Each year, at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards this award recognizes an exceptional general manager. At this 17th edition, the award went to the professionals Olivier Louis (One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai) and Michel Morauw (Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile).
Olivier Louis, General Manager One&Only Royal Mirage & The Palm benefits from a rich international experience. He worked for 24 years with the brand Le Méridien Hotel & Resorts, before joining the group Kerzner International and its brand One&Only Resorts, within the which he has evolved for 21 years. He made a significant contribution to the opening of the One&Only Royal Mirage in 1999 in Dubai, while the city just beginning to develop tourism. His involvement took place especially at the beginning, during the development phases of properties, often in collaboration with architects and designers. During his career, Olivier Louis successfully revealed the potential and talent of his teams, which have always been able to depend on his counsel and experience. (read the dossier)
Michel Morauw, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, shares this prestigious award of Best Hotelier with him. Considered an expert in renovating and reopening properties, he has worked with Hyatt Group for nearly 30 years. From the Hyatt Regency Birmingham to the Hyatt Regency Paris Charles de Gaulle Etoile including Park Hyatt Washington, Michel Morauw's involvement could be felt at many properties. He also launched the first hotel under the Andaz brand in North America. In 2013, it was his responsibility to transform the former Concorde La Fayette, now the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile. This ambitious renovation program continues, and should be complete in 2017. Michel Morauw successfully created a Hyatt feeling and built a dedicated staff that is united and involved in a multitude of initiatives. (read the dossier)
Olivier Louis (@OOResorts) and Michel Morauw (@HyattEtoile) named best hoteliers #WHA16 pic.twitter.com/Mo9FszKGzZ
— Hospitality Awards (@whawards) 14 novembre 2016
Another important professional in the hotel sector was also selected from among the finalists: Audrey Parrot, General Manager Kyriad Disneyland. With more than 25 years of experience managing hotel properties, she has worked since 1992 for the Louvre Hotels group. Audrey Parrot focuses on development strategies, innovation and customer satisfaction. She is involved with in a variety of areas, particularly with young people in difficulty thanks to a partnership with a training center encourage this public to turn to the hotel industry. (read the dossier)
Ce sera la 3eme place! Mais pour nous, ce sera à jamais la PREMIÈRE! Congratulations @audreyparrot #WHA2016 pic.twitter.com/xSANWsBcHA
— Christophe Parrot (@KryssTofff) 14 novembre 2016
Also discover the other runners up in the category of Best Hotelier:
- Elisabeth Perwanger, General manager Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, contributed in recent years to the property's improved results. This hotel is among those with the best results in the Austrian capital. (read the dossier)
- Olivier Niveau, General Manager Campanile Lyon Centre Part-Dieu Hotel & Restaurant, is an adept at participatory management based on listening and exchange with staff. Its priority primarily relies on customer relations and satisfaction. (read the dossier)
- Ozgur Eylen – General Manager Hôtel ibis Rotterdam City Centre, bases his philosophy on team spirit and well-being of staff. A former basketball player for 9 years before joining the hotel industry, he now has 17 years of experience in the sector, including 4 years in the service of AccorHotels Group. (read the dossier)