Hotelier Awards winner flashback: Kinan Al Ghraoui
CSR CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Kinan Al Ghraoui, former general manager, Villa, Rihab, and Rimal Rotana
What company / hotel are you currently with?
Currently I am establishing a new hotel management company in Dubai along with the owner. We are hoping to introduce it to the market soon.
What’s your job role now?
I represent the landlord and assist him in developing a vision of the launching business.
How has winning a Hotelier Award impacted your career?
The award has definitely enhanced my professional profile, especially considering how much attention the topic gets nowadays. CSR is very important in Rotana, so colleagues’ recognition of my achievement has been a great pleasure and motivated me to set more ambitious goals and work harder to achieve them.
Are you hoping to be nominated this year for an award?
I will not participate this year, as the new project consumes all my time, but I am hoping to join the contest again next year.
What is the best piece of advice you can give other hoteliers who want to win a Hotelier Award?
I would recommend nominees maximise their efforts, be flexible and try different approaches tp achievie their goals.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years I see myself as a CEO of a new leading hotel management company in UAE & MENA.
What you are doing to achieve your goals and dreams?
I always work hard, and especially at this stage of a new business establishment. I stay focused, as it is very important for me to have a vision and see through current market trends.
What’s your dream position?
I would like to become a CEO of a successful hotels management company.
Who is the one person that inspires you most?
The landlord I work with currently inspires me to do my best, as he is the heart of the project and plays a big role in establishing its vision.
What is your life ambition outside of work?
I want to see my family members happy, and I hope that my children will achieve respect in the society. I do my best to support them in their life journey, and try to always be there for them when they need a hand.
Nominations for the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2015 are still open. All of the information you need on how to nominate a colleague is available here: www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/awards.