14 Ron Hilvert

For dedicating a lifetime to the hospitality industry and for establishing the region’s first world-class hospitality college, Ron Hilvert is recognised at number 14 in the Power 50.

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management’s (EAHM) long-term impact on the sector will be best judged in years to come when its graduates will no doubt appear on Hotelier Middle East ‘s power list themselves.

But already, Hilvert’s persistence in enhancing the college’s reputation locally and internationally has put a huge number of students on the path to success. Another achievement of the academy has been to introduce more Emiratis to the business. In almost a decade establishing EAHM, Hilvert’s passion for the development of young people has shone through.

Hilvert’s career started 41 years ago with him working as a bellboy at the Hotel Schwarzer Bock in Weisbaden, Germany. His potential was recognised by former president of Hyatt International, Bernd Chorengel, who appointed him vice president of the company aged 32. Since, Manchester United football fan Hilvert has achieved all but one of his goals; to become the club’s manager.