Liz Regan, director of HR & training at Hospitality Management Holdings, reveals her recruitment strategy during a busy time for the group
What is your career background?
I have more than 26 years of experience in the hospitality sector. My initial posting in the Middle East was as regional training manager for IHG in Egypt, after which I joined Le Royal Méridien Bahrain as director of HR and training. I then re-joined IHG as area training manager based in Nairobi before returning to the Arabian Gulf to head up HR and training for the Rezidor Hotel Group. Before joining Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), I was director of training at Emirates Palace for about five years.
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When did you join HMH and what are your responsibilities?
I joined HMH in March this year. My key responsibilities include the shaping and implementation of HR and training strategy at HMH, recruitment of senior executives, managing and supporting the team at the various hotels, as well as talent management and leadership training.
What’s the recruitment strategy?
While recruiting staff, the most important consideration is to ensure HMH’s signature standards are maintained. Therefore, we have put in place a recruitment strategy that is going to be critical for our long-term success. We carry out both in-house recruitment and we use recruitment agencies. Openings are announced on our brand websites and on key industry online and offline platforms. Shortlisted applicants are invited for assessment. Once appointed, they go through a training process that makes them aware that they are valuable from the day they are hired.
What is the Emiratisation policy at HMH?
We are a home-grown Emirati company and our doors have always been open to all nationalities, including Emiratis. We do have some Emirati staff, however, it is quite hard to attract nationals to work for hotels. Moving forward, we are definitely looking at developing an Emiratisation programme at HMH in keeping with the objectives of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). In addition, it will enhance guest experience as Emirati staff serve as cultural ambassadors for the country.
Interview continues on next page...
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