"This industry can take you anywhere, and that's what's so exciting about it." - Satya Anand, President - Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Marriott International
I've never been so proud to work in hospitality. Yes, coronavirus created a standstill in the world of travel, and we've had our fair share of knocks on the road to recovery; however, I am incredibly optimistic about the industry's future. I am extremely proud of how our people have responded throughout the pandemic. Our associates at Marriott International and our colleagues across the sector have adapted, led with a forward-thinking approach, and have shown resiliency in ways I've never seen before.
Sometimes it's only when something is taken away that you realise its true value. Our industry is incredibly special, and as we drive the recovery and witness the world get back on the road again, it's been abundantly clear that the desire to travel is an instinctive human need. People love to explore, discover new places, experience new cultures and reunite with loved ones across the world. The hospitality industry is at the heart of this, and it is our people who work in our hotels that create lasting memories for millions of guests across the globe.
And it's doesn't matter what you do – from a pastry chef or waiter to a hotel engineer or revenue manager, everybody has a shared sense of purpose – to deliver the spirit of hospitality while creating unforgettable moments for our guests. At the same time, working in this industry is fun, dynamic and offers a huge spectrum of opportunities, such as life-long career journeys that can often span the globe. This industry can take you anywhere, and that's what's so exciting about it.
As a Marriott veteran of 33 years, I've been fortunate enough to witness this first-hand. Starting off as a night auditor at the Vienna Marriott Hotel, before moving through the ranks of the Finance and Accounting team. Eighteen years later, I decided to look at new career opportunities and joined Operations, taking up various roles, including the Cluster General Manager of the Imperial Riding School Renaissance Vienna Hotel and the Renaissance Vienna Hotel. From there, I moved into several senior leadership roles culminating in my position today as Marriott International's President of Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
I've been fortunate and thankful to have had a fantastic Marriott career over the past three decades, and it really has been the people I've shared the journey with who have made my roles so rewarding.
As I look ahead, I'm confident our industry is on the road to recovery – and the future is bright. Collectively, we've had to innovate and reinvent how we deliver the hospitality experience in a hygienic yet human way. This will only continue as we embrace new technology, adapt to ever-evolving consumer needs and ultimately realise our vision to be EMEA's favourite travel company.
To do this, we need young and talented people who are ready to shape the next chapter for hospitality and the travel industry. Our Voyage graduate programme is the perfect vehicle to help jump-start graduates interested in a long-term career in the hospitality sector. We provide leadership and discipline training so that we can provide lifelong skills. When our graduates complete the programme, their target position is an entry-level management role. We remain committed to this group of individuals, continuing to develop them throughout their careers, so they can one day become future GMs or other senior leaders at Marriott International.
The hotel sector is multigenerational and you will work with colleagues from all over the world. We employ people of all ages across a wide variety of roles - from people looking for their first job after school to graduates to career changers – who often have great people skills and life experience that is so valuable to us for guest facing roles. We look for positive, “can do” attitudes and then we can teach the rest. Ultimately Hospitality is about a passion for people and service - making people happy.
Join us today at careers.marriott.com.
This industry can take you anywhere, and that's what's so exciting about it.
Satya Anand, President - Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Marriott International
