Neukomm explains that staff are treated to a range of activity options, including Thai Chi classes he leads himself.
Each morning, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Mark Neukomm, takes a four-kilometre walk around the 23 villas, serviced apartment building, sports club, and nine food and beverage outlets that make up the 245-room beachside property.
It’s a routine driven by a passion acquired over 30 years in the business; the Swiss national started out as a chef’s apprentice in 1980 at Intercontinental Geneva before entering a management training programme at Hilton Tokyo.
He’s since spent 22 years in Asia, and has been with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. since 2000, including holding the GM position at Ritz-Carlton Osaka, Japan. Neukomm came to the Middle East four years ago to take the helm at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, bringing with him a “very operational and detail oriented” management style.
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Most recently, he’s overseen a 12-month renovation resulting in the addition of an infinity pool, two outdoor Jacuzzis, a Thai lounge and chill-out sunbeds, and the Ritz Gourmet Lounge, as well as upgrades to existing restaurants Thai and Primavera.
Granted, his all-seeing eye may allow him to keep the place shipshape, but he’s also aware of the impact it can have on his employees.
“I don’t know if my people really like me that much,” Neukomm admits, “because I see a lot of things sometimes that they don’t see. If I was in their shoes and if the GM spotted something before me, I would be embarrassed. That’s the way I try to get the message across; I show and tell.”
He also sets an example when it comes to personal health and fitness, although again, is aware not all of his 600 colleagues are as keen on the idea.
“I do exercises every morning,” he says. “Everyone is welcome to join but I guess it’s too early for them. I’m up running, swimming, doing Thai Chi — and I always have a small group joining me for that.” Neukomm learned to teach Thai Chi after the original instructor left, by watching videos, and has practised with around 10 of his staff every morning on the beach for the last two years.
“I do things to try and inspire and interest the staff. Some join in, some are too shy or say it’s too early in the morning, but at least the option is there”.
Neukomm also pushes his staff to take an active role in looking after the Bahrain community. “We work with the elderly, with disabled children, and schools — we bring classes into the hotel and give lessons, demonstrating hotel life to children,” he says.
“You have a responsibility in the community to give something back and this is an educational process for staff at the same time. You can’t just make money, you have to do other things too.”
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