since then, my career has included working for such
prestigious groups as Mandarin Oriental, Le Méridien & of course
Mövenpick to name just a few.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from
it?
The first job I ever had was as an intern in my uncle’s hotel in
Switzerland, and I was lucky enough to work across all the
departments, obtaining practical knowledge and a grounded
understanding of the business. It sparked my passion for the
hospitality industry and made me appreciate the importance of
having experience in many departments. An hotelier must know
every facet of the industry, especially if you want to become a
strong leader.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your
career?
The biggest achievement has been with Mövenpick Hotels &
Resorts, which I joined in 2001 with a mission to build the brand
here in the Middle East. Back then, our portfolio in the Middle East
included our existing hotels in Egypt, where our regional office was
based, and four hotels in Jordan. Our mission was to expand the
brand regionally and ultimately in Asia – and it is rewarding to see
us deliver on those objectives. Today, we manage 30 hotels in the
Middle East with more than 12 key projects under development. I
set out in this role with Mövenpick to build the brand and grow the
company in conjunction with our highly professional team … are
elements I really enjoy.
In what ways has the hospitality industry changed &
developed since you started?
The digital world has made a significant impact, from the way
guests choose and book their accommodation, to the influence
of social media, consumer-generated content and technological
in-room features. Brand websites and OTAs are main generators
of bookings, a development that has changed the traditional
commercial environment.
Good technology in the hospitality industry is now fundamental,
because our guests are used to having this in their own homes.
As hoteliers, we need to match and exceed guest expectations
with the technology we offer, whilst still keeping things functional,
simple and easy to use. We endeavour to customise our
technology services, so they deliver real value to our guests.
What led you to join Mövenpick hotels? And what has
kept you there for so many years?
I joined Mövenpick 2001 with the goal to build the brand in the
region, which in itself posed a great challenge and one that I
looked forward to undertaking. I have grown with the brand over
these years and have fully enjoyed the journey that it has taken
me on.
Mövenpick hotels have expanded considerably in the
Middle East. What is the secret to your success?
One of our key distinctions is our brand promise of “Natural
Enjoyment”, which is about delivering a relaxed, uncomplicated
experience that makes our guests happy. This allows our guests
to be themselves, have fun and feel completely at ease, with
service elements that bring a smile to people’s faces. We aim to
go the extra mile for our guests. … We place a lot of emphasis on
guest recognition and on providing personalised and customised
services to our guests on a property level.
Hard work is important but what do you like doing in
your spare time?
As I travel a lot throughout the year, I enjoy spending time
and relaxing at home with my family, either in Dubai or in
Queensland along Australia’s Gold Coast. I normally try to
unwind by skiing or playing golf when I am afforded the time,
but I am fortunate enough to be the type of person who can
easily unwind in any environment. I do love being somewhere
natural, though.
How do you create a good work-life balance?
I have always found that the best way to have a good work-life
balance is to ensure that you are strict on time allocation – be sure
to make time for family, friends and yourself, and stick with it. The
hospitality industry is one that never sleeps, and there is one thing
I learned throughout the years – there will always be work to do.
Make sure that you stick to the time that you have granted
yourself off to meet with friends, or go out with your family. It is
important to not always be in work mode, although I check emails
every single day.
You often say “A plan is only as good as its
implementation”. What is the story behind this?
This is an idea that I hold very close to my own heart and how I
work. You can have a lot of good ideas and plans in your life, but
the only time you will be able to see any added value from them
is once they are implemented and when the results start to show.
Planning and execution is paramount to achieving positive results.
www.movenpick.com
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FOOD & TRAVEL ARABIA