On International Women’s Day, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi are proud to shine a light on the many women who have also helped the two leading hotels rise to the prestigious landmarks they are today. Providing totally inclusive and diverse work environments, the two world-renowned hotels strive to support their female team members as they work towards achieving their goals and empower them through rewarding good work, recognition and talent with positions of leadership.
Flying the flag for female hospitality experts across the globe, females make up a quarter of the workforce at both most iconic and renowned luxury hotels in the capital of the UAE. With over 220 women across both teams, female representatives are identified in key roles and important leadership positions in all areas, from the smallest departments, right up to the Executive Committee.
Proving that the hospitality brand makes a conscious effort in developing and promoting the skills and talents of its female employees, recent data highlights that since 2017, 113 female leaders have been promoted to positions of greater responsibility. Recognising the benefits that the brand can bring them, these female hospitality talents have travelled from across the globe to join the St. Regis family, from as far afield as South Africa, Morocco, Greece, Italy, Ecuador, Germany and beyond. Both properties provide these career-driven women with a supportive environment where their talents are developed and nurtured through professional training, support, an open-door policy and a flexible work environment. Operating under the key values of equality and respect, a strong sense of teamwork is shown from the leadership downwards.
Moustafa Sakr, Area General Manager of The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, Abu Dhabi, said: “It gives me immense pleasure to be working alongside so many exceptional women who are talented, passionate and inspire the rest of us leading by example. As a strong advocate of women empowerment, I strongly believe in offering equal opportunities to all.
“I strive to develop a positive, supportive workplace that allows my team to blossom and thrive and helps our region’s finest talents to progress into executive positions and leadership roles that they so thoroughly deserve.”
Leading women from across both properties share their stories and explain, in their own words, why the working environments help them to bring out the best in themselves.
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The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Maria Tsiomou joined the team as Director of Marketing in October 2019. Successfully steering the property through the choppy waters of the pandemic, she was promoted to help lead the marketing and communications campaigns for The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa in April 2020. She said: “Once starting my career in the hospitality industry as a Front Desk Agent, I would never have thought my path would lead me to where I am now, holding a role in the Executive Committee of the leadership team and being the only female. I have worked in multiple luxury hotels and corporate office of Starwood Hotels and Resort, and today I have the luck to lead a wonderful team amongst three amazing properties in Abu Dhabi. When joining The St. Regis Abu Dhabi I knew I will be representing one of the best hotels worldwide. What I did not know or expect was the amazing team behind the scenes, the constant support from the leaders of different disciplines, the respect for who you are and what you do. Having to live and work with the elements of teamwork, support and respect, there is only one thing that can surely and naturally come out of you: loyalty! Which I always valued, but now even more. With loyalty comes trust, and with trust the success and development. I couldn’t be more proud to be working for such an amazing family. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is my family and will always be very close to my heart”.
Carolin Henze joined the brand as a Sales Manager before being promoted to Account Director in April 2019. She said: “The female leaders and hosts across back of house and front of house have all contributed an immense amount to the success story of our beautiful hotel. As females, we have grown individually and collectively, guided by a positive mindset, even in the face of hardships, times of pressure and uncertainty over the last year. We put a lot of emphasis on supporting and encouraging one another which not only helps us perform better, but is also great for employee morale.
“For me personally, as the Account Director – Leisure Travel, working for an organization that values respect, genuine care and empowerment, that inspires a mindset of passion, commitment, hard work and flexibility, that understands the importance of learning along the way and offering opportunities for personal and professional is of the utmost importance. In such a competitive market, being able to speak openly and having good communication within the team are the key to success.
Assistant Guest Relation Manager Serena Beccaria joined as a Guest Service Agent in May 2019 and within less than two years was promoted to Assistant Guest Relation Manager in January 2021. She commented: “As Assistant Guest Relations Manager, having a diverse mix of nationalities within the team has brought out the best in me. I am able to observe cultural differences, learn new languages and develop my personal skills. I have implemented and used all these skills in my daily tasks, making sure that every guest feels that The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is their home away from home.”
Restaurant General Manager of Catch at St Regis, Anika De Jongh, joined as a food and beverage intern back in 2014, and under the guidance of her superiors she has flourished and grown. Promoted to General Manager at Catch at St Regis since it’s opening, she said: “I feel empowered to make decisions here and like I am genuinely appreciated for the heart and effort I put in. Being trusted to lead the Catch at St Regis has motivated me to be a strong yet humble leader. The work environment and overall culture are very positive, with everyone being treated equally and we have created a community where everyone takes care of each other and feels part of something special. Those working above me over the years have taught me that effective leadership comes from those who are good at making decisions, communicating effectively and building relationships. A genuine passion for what you do is also important, and this part certainly comes naturally to me.”
Finally, Hajar Fassal was promoted to Junior Sous chef and now heads the Pastry Team for the hotel. She was part of the original pre-opening team in July 2013, joining as a Chef de Partie. She said: “I started my career here at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi late 2013 as a Chef de Partie. Within the course of time, I have been promoted as Junior Sous Chef. I was tasked to take charge and oversee the operation of both pastry kitchen and the bakery. The leaders have always encouraged and empowered me to make decisions and have trusted and supported me all the way through. Our kitchen is also comprised of different nationalities and with this I have developed excellent interpersonal skills which has a big impact morally and professionally”.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Ihssane Kadmiri joined The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi in 2016 as Sales Manager for Groups & Events before being recently promoted in October 2020 to Multi-Property Account Director for the Corporate Segment. She is now responsible for supervising her team and making sure they achieve results. She said: “Here the management really do consider helping their teams to be the best they can be as the most important part of the job. Despite being busy with the administrative side of management, they still take time to help us develop important skills. We’re taught the value of communicating, rewarding and recognising, delivering a balance of both constructive criticism and praise, providing coaching and guidance and acting as a good role model. As leaders, they ensure they demonstrate the kind of behavior that we would like to emulate by consistently showing a high level of knowledge, skills, honesty, ability and reliability.”
Marketing Manager Julia Schurmann has worked across both properties, starting at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi as a Graphic Designer in 2017 and working her way up to Marketing Manager of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in November 2020. She said: “As I have had the privilege of working in the two St. Regis properties in the city, I can truly say that both hotels brought out the best in me. I started my career at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi as graphic designer and worked my way up to my current position as Marketing Manager at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. This wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement and trust of the management team. I highly appreciate that potential is recognised and that good work is acknowledged within the property. All my superiors practice an open-door policy and they are always willing to listen to your career plans and help them become a reality. The teams themselves are great to work with and the constant exchanges and good communication between the departments encourages plenty of new ideas and possibilities.”
Pia Rohde joined the team in 2018 as a Guest Experience Manager but by 2020 was promoted to Assistant Front Office Manager. With no Front Office Manager in position between April to July 2020, she successfully managed the concierge and butlers on her own during this period. She said: “The luxury hospitality industry is, and has always been, my passion. I love to meet guests from all over the globe and go above and beyond in order to create memorable and special experiences for them. I am always excited to come to work every day knowing that The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers all the resources I need to bring these unforgettable moments to life. The St. Regis has a valuable history that speaks for itself; I am very proud to work for such a distinguished brand and property and so I owe it to myself to give it my all. Furthermore, it’s always reassuring to know that the business rewars great work with recognition and career growth opportunities.”
Thamara Kumari joined the team in 2011 as a Chef de Partie, was promoted as a Senior Chef de Partie in 2014 and then to Jr. Sous Chef in 2015. Currently, she in charge for The Signature 3 dishes from Sontaya, Olea and Buddha-Bar Beach and as well Olea Restaurant. She said: “I had the privileged of joining this great property as a pre-opening team member. The hotel has created lot of strong pillars but I am one of the few women in the culinary world. To be a culinarian can be really hard at times, however I’ve always known that I could go far here. I had a goal, direction, and my Chef’s trust and support.”
Gabriela Palacios joined The St Regis Saadiyat Island in 2019 as Sales Manager – Groups & Events and in October 2020 was promoted to Multi-Property Senior Sales Manager MICE. She said: “Working in a worldwide brand, and been located on such an amazing destination as Saadiyat Island, certainly provides you with that extra push to be the very best in your field. Additionally, the support that I receive from the Management and the Team has played a major role in my growth and development; over the past few years I have been involved in the planning and execution of the biggest and most reputable groups and events in Abu Dhabi.”
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