HOTELIER AWARDS 2012: Stewarding finalists named

These finalists will compete for the Stewarding Person of the Year 2012 title in the Hotelier Middle East Awards to be held on October 31 at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC.

Below you will find extracts and testimonials from the shortlisted nominations for each of the candidates...

Lourenco Dias, Chief Steward, JW Marriott Dubai

About Lourenco

Lourenco has been with us at the JW Marriott since May of 1994, starting at the entry level as "Utility Helper". Over the next 12 months his hard work, ethics and great attitude led to his promotion to a full fledged Steward and also was Awarded "Associate of the Year " out of 560 associates working at the JW. In May of 1999 Lourenco was recognized for his hard work and dedication promoted to Junior Stewarding Supervisor.. From the moment he stepped into the Junior Supervisor position it was apparent that others followed him naturally and his "hand on management style was embrached by all quickly leading to the removal of "Junior" off his title to Stewarding Supevisor. As a supervisor, Lourenco grew to be role model for other supevisors and on March 1st. 2004, Lourenco was promoted to Assistant Chief Steward. In 2010, we had a midyear austerity correction in our management staffing and the position of Chief Steward and Executive Chief Steward above Lourenco were removed leaving Lourenco to run the entire department supported by the Culinary Leadership team. In May of 2011 he earned the title of Chief Steward and is proudly at that position to this day.

Above and beyond…
We would have to say that over the last 12 months, every aspect of Lourenco's performance in his relatively new role has been above the call of duty. Even though Lourenco is in charge, he is 100% engaged in the task of his associates and is constantly seen being there for them, He is there when and where needed irrespective of his schedule and always shares his successes with his team. We have had a resurgence of demand in the F&B Division these past two years and Lorenco has been key in the successful F&B operations. This Increased demand and the successful executions also include events from the over 250+ annual weddings to the outside events such as our nightly Dhows, the Dessert Safari to the Concert events and the participation in the most prestigious World Cup F&B Venue, I credit much of our division's success to our stewarding foundation Of course when we have our Internal hotel events such as our Holiday and Award Banquets, Property Sporting events etc. Lorenco dedicates himself to the operations of them so his supervisory team can partake. The goodwill feeling towards his ability to give of himself for others is constantly recognized by the associates. I noted that "saving a life" is an example you list... perhaps he has. As mentioned earlier, safety has been his priority and he has personally corrected many potentialy dangerous situations. Preventing accidentsand illness avoids having to rescue a life. Lorenco has shown that he and his team is all about prevention and a safe work environment Lorenco motivates by assisting and understanding needs of his individual associates and the departments he supports. Most importantly Lourenco has developed a culture that his stewarding department is a service department whose role is servicing the front line associates who service our guest. Such a foundation of "taking care of each other so we can better take care of our guests" has supported the JW Food and Beverage image as being a Timeless Landmark F&B Destination in Dubai.

Testimonials
Current testimonial for Lourenco: Perhaps no better testimonial than 100% of his 37 member team rating thier department leadership engagement score 100% in our Annual Marriott International Associate Engagement Survey.
Dear Kevin, I would like take a moment to recognise the efforts of Lourenco Diaz in his new role. The additional responsibilities he has taken on in the past 8 months with a reduced team has been daunting to say the least and he has demonstrated a great sense of need to take the department and his team to a higher level. He has made great efforts in increasing our Hygeine and I believe that it is his personal committment and contribution that has helped us continually raise the bar on Hygiene within our kitchens. As always thank you for your continued support, Culinary regards Damien Chorley Executive Chef
And from our new Executive Chef: Bhavesh Rawal "It's amazing how I see Lourenco step up when given a task. We have made some great improvements and Lourenco gets things done. (and I have been keeping him extreemly busy since my arrival!). We have many important and large events coming in the next couple of months and I am confident in hois and his departments ability to deliver the events above expectations. I see his work ethic and his team's pride in what they do. I look forward to what we can accomplish together! " Executive Chef Bhavesh Rawal, JW Marriott Dubai
And from our F&B Manager Hector Mendonca (Who has been here as long as Lourenco!) Lourenco has been a stabilizing force in our kitchen through many dynamic changes. He has seen the Hotel evolve to the operation it is today and he has knowledge from the beginnings of the operation that is truly invaluable. He is a source of information that is often tapped by all of us at one time or another and he freely gives it. Lourenco is always there when we need him or need to contact him. He has his team more flexible than I have ever seen and I see the ungency in the associates when we need things accomplished. I am sure that I speak for all our Banquet and Outlet managers that we are fortunate to have Lourenco's personal drive in Stewarding. He has been a large part of our F&B successes and recent awards.
Finally my own from the above earlier writings, I close that such recognition will go a long way with Lourenco and we appreciate the opportunity to recognize his efforts. He is indeed a special individual that never waves his own flag, he points to his team when credit is given and holds close personal responsibility if for anything that rarely should go wrong, In his position, he is often concelled from the general accollades. I would have nominated him as an unsung Hero but we do sing of him internally as one of our heros. Again Thank You for your consideration, Kevin Wills Director of F&B Operations, JW Marriott Dubai

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Andres Vargas Jr, manager – stewarding department, Madinat Jumeirah – Mina A Salam Hotel

About Andres,
Andres or ‘Andy’ joined Madinat Jumeirah as part of the pre-opening team in 2003. His career started as a seasonal steward and right away displayed his propensity for the work. He handled his initial assignment like a seasoned steward, only stopping a few times to check with his supervisor for clarifications. After one year of his tenure as a steward, there was no way for him but up, he was promoted to the capacity of Team Leader in the pre-opening of Al Qasr in 2004. The stewarding department is not only cleaning the back of the house, a large portion of it also consists of administrative work (e.g. F & B inventory, Department Budgeting, Equipment Procurement, Trainings, Chemical and Cleaning items Cost Control). After completing his one year as supervisor in Al Qasr, Andy transferred to the pre-opening of the Souk in 2005. His professionalism at work and full dedication is truly immeasurable. And 1-year later in 2006 he was promoted as Stewarding Assistant Manager in Mina A Salam where he first started his career. His expertise in organizing the logistics for large and very high profile events including the back of house assemblies was developed when he join the Conference & Incentives Team in the same year. From there on, Andy took care of the big events including Dubai World Cup for 5 years, Dubai International Film Festival, Art Dubai, Golf Events, Royal Weddings and many more. By the year 2010 before it ends, Jumeirah Hospitality had merged with Madinat Jumeirah and Andy took over the Back of House operations including outside catering and in house events. In 2011 he rejoined the Mina A Salam Team and was rewarded with the promotion to Stewarding Manager the position he still holds. Under his leadership, the Mina A Salam Hotel was awarded Grade “A” by the Dubai Municipality for its last HACCP Audit.

Above and beyond…
Andy is a well organised person not only at work but in his personal life as well. His organizational skills are extremely sound and he is respected both by his peers and subordinates. He has developed and implemented many of the Systems used today for HACCP, Step by Step cleaning procedures of equipment, Risk Assessment, Standard inventory system and is truly ensures complete follow up and sustenance of such systems.

Testimonials
Andy is very friendly to all colleagues not only in the stewarding department. His leadership skill helps the colleague to build their self-confidence and learn to develop their talent which is very helpful to most of the stewarding colleagues. He always empowers his staff, upholds the integrity of the department and builds rapport to all people in the hotel. Indeed, Andy displays an image of being a role model.

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Khaja Aleemuddin Jung , chief Steward & HACCP Coordinator, Crowne Plaza Jeddah

About Khaja
Khaja is serving in hospitality industry since 9 years working in the section of Stewarding, started in 2003 with Sweekar Hotel and moved to Pub & Restaurant as a stewarding supervisor and got trained in operation of stewarding section after successfully completion of 2 years. - Then moved to well known International Best Western group Hotel Amruth Castle in India-Hyderabad. there he got trained as a stewarding supervisor and learn basic skill of leadership, managing and cleanings, chemicals knowledge and food safety and hygiene standards, a wide variety of operation equipments of branded companies and learned importance of operation and personalized service and always ready to adopt the new challenges and tasks, after successful completion of one year. - Further he moved to Golkonda Hotel & Resorts as a stewarding supervisor and also learned an operation need of Restaurants, Caterings and meeting rooms, in short period he got an opportunity to boost his career in Overseas 2006. In a pre-opening team of Movenpick Tower & Suites Doha, Qatar as a stewarding supervisor. - A part of pre-opening team he started in Movenpick Tower & Suites Doha, Qatar with 3 stewards and run the operation for 4 months successfully and adopted the pre-opening atmosphere as well as operation standards and culture of middle east, within 4 months period he was promoted to Asst. Chief Steward based on his ability, performance, leadership and managing skills with his team of 22 staff including one supervisor and built a strong team and develop his team members and motivated them after successfully Pre-Opening and continued for two years. - Further he moved to IHG in Crowne plaza Jeddah in 2008 as a Asst. Chief Steward. It was difficult task to operate the running operation as per IHG standard and culture of Saudi Arabia, based on his performance leadership skills and complete knowledge of chemical and Operating equipments he built a team with highly motivated and sprite of work, he was promoted as a Chief Steward and involve in renovation of food and beverage outlets in term of operation equipments and introduce new ideas, as an active member of HACCP Implementation program he showed keen interest in adopting and implementing the standards of food safety management as required by HACCP system and Municipality Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further he took the new challenge to implement Bio-Chemicals(Friendly Environment) as a part of IHG Green Engage, he is managing with three supervisors and 16 staff in addition to his responsibility as a Chief Steward his also In-charge of Food & Beverage store with one Store Supervisor. Has involved in the renovation of the hotel and introduce many new product in the hotel and built details of requirement for re-built of two restaurants in terms of operation equipments and food safety and hygiene standards in kitchen and restaurants with complain of local municipality law for food safety & hygiene as a result of his hard work and successfully implemented HACCP program and Green Engaged as per the standard, he was promoted to Chief Steward & HACCP Coordinator.

Above and beyond…
Ensuring the guest receive the highest quality of service, he believe that the great service begins with a great skilled team, and passionate about the continued professional and personal development of himself and his team dedicate to ensuring that they receive only the best training and experience, This enables team to develop and shape their own stewarding careers as well as broaden their experience and skills in the other areas outside of their working roles. - Enhance the knowledge and skills, purely because of his positive attitude and optimistic views as himself “ if there’s one think that I can be optimism. I always look for the brighter side in my life”. - Complete transformations from a reluctant, hesitant, talkative, outgoing, fun loving colleague. Built excellent relationship with entire team and internal other department colleagues, connecting suppliers for newly launch products in the market.

Testimonials
From: Director of Food & Beverage (Frederic Habib Farah) - Khaja is a very good asset to the Food and Beverage department, with good experience gained in other properties which supported him in making a good use of it, Khaja is prompt, Fast, and accurate in taking any action or task handed over to him, he knows no obstacle always overcome it and find solutions. Always ahead of deadlines given to him. Even many times I gave him tasks not related to him but still he did it successfully. - Regarding the HACCP implementation Khaja as well is coordinating and leading the whole food and beverage team with the highest scores percentage.
From: Executive Chef (Dominique Godfroy) - Khaja managed the Stewarding department and showed to be the kind human being who takes care of his team and trained them to focus in fulfilling the guest’s needs and help in daily operation of Kitchen, Outlets, catering, conference rooms and service areas. - Creative, always ready to work with a very good disposition, no matter how big the situation could be. He always response in professional way, willing to offer opinions, able to work with the team and taking on responsibility that were not always belongs to him but needed to be done. - One can always count on Khaja, it is a pleasure to me work with him.
From: Chief Engineer (Ravi Dabare) - I thought of writing few words about Khaja, His responsibilities included full implementation of HACCP program and achieved highest scores in Saudi Arabia and gained HACCP Certificate from eCristal audits and implemented Bio-chemical usage which is one of the Green Engage Initiatives launched in Crowne Plaza Jeddah. Khaja proved to be an efficient, hard working, and a positive colleague. - I was very impressed with Khaja's ability to complete all work assigned to him in a timely and professional manner. In addition, Khaja is very precise and thorough with his records.
From: Assistance Food & Beverage Manager (Ala Hamdi) - The below words popup into my brain whenever I see Mr. Khaja around me: - He is a well-balanced, honest, hardworking, versatile, enthusiastic and highly motivated individual, very positive perception & well organized.

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Sardar Aurangzeb Goher, chief steward , Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain

About Sardar
Sardar Aurangzeb Goher started and molded his career for almost 22 years working in the Food and Beverage Stewarding Department. Through this journey, he has gathered knowledge, experience and expertise and has proven to be a very successful leader. Keeping himself well informed and up to date with the advances in technology and innovation, constantly proving and improving himself through seeking various opportunities, Sardar has is a truly deserved Hotelier. April 2010 to present Chief Steward Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain Intercontinental Hotels Group October 2000 to April 2010 Assistant Chief Steward Doha Intercontinental hotel Intercontinental Hotels Group March 1995 to July 1998 Senior Stewarding Supervisor Jeddah Intercontinental Hotels Group Intercontinental Hotels Group March 1993 to March 1995 Stewarding Supervisor Jeddah Intercontinental Hotels Group Intercontinental Hotels Group March 1992 to March 1993 Shiftleader Jeddah Intercontinental Hotels Group Intercontinental Hotels Group October 1989 to 1992 Worked as steward then promoted to the position of shift leader Makka Guest Palace Intercontinental Hotel

Above and beyond
In the month of February, Sardar volunteered to contribute to the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative take up to train the physically and mentally challenged local colleagues from a government organization in Bahrain. In order to support this initiative, Sardar devised a plan of simple tasks that the trainees could accomplish and feel proud about, keeping their shortcomings in picture. Sardar not just extends support to the NGOs of Bahrain , but lives what he believes is right by including a mentally challenged Bahraini colleague on the team and does a great job of guiding and coaching him in the right direction and helping to develop his skills to support his family. Besides that, Sardar never fails to participate in the blood donation campaigns organized by the Hotel and encourages his colleagues also to do the same by telling them of the benefits of the exercise. Sardar believes ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ and lives up to defy this by actively leading and participating in the hotel activities such as the Race around the World, Marathon. Walk for hope (Cancer), Go for gold initiatives and cricket tournament. Sardar always helps the sports and activities committee to provide the equipments for Movie nights in the staff accommodation, Ramadan - Staff Iftar Party, Annual Staff Party, Celebration of all the National days and all the sport events. In fact Sardar is a multi-department colleague. Quite simply it means that he is seen around departments such as Banqueting, Kitchen and Housekeeping assisting his colleagues to do various tasks such as cleaning the new car park and the public area. Sardar also leads and runs the Recycling Project in the hotel by living up to each of its procedures and constantly reminding colleagues of the same. He is also an active member of the Green Engage Committee and is brimming with new ideas to implement in each of these meetings. Sardar also undertakes the cooperation of the HACCAP implementation program in the hotel and often volunteers to visit suppliers and vendors to keep the quality control checks in place.

Testimonials
Sardar is a great person to have with us Sardar has very positive attitude and is always receptive to feed back. He is a good team player and respects every one around him .Sardar is quite flexible when it comes to business priorities and changes them as per the need. Over all his performance is excellent. Chef Arif Kitchen department Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain

Mr. Sardar is loyal and honest person since he joined the hotel we learn lot of him on daily bases He tries his best to share his knowledge with the team and with other outlets he is the one to motivate us and show us the right direction to grow our selves.. He carefully chooses those who have the talent and inclination grow and nominates them for relevant trainings to build their careers... We can see this through the 3 colleagues whose transfers to the kitchen were supported by him and now he encourages more staff to undertake cross trainings. He promoted the staff from Shiftleader to supervisor and steward to Shiftleader by great coaching techniques Shofiul & Milan Stewarding supervisor Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain

When you look at Mr. Sardar and his department, you do not see a team reporting to a head; instead you see a team working together as colleagues. With just the appropriate level of direction required and extending complete support, Mr. Sardar has successfully managed to keep his team well above the satisfaction level of our employee engagement survey percentage. Heading a challenging team comprising colleagues who can converse only in regional languages and some who cannot understand, read or write the formal business language- English, Mr. Sardar, spends quality time in cascading all the required information to each and every member of his team and is consistently the first person in the hotel to submit all the requirements related to our performance management, audits and trainings. Then it is not a surprise that he is one of the few department who has been performing exceedingly well on the Quarterly Learning & Development Reviews and that when you say ‘Sardar’ to his team, there appears a reassuring smile on each and every member’s face, just to know that he is there for them. Sneha J. Samant Assistant Learning & Development Manager Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain
Coming from a HACCP Certified property from Doha, Mr. Sardar, portrays a very good example in dealing challenges in the food management system of the hotel. Adopting to a new environment and surrounding, toughly he managed to apply and share his knowledge with his colleagues. Past phase technology and state of the art equipment was never a hindrance for him to continue striving for the best in his department. He is a very action- oriented person and goals more development for all. Catherine Cruz Food Safety and Hygiene Officer Company of the testifier

Mr. Sardar he got strong initiative in supporting other team member in deferent departments and give full support even last minute request Mr. Sardar treats his team as one body and make sure they are all happy at work and make life balance to all of them Motivate his staff example he support 2 team member of his section to transfer to kitchen Sardar he is always there when the operation is busy staying till late helping us to get all equipments needed even last minute very humble to deal with operation team Example like big events ASRY PAX-1000, Bahrain University pax-850 and GPIC PAX 1000. He was helping us on clearance and managed the back area with his team and gives full support to bcc team in ordering the equipments and maintains the par stock Jawad Darwich Banquet Operation Manager Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain

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Tul Raj Pudal, stewarding Supervisor, Holiday Inn Kuwait

About Tul
Tul Raj Pudal joined the Nepalese Army when he was 21 years old and served 6 years in India before joining the hospitality industry. Growing up in Nepal, he wanted to become a doctor but due to growing financial responsibilities, he decided to find a job in the Middle East. He originally signed a contract as security guard as part of the pre-opening team of Holiday Inn Kuwait in 2005 but was assigned as steward upon his arrival. Through hard work and dedication he was promoted to Assistant Shift Leader in 2007, Shift Leader in 2008 and Supervisor in 2011. Tul is truly dedicated to his work and has not missed a day of work in the 7 years he has been at Holiday Inn Kuwait. His goal is to one day be in charge of the stewarding department.

Above and beyond…
As Stewarding Supervisor, Tul goes above and beyond one’s expectations. He never hesitates to assist another department when needed. One example that stands out is when the accommodation supervisor went on his annual leave. Tul showed great spirit and team work by replacing him while he was on leave in August 2011. Tul was responsible for the staff accommodation and took care of all the requirements including welcoming new joiners, maintaining the equipment and electronics in the recreation room as well as tending to the miscellaneous requests of the staff. During this time, Tul was also juggling certain tasks in his own department. Holiday Inn Kuwait suffered a tragedy in May 2012. One of our staff members, a steward from Nepal, took his own life in the middle of the night. Tul suffered a great personal loss as he had mentored this gentleman during his time at the hotel. Tul was involved in all aspects of the ordeal ranging from identifying the body to accompanying the body to the country of origin. The trip proved to be a stressful time as Tul was there to comfort the family and answer any questions they had regarding their loved one. In addition to his role as supervisor, Tul, as a garde-manger, is also responsible for receiving the fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, washing them and distributing them to the respective restaurants. This task takes 4 additional hours on a daily basis of which Tul has never complained about.

Testimonials
"“Thank you Tul for spending an extra evening deep cleaning the entire Ayam Zaman kitchen with your team. You did a great job!” Fouad El Abiad, Lebanese Chef
“Tul is always there for you, never saying no. He continuously helps the HR department and supports the HR team in every request. He has especially been an extra help this past year with new joiners, supervising the accommodation and being there for us in our time of need.” Abdelrahman Habbouchi, HR and Training Manager
“Tul can complete any task with minimal supervision. He works alongside his staff and makes them feel as part of a team. He is not afraid of a challenge and is always taking on new responsibilities.” Mohan Kumar, Chief Steward
“I have worked with Tul for 3 years and although we work separate shifts, he is always there when I come to work every day. He does not leave until he gets the work done and never looks at the time while he is doing it. Seeing his dedication helps me when I am frustrated or upset about work.” Abdul Kader Naufar, Steward"