Helma Eppstein
Director of Housekeeping
Al Bustan Palace InterContinental
Muscat, Oman

A housekeeping professional with 25 years’ experience, Helma Eppstein has been nominated by Al Bustan Palace InterContinental area director of human resources Simon Manohar for “her outstanding contribution in running and managing an efficient housekeeping department of a hotel that is spread over 200 acres”.

Managing a team comprised of 70% Omani nationals, Eppstein is focused on team motivation, development and engagement and housekeeping is one of the top two ranked departments in the hotel’s employee engagement survey

“Helma through her leadership has built a great team comprising a large number of local talent. She keeps her team well motivated by having constant discussion and follow up with team members, ensuring their development both in terms of skills, knowledge and nurture future development,” says Manohar.

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Eppstein’s service initiatives have included: introducing contemporary flower arrangements, eliminating the use of trolleys, and recruiting, training and developing a team of 20 butlers as part of a new guest service

“She also ensured that this new team integrated well with other members and also the culture of the hotel. She arranged an ‘In the Know’ trip to all the museums in the city so that the team has first hand information in order to be able to guide and advise guests,” says Manohar.