Hilton names new VP operations Egypt and Levant

Hilton Worldwide’s new vice president of operations Egypt and Levant, Christian Grage, talks to Hotelier about his new role and why the hospitality industry is the place to work.

Please outline your background – where did your career begin, type of positions you have held.

My background spans more than 25 years of experience in all fields of hospitality from the kitchen to area operations. I began with a cook apprenticeship from 1985 – 1987 at the Mövenpick Hotel Handelshof, Essen, Germany. I then began the hotel management training there and was assigned during the tenure as night manager. In addition, I worked as chief steward for six months, purchasing manager for about eight months and as banquet supervisor for a further six months. From here I worked in a variety of positions in hotel across the world — from Saudi Arabia to China and the Czech Republic, before rejoining Mövenpick in 2008, finally taking up my current position this year.

What are your immediate and long term plans in your new role?

In my new role, I will oversee operations at the 16 hotels currently operating under our brands and the eight hotels which are under development in Egypt and Levant to drive both quality and service. At the same time, I will also focus on powering the development and growth strategy for Hilton Worldwide in the region. Achieving maximum returns for owners and investors, understanding their requirements, and searching for investment opportunities and new management contracts to further grow the Hilton Worldwide Portfolio in the region are also among my most important targets and future plans.

What do you hope to achieve in this role?

It is not a hope as much as an objective and target to build on the great accomplishments already made within the region as we grow and develop our business in the years to come. Hilton’s name in Egypt and the region has credibility, experience and a sincere heritage, and my role will ensure we maintain such growing credibility and even exceed it.

Do you envisage any particular challenges in this position?

First let me confirm that being an experienced and knowledgeable of the market is a tremendous asset to my new role. I understand the market requirements, and the investors’ needs and expectations. There are great challenges and promising growth opportunities for our company in Egypt and Levant and I will do my best with our team, business partners, owners and new investors in the region to maintain our number one brand ranking.
My role is to ensure we not only maintain, but also continually improve this reputation, which is a big challenge that I aim to attain. I couldn’t have asked for a better starting point with the leading hotel brand, so we’re in a great position to develop this and our other brands across the region while reaching new heights in terms of service, hospitality and quality.

What is it about the hospitality industry that you enjoy?

Hospitality careers present the most energising, inspiring, and challenging options and opportunities. I feel that service is an art that needs to be learnt like anything else; in my eyes you are not a waiter, for instance, but a hospitality ambassador. Providing hospitality creates a level of satisfaction; each day in the industry presents exciting challenges unlike those of any other day because of the mobility of guests, the diverse population we deal with, and a change in guests' tastes. Hospitality is about how one enjoys, and cares about people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and social agendas. It is a people serving people business in an atmosphere of ambiance, care, and excited employees who smile and are genuinely interested in serving guests.

How is business in this industry following the downturn – have you had to be more innovative?

Ensuring our hotels are in keeping with our global brand standards is a priority for us here, especially after the downturn. We welcome industry innovations and strive to remain one step ahead of the competition, whilst also meeting and exceeding guest expectations. We must also ensure that we use the most influential strategies to entice special guests to our hotels being consistent, hassle–free, and personalised with inspirational services and facilities.

What is it about this particular brand that made you accept the role?

Being selected for this position is a big honor for me. I am proud that the company has entrusted me with this responsibility and I consider that the decision was based upon my long experience in tourism and the hospitality industry not only in Egypt but internationally as well. I believe that Hilton Worldwide is known in equal measures for its focus on the guest and its drive for growth, which is why I chose to join the company. I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute actively to the company’s development.