May's new recruit: Rosewood KSA vice president

The new regional vice president for Rosewood Hotels in KSA, and managing director of Al Faisaliah and Al Khozama Hotels, Erich Steinbock, shares his goals and visions in his role

Why did you decide to begin a career in the hospitality industry?
At 15 years old I began my career as a waiter apprentice in Vienna. My father wanted me to take on a cook apprenticeship, but I preferred the waiter’s position. They were making tips and had more girls in class.

But then I fell in love with the industry from day one. It opened a whole new world for me — I discovered the potential for travel and adventure, and the pleasure of providing genuine care for guests. I became proud to be a service professional. While I also enjoy being taken care of in hotels and restaurants, I get even more pleasure from serving.

Where have you been since?
After graduating from the apprenticeship I left Austria to work in Switzerland, France, Bermuda and the US. While I travelled halfway across the globe, I climbed the ladder throughout the hotels.

Six years later I had my first manager’s job as a restaurant manager in Stowe, Vermont, US. In 1984 I landed my first hotel GM job at the five-star Westgate Hotel in San Diego, California. I developed relationships with some of the leading Ritz-Carlton hoteliers and eventually joined them at their magnificent Laguna Niguel property in Southern California.

Our business had become more complex and it was critical to get more education. I left Ritz-Carlton and became a sales director at a Viennese beer brewery while going to school to graduate with an MBA. Five years later I returned to the US as the VP of F&B at Mirage Resorts and became involved in the opening of the highly successful monster operation Bellagio.

I was asked to re-join Ritz-Carlton in 1999. After almost five years of happily surviving the stress of being placed in the head office as vice president of F&B, I returned to the hotels as the general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Missouri.

This hotel is owned by a company that used to own The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, where I was asked if I was interested in the open position as managing director. It did not take me long to decide. I soon moved to Bermuda to oversee the operation of Tucker’s Point, and last November the president of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts asked me if I was interested in taking on my present position.

What made you join Rosewood, and why have you stayed?
There are few ultra luxury operators whose focus is on hotels. Others are very good but for economic reasons, associated real estate transactions have changed their priorities. Some of them build hotels in order to sell condominiums, time shares, homes, etc.

Rosewood Hotels and Resorts is different; our vision is to fulfil the dreams of our guests, employees and owners. Our business is to operate ultra luxury hotels in the most desirable locations in the world. And I really do like to provide the care that is expected in such hotels.

Why have you decided to move to the Middle East?
It is my first appointment in the Middle East — however, I have travelled here several times on sales trips and was part of the opening team at two hotels. I came because the opportunity to be part of something great attracts me. If I can help, I am happy.

How do challenges differ between the Middle East and US?
While there may be some different technical challenges, guests and employees share the same needs everywhere I have worked. The feeling of being welcomed, receiving genuine care and being respected — if we can achieve these feelings for those around us, we can make the world a better place and keep growing sustainable businesses here and anywhere else around the world.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am excited about learning more about the Saudi culture, its traditions and values and hopefully spread the word that Saudi Arabia’s hospitality has attributes that are worthwhile experiencing.

What are your goals for the next two years in the Kingdom and your hotels?
We continue to grow by opening new hotels, renovating existing ones and looking for continuous improvement of both our services and restaurants. The next two years will no doubt be very busy for us.

Where would you like to see Rosewood in the KSA market in five years’ time?
To still be known as the consummate operator of ultra luxury hotels. I had stayed at our hotels in the Kingdom several times before and had enjoyed my experiences. I am honoured and excited about this wonderful opportunity to be here.