Hotelier Middle East Awards 2007

The awards, which were held at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, paid tribute not only to those at the forefront of the region’s flagship properties, but also those from the less glamorous positions in the back-of-house.

The judging panel, which comprised Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management managing director Ron Hilvert; Kerry Robert Associates director Kerry van der Zyl; Deloitte HotelBenchmark executive director Lorna Clarke; Emirates Fine Wine sales manager Jean Marc Vettesi; ITP Business senior group editor Gemma Greenwood; Hotelier Middle East editor Chris Jackson; and Caterer Middle East editor Lisa Magloff, had a difficult job selecting the winner in each category with so many high-quality nominees.

Around 500 people were on the edge of their seats waiting to find out who was successful.

The coveted Hotelier’s Unsung Hero of the Year award was won by Madinat Jumeirah chief engineer Tyrone Sinnamon, who was described by colleagues as “a natural hotelier”.

Renaissance Dubai Hotel general manager Francisco Giles was named GM of the Year, with judges recognising his ability to turn around the fortunes of the hotel, while at the same time maintaining his passion for golf.

Giles is a keen believer in the philosophy that some of the best business is done on the golf course, and was quick to encourage others to do the same.

“I think winning this award definitely sends a message to everyone else out there that they should play more golf,” he said, after winning the award.

But he was also quick to give credit to his team at the hotel, who he described as “the best people in the business”.

Staff from Jumeirah properties took home the most awards on the night, with four people receiving awards.

Three properties had two staff members take home awards: Coral Boutique Villas Al Barsha, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Fairmont Dubai.

From the team at Hotelier Middle East, congratulations to the winners!
Hotelier’s Unsung Hero of the Year – Tyrone Sinnamon, Madinat Jumeirah

Shortlist:Sreekanth MV, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; MA. Jeaneth Palma, Le Meridien
Al Aqah Beach Resort; Bulath Singhala Duminda, Ritz-Carlton Doha; and Eman Mohamed, Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh.

Judge’s comments:The judging panel was deeply impressed by Tyrone Sinnamon’s dedication to the job. Colleagues said that his every action – picking up litter during his walk-around, assisting an F&B steward with his trolley – reflected the “natural hotelier” in him.

The judges also believed that Sinnamon’s sense of responsibility, concern for task completion and ability to coordinate the efforts of others made him stand out from the crowd.

Co-workers praised Sinnamon’s planning abilities as well as his communication with department heads. They said that he constantly lead by example and provided the necessary support to his team members in order to promote them within the team when positions become available.

He was also one of the main contributors to the hotel’s Voices program, in which employees are invited to contribute ideas to enable the hotel to operate more smoothly, as well as making it more cost and energy efficient.

Judges were particularly impressed by one of his colleague’s testimonials: “I am yet to come across a more complete, and in a way ‘100 % hotelier’ – every action and every decision made by him reflects a natural hotelier in him”.

Since starting at the Madinat Jumeirah, Sinnamon has become an irreplaceable member of the hotel team, not merely due to fulfilling his own role, but also in the way that he is always eager to help promote the hotel as a whole.

From the winner:“I was quite hopeful, but I was very surprised how I ended up getting nominated – I’m only an engineer,” Sinnamon said.

“What I do, I think, is the standard that everyone should be doing. I’ve only been in the hospitality industry for five years – I used to be in the Royal Navy.

“I was gobsmacked [when they announced I won the award]. But I am just one cog in the machine, without the rest of the team I couldn’t do what I do.”
GM of the Year – Francisco Giles, Renaissance Dubai

Shortlist: Chahnaz Gayraud, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; Michael Nugent, Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai; Andreas Flückiger, Radisson SAS Dubai Deira Creek; Siegfried Nierhaus , Radisson SAS Dubai Media City.

Judge’s comments: Judges were impressed by reports of Francisco Giles’ strong leadership skills and vibrant energy, evident in his dealings with guests and associates alike.

Colleagues praised his modesty, citing his firmly-held belief that he is only as good as his team and his humble assertion that he is no more important than anyone else in the hotel. Indeed it was Giles who introduced employee message boards to keep staff from every level up to date on hotel news. He also conducts meetings every 90 days with newly hired associates to find out how they are faring and to gather their suggestions and ideas.

Guests said they were always bowled over by the genuine friendliness and care that they were given by the staff at the Renaissance.

Giles has had extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having held various hotel management positions in countries from Switzerland to the South Pacific. He took over the reins of the Renaissance in 2002.

In those past five years, the hotel’s revenue has gone up by 160% and the profitability by 500%. Aware of increasing competition, Giles has continuously employed new initiatives and introduced new ideas to stay ahead of the game.

During his tenure the hotel has won over 20 awards, including the Leadership Excellence Award, Food and Beverage Excellence Award and Best Catering Revenue Improvement Award for Middle East and Africa.

From the winner: “I’m obviously very proud. I know there are a lot of quality hotels in Dubai, and to be recognised by my peers and industry professionals is great,” Giles said.

“It’s brilliant. The people in the hotel, they all deserve it as much as me. We have turned this hotel around in six years. This award belongs to my team, the best people in the business, and my family, of course.”
Marketing/Pr Person of the Year – Elaine Nettleton, Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts

Shortlist:Olga Akinitova, Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites; Jackie Mcatee, Jumeirah Beach Hotel; A. Kirankumar, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort; and Claudia Hardt, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

Judge’s comments:Judges were impressed with numerous reports of Nettleton’s creativity and enthusiasm, with numerous examples of her continuously implementing new tools and standards across the board.

Whether taking the initiative to employ a third party to audit all the hotel’s websites, or creating a ‘style-guide’ by which all communications must comply, she has remained dedicated to maintaining the highest standard.

Similarly, when she realised extra support was needed in the Saudi Arabian area, a new communications office was set up under her instruction, including the selecting and training of the communication manager and personnel.

The panel also liked the emphasis Nettleton had placed on building team spirit and a compatible skill-set within the managers; an annual communication workshop was just one of the initiatives she implemented to achieve this.

He colleagues cited Nettleton as an “inspiration” to work with and a living example of a successful and innovative PR professional.

They mentioned her constant support, not only offering guidance and direction for her department, but also ensuring that everyone communicates one voice to the public.

They added that her maturity, positive personality and ease of dealings made her a popular person with her contemporaries and with the media.

From the winner:“I was absolutely delighted. I was not expecting that at all,” Nettleton said.

“I was stunned. There are some very good PR people out there in Dubai, and there was some very stiff competition, so to actually be called out as the winner was a huge honour.

“I think I have a ‘can do’ attitude: I always say yes, and my philosophy is to never say no to the media – and I tell all my hotels to do the same thing.”
F&B Manager of the Year – Faiek El Saadani, JW Marriott Dubai

Shortlist:Manjunath Rajan, Coral Deira Dubai; Hakim Karoui, Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai; Joe Zheng, Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai; and Damien Vannier, Wafi City Complex.

Judge’s Comments: The judges were impressed to hear that during Faiek El Saadani’s tenure the hotel had won DEPA awards for Best Banqueting and Meeting Facilities for two consecutive years.

Under El Saadani’s management, the hotel has introduced several one-of-a-kind promotions for the hotel’s food and beverage operation, with demonstrable results in revenue and market exposure for the restaurants.

El Saadani was also instrumental in creating the internal F&B Management Development Programme to help raise supervisors to management level. To date, two associates have gone through the program and been promoted to restaurant managers.

He also developed the hotel’s Associate Development programme within his department, to initiate change in the associates’ environment and move them into middle management. Six of his colleagues have now successfully completed the programme.

The panel also noted comments from his colleagues that El Saadani supports, develops and continuously celebrates successes within his team, and never fails to recognise his loyal guests.

Co-workers of all levels praised his dedication and hard work, along with his continuous desire to learn. They added that El Saadani’s consistent unwavering dedication to both team and guests had earned him great popularity and acclaim.

Faiek El Saadani studied Hospitality Management in Germany, and held several food & beverage related jobs from waiter to restaurant manager before joining JW Marriott Dubai. Having climbed the industry ladder, he knows the role backwards.

From the winner:El Saadani said he was extremely proud to have his work recognised. “Winning the award was a great moment,” he said. “I was proud for myself, proud for my team and for my leader. One of my passions is focusing on people; helping them develop and grow. It’s great for that to be recognised, but I’m going to keep my feet on the ground.”
Sommelier of the Year – Luca Gagliardi, Hilton Dubai Creek

Shortlist:Raul Del La Cruz Aspra, Dusit Dubai; and Jean Daniel, Le Meriden Dubai.

Judge’s comments:The judges were deeply impressed by the impact that Luca Gagliardi has had on a number of top end restaurants, most notably Verre by Gordon Ramsay at the Hilton Dubai Creek.

In his role as Sommelier, Gagliardi was charged by Ramsay with the responsibility of rejuvenating the wine list, a task he has managed with seeming ease according to colleagues.

He has also updated the entire beverage list for Verre and Hilton’s second restaurant, Glasshouse, as well as dealing with the ordering and care of the property’s substantial wine cellar.

Praised for his time management and his ability to stay cool and calm in any situation, Gagliardi is also assistant manager at Verre and responsible for staff training, the food menu descriptions and the Gordon Ramsay food concept.

Drawing on his experience as cheese master at the Connaught in London, he has also completely redesigned the cheese board at Verre.

Gagliardi was described by co-workers as a gentle man, whose enthusiasm for food and wine infected the masses through his various press columns and his attention to client queries, no matter how slight their knowledge of wine.

From the winner:“I felt pretty good – a nomination is a nomination. It wasn’t just for me but the company I represent,” Gagliardi said.

“Being the only sommelier is something you don’t find in Dubai. Mostly they overlook a wider operation – its rare to have them focused on one restaurant.

“[I have been working for] five years in the same restaurant – consistency pays you for what you do.We don’t have to win any thing as far as the restaurant goes, but to win something makes the place better and takes us to the next level. Its a very welcome bonus.

“Big thanks to my manager – we have worked together for five years. He always backs me up on any decision I make, and he gives me freedom on the wine and the service. It’s dificult to find someone like that.”
Chef of the Year – Bernd Geiger, Al Manzil & Qamardeen Hotels

Shortlist:Sameh Awad Youssef, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; Peter Flieger, Jumeirah Beach Hotel; Evdoxios Doxis Bekris, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates; Martin Grabner, Madinat Jumeirah.

Judge’s comments: Judges were overwhelmed by Chef Bernd Geiger’s determination and dedication to his role.

They were particularly impressed with his ability to comprehensively plan the distinctive outlets across the two properties, which have received positive reviews initially.

They noted that since the Al Manzil and Qamardeen hotels opened early this year, the catering staff turnover has remained at just 5%, demonstrating Chef Bernd’s unique ability of empowering staff at all levels, and encouraging their artistic capabilities.

The panel also heard that although Al Manzil and Qamardeen are four-star hotels, Chef Bernd set-up the Food & Beverage operations on a five-star level, with an actual food cost average of 34%.

Although Chef Bernd has cooked for heads of state, ministry of foreign affairs and the Qatar Royal Family in his time, opening the two hotels earlier this year, within three weeks of one another, proved one of his greatest challenges. Just three months before the hotels were due to be opened he had zero staff members, but still he remained undaunted.

Colleagues repeatedly cited Chef Bernd’s boundless creativity and spirit, as well as his talent for designing menus for different cuisines.

Previous customers described his food as mouth-watering and delectable, brimming with rich flavours, vibrantly coloured, succulent, tantalizing and zesty, and said they would without a doubt be back for more.

From the winner:“I was very suprised because I didn’t expect it at all,” Geiger said. “It’s great. I honestly don’t know why I won, everyone is the same level as I am.”

“I want to thank all my team. I have a great team around me and I am a lucky guy; that’s how it works – alone I am nothing.”
Outlet Manager of the Year – Jean-Pierre Joncas, Fairmont Dubai

Shortlist:Brian Escottee, Crowne Plaza Dubai; Alaa Abbas, Bab Al Shams; Terence Ng, Jumeirah Emirates Towers; Serguei Mokroouz, Park Hyatt Dubai.

Judge’s comments:Jean-Pierre Joncas impressed judges with his dedication to overseeing operations at The Fairmont Dubai’s Exchange Floor, Cigar Bar and Cin Cin outlets.

While the outlets have received a lot of praise from guests and the media, perhaps a better reflection of their standing is the number of staff who have been promoted under Joncas’ leadership – at the Exchange Floor almost 75% of his colleagues have been promoted within the department, or transferred internally.

Judges were also impressed with his colleagues’ satisfaction ratings working within the department, which have risen 10% this year to place his department not only as one of the highest for the Fairmont Dubai, but also one of the highest out of Fairmont’s international portfolio.

According to one colleague, “a flow of energy can be felt when he is around, and it motivates us all”.

“His attitude to help others is very well appreciated, and his knowledge of and passion for wines is inspiring,” they continued.

Guests at the Fairmont Dubai also gave ‘JP’ glowing feedback, with one recalling how Joncas took matters into his own hands to secure them a last minute reservation at the Burj Al Arab, and another remembering how Joncas went out of his way to personally deliver a particular type of cigar to a valued guest.

From the winner:“I was very excited, the nomination was a complete surprise,” Joncas said.

“My assistant F&B manager nominated me, and the fact that I was nominated out of the 10 F&B outlets at the Fairmont Dubai made me very happy.

“They mentioned that it was a highly contested award: most hotels have one spa but there are often 10 or 12 F&B outlets, and there are lots of talented people out there so I am ecstatic.”
Procurement Person of the Year – Biruvaraj Lakshmanan, Coral Boutique Villas Al Barsha

Shortlist:Joseph Mathew, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; Pushpa Nair, Crowne Plaza Dubai; Naveed Suleman, Jumeirah Beach Hotel; And Ajay Kumar, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

Judge’s comments:Biruvaraj Lakshmanan impressed judges with the enthusiasm he has used to approach his work, and the respect he earned from his colleagues in doing so.

Coral Boutique Villas Al Barsha general manager Chahnaz Gayraud is clearly impressed with his performance, calling him “the best purchase manager of my two-decade career in luxury hospitality” in his nomination.

“What ever you ask him he will find it for you,” she wrote.

“What ever idea you describe to him, he will ‘concretize’ it for you. Biruvaraj is not about talking and showing, Biruvaraj is about efficiency and details.”

Another colleague also paid tribute to the quiet way Lakshmanan goes about his work, commenting “he is almost invisible in his work but we suddenly learn that he has done something extraordinary and we realize he is back”.

In addition to earning the respect of his colleagues, judges were also impressed by the number of testimonials received supporting Lakshmanan from the property’s suppliers.

One supplier credited Lakshmanan’s patient nature with his ability to deal with “difficult” suppliers, while another credited the ethical nature in which he discharged his duties.

Judges were also impressed with the steps Lakshmanan has taken to progress in his career, rising from the position of storeman in a short period.

From the winner:“This is the first time I have been noninated for something like this and I am really proud to receive the award,” Lakshmanan said.

“I want to thank Coral International and my GM. Also all of my colleagues. I was really happy. I do my work really self-consciously.

“I like my job and and I do it to the best of my abilities,” he concluded.
Accounts Person of the Year – Tess Victoria, Fairmont Dubai

Shortlist:Sourirajan R, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; William Holiday, Bab Al Shams; Nilar Soe, Ritz Carlton Dubai; and Sandar Min Min Ohn, Traders Hotel Dubai.

Judge’s comments: Tess Victoria joined the hotel the year it opened in 2002 as general cashier. One year later she was promoted as paymaster. During her five years at The Fairmont Dubai, she has ensured that all colleagues’ pay cheques are settled on time; no small feat considering that the hotel employs more than 800 colleagues.

Tess’ commitment to the accounting department and the hotel has not gone unnoticed. Last year, her colleagues and the executive committee at The Fairmont Dubai nominated her for Leader of the Quarter as part of the company’s colleague recognition programme.

Judges were impressed by her unwavering commitment to her colleagues, and reports of her going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure staff receive any requested advances for whenever they needed them.

More recently, her commitment to her colleagues was demonstrated when she helped in the credit department due to it being short staffed, despite her own heavy schedule.

Colleagues in the accounting department lauded her commitment to her responsibilities, her keen eye for accuracy and her ability to serve as both a mentor and a team player.

They affectionately described her as the ‘godmother’ of the accounting department, adding that she was consistently supportive and always there to assist and guide, regardless of how busy she might be.

From the winner:“I was really amazed and shocked. After all these years it is really unexpected,”
Victoria said.

“I am numb and excited. I’m very thankful to my boss and my GM for giving their support to us.

“It’s my passion for my work and my colleagues [that has helped me win] – I don’t mind working really hard. Right now its the end of the month so I should be in the office finishing my payroll but I’m here.”
HR Person of the Year – Maria Elkaer Hansen, Ritz Carlton Doha

Shortlist: Ghadir Ahmed, Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh; Angel Magdalani, Intercontinental Dubai Festival City; Deepanjali Subba, Ritzcarlton Dubai; and Sajjad Ahmed, Shangri-La Hotel Dubai.

Judge’s comments:The judges felt that the figures which had emerged during Hansen’s tenure spoke volumes about her efforts. The annual Employee Engagement Satisfaction survey (EES) measured impressive increases in employee satisfaction rates, up from 86% to 95% in the HR department, and from 78% to 89% in the hotel overall. Turnover also decreased from 17.9% in 2006 to 11.2%.

The judges were also immediately impressed by Hansen’s commitment to charity and community efforts. She was responsible for forging a strong relationship between the hotel and the Shafallah Centre, a facility for children with special needs. In April and May, she organized work experience for the children, giving them the opportunity to be in ‘heart of the house’ departments like housekeeping and the pastry kitchen.

Hansen also introduced the Five S’s (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to the department’s filing system, to streamline the work environment and improve planning, productivity and profitability.

Colleagues were quick to outline her professional qualities, describing her as, organized, efficient and effective.

They also described her as a generous, straightforward team player who did her best for the benefit of her employees.

They commended her for being approachable – always ready to listen to any problems and help find a solution.

From the winner:“I was really honoured, it came as a surprise because I only joined the property recently, so of course I was very happy” Hansen said.

“I’m really excited – I just want to call my team immediately. I think [the reason I won] is the goals I have achieved in such a short time with my team.”
Concierge of the Year – Kamal Jayalath, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Shortlist:Sharma Vijay, Crowne Plaza Dubai; Hassan Saleh, Gefinor Rotana Hotel; and Yohan Hendahewa, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Judge’s comments: Judges were immediately impressed by the numerous reports from fellow Jumeirah staff praising Jayalath’s dedicated and selfless service to all his guests, his constant smile and his unwavering ‘can-do’ attitude. He was commended as a motivating team leader who was always willing to help out, and consistently a pleasure to work with.

Jayalath has been with Jumeirah since 1991, when he started as a bell boy. More than a decade on he has worked his way up, not only into the role of concierge manager, but also into the hearts of Jumeirah Beach Hotel staff and guests.

The panel also noted the many enthusiastic responses from Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s guests, who said Jayalath always went above and beyond the call of duty to help out. One loyal customer commented: “I am 61 years old, disabled and I travel alone, but once I get to the hotel the attention I get from Kamal and his staff is 100%”.

“When I stayed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel last year, because I can’t walk very well Kamal arranged for a car and one of his staff to take me out to do some shopping, and this year Kamal arranged for myself and five of his staff who look after me to all go for a meal,” the guest explained.

Others commented that he and his staff were more like one big happy family than work colleagues, offering a friendly smile and kind words wherever they went.

Jayalath is actively involved in sports at the hotel, and as a captain of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel cricket team he has not only received trophies, but also achieved fame and honour for Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

From the winner:Jayalath was ovewhelmed to have won an award, and said he thought what had edged him ahead of the competiton was his total dedication and committment to the customer.

“My objective is always first and foremost to help the guest. I’m delighted to have won, it was really exciting. I have been working very hard and it’s always nice to be acknowledged.”
IT Person of the Year – Gururaj Sheshachalam, Coral Boutique Villas Al Barsha

Shortlist:Amir Qureshi, Intercontinental Dubai Festival City; Mohamed Amaan Ibrahim, Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates; Prasanna Rupasinghe, Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates; and Jasan Dhakan, Shangri-La Hotel Dubai.

Judge’s comments:Judges heard how Sheshachalam’s helpful nature and friendly manner were commented on and appreciated by both guests and colleagues. They were impressed by reports of his dedication and how he constantly keeps up-to-date with market developments, so that he is able to make suggestions for new initiatives, such as the innovative new music system for the hotel lobby which was recently implemented.

The panel was also impressed with Sheshachalam’s willingness to go out of his way, night or day, to help combat and troubleshoot problems for his guests and colleagues.

His co-workers said he was someone who would always shoulder responsibility with pride, and who came through in everything he did.

They added that Sheshachalam had such a friendly personality that some guests preferred simply to deal directly with him regarding their computers, laptops, phone, wires and even their electrical equipment.

The overwhelming report was of not just a colleague, but a friend, always ready and willing to help in any way he can.

From the winner:Sheshachalam was over the moon to have won the award, but said it had come as a complete shock. “Being nominated, that was enough – it was like a dream when I heard I was shortlisted. I was stunned. But then hearing my name read out as the winner out of the whole group, that was incredible! My heart was pumping so fast I thought it might burst,” Sheshachalam said.

“To win out of that class, with so many excellent contenders, was truly an honour. I would like to thank my colleagues for all their support – that is what has got me here today. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. This really is their award as well,” he added.
Engineering Person of the Year – Eng. Ahmed Ezzat, Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh

Shortlist:Ajith De Silva, Ritz-Carlton Dubai; Joseph Varkey, Ramada Plaza Hotel Doha; Mohamed Riyas, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; and Naryan Babu Acharya, Burj Al Arab.

Judge’s comments:Engineer Ahmed Ezzat started working at the Crowne Plaza Resort Sharm El Sheikh in November, and has proved an invaluable asset to the resort ever since.

Judges were bowled over by the motivation and creativity that Ahmed showed in solving engineering problems around the property.

After making various adjustments to improve accommodation for special needs guests, it was Ahmed who came up with the idea of having a swimming pool hoist to allow guests with limited mobility to enjoy the resort’s pools as well. He even manufactured the hoist himself in the local workshop.

Ahmed was faced with an unusual problem in February 2007, when 450m of underground telephone cable connecting the resort and the central telephone station was stolen. The telephone and internet connection disappeared, the hotel was completely cut off from the world. But after much analysis and planning, Ahmed managed to implement a replacement underground cable. Even more impressively, he did this with no extra man power and no effect on daily engineering operations.

The panel also heard how he had designed and fabricated new sand filters for all the hotel swimming pools.

Judges were ultimately impressed by the day-to-day challenges that Ahmed has successfully overcome, as well as his colleagues’ comments about the consistently high standard of work, commitment and effort that they see from him.

From the winner:Although Ezzat was not able to attend the event in person, InterContinental Hotels Group’s director of operations Pascal Gauvin was on hand to collect the award on his behalf. “He’s fantastic at being creative and innovative,” Gauvin said. “He and his team are really making a difference. I’m delighted that Ahmed’s efforts have been recognised. He truly is one of the heroes of the industry.”
Spa Person of the Year – Dr Shyam Viswanathan Pillai Lalitha Kumary, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Shortlist:Tina Phillips, Burj Al Arab; Elchar Orendain, Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Judge’s comments: Dr Shyam Kumary is no stranger to awards, having won the Silver MENA award for the Best Spa in the MENA region 2007, but judges were overawed by the many different spheres in which he has put his skills to good use.

A true celebrity, Kumary has presented television programmes on a number of well-known channels, including the BBC, written for various print publications, including Gulf News and, as an Ayurvedic physician and yoga teacher, worked with a number of celebrities and politicians.

But he has not lost sight of the job in hand, and colleagues still praise his passion, dedication and commitment to his role.

He has presented scientific research papers and helped plan the spas at Le Meridien Kerala, and the Softouch Spa at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, taking the latter brand to 19 Kempinski, Le Meridien, Hilton, Grecotels, and ITDC spas across the world.

Colleagues remarked upon several notable personal strengths, including dedication, hard work and passion for the job.

One co-worker said that he could “never summarize what great achievers like Dr. Shyam have the capability to do or achieve”, and applauded the number of people Kumary’s work had helped in some way.

But above all of these accolades Dr Kumary is respected as a consummate professional by all who know him and that is why the judges felt him fully deserving of this award.

From the winner:Kumary was thrilled to have won a Hotelier Middle East Award – but he was at least a little prepared for how it would feel.

“I had a dream that I’d won,” he explained. “Now I’m wondering if I’ve woken up! My adrenaline is sky-high after winning that.”

He added that a lot of praise and thanks were due to his mentors at Kempinski, as well as his friends and colleagues, especially his spa team.
Fitness Instructor of the Year – Halem Buyante, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Shortlist:Osama Mohamed, Fairmont Dubai; Erickson Mercado, Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Judge’s comments:It was immediately apparent from both colleague and client comments that Halem Buyante is a popular and key member of the gym team at Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Pavilion Marina & Sports Club.

His passion for learning and providing excellent service soon saw him promoted to gym instructor, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Judges were deeply impressed by Buyante’s hard work and dedication to the job. Since starting at The Pavilion, he has worked hard to become a Body for Life qualified coach, a BTS Body Pump qualified instructor and a therapeutic masseur.

And Buyante is not stopping there; he is currently using a distance learning course to keep his knowledge on design fitness programmes up-to-date.

Colleagues repeatedly mentioned Buyante’s popularity with his clients, and praised his opinion that you should form a real partnership with clients to properly help them achieve their goal.

His clients themselves applauded his ability to get the most out of them and always leave them feeling positive and proud of what they had accomplished.

The overall picture was one of an enthusiastic, hard-working employee who is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure the client gets exactly what they want from their training, and who will continuously push and challenge himself to become even better at his job.

From the winner: Buyante said he was thrilled just to be nominated for the award, but that he never expected to win it. “I’m just so surprised and so happy,” he said. “I wasn’t prepared to actually win; I had no idea what to say when I went up there!”

Buyante said he thought the deciding fact in his winning the award was that he was always serious about his work, and was truly dedicated to the job. He also thanked his manager, whom he said had always been an incredible help and inspiration to him.
Housekeeper of the Year – Magdalena Sabiniano, Ritz Carlton Dubai

Shortlist:Ulricke Hocke, Al Manzil And Qamardeen Hotels; Weerakkody Tg, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments; Una Lydon, Jumeirah Beach Hotel; and Mercy Fernandez, Ritz Carlton Bahrain.

Judge’s comments:Judges were impressed with Sabiniano’s commitment to her team, guiding them through every detail of the job and instilling a sound work ethic. They also praised her determination that staff should obtain maximum job satisfaction in their role, always willing to go the extra mile in training them to Ritz-Carlton standards.

The panel also noted Sabiniano’s creation of an Employee Recognition Board, where she takes time and effort to display outstanding achievements of employees, and pictures of their departmental outings.

Sabiniano started off at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai as a room attendant, but her potential was soon noticed and she was made departmental trainer a year later. In this role she has guided many new team members during their initial period in the department.

Sabiniano’s skills at checking and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness in the rooms led to a commendation for her positive attitude and commitment to the job. She was subsequently nominated for a Five-Star award, and at the beginning of 2007 she was promoted to housekeeping supervisor.

Colleagues described her as a hard-working team member with great future potential. They remarked on the genuine care and concern she shows those in her charge, and fondly revealed that this had earned her the nickname “Super Mum”.

From the winner:Sabiniano was overwhelmed to have won, saying that she was happy enough to simply be nominated.

“It honestly didn’t matter to me if I won, I was thrilled anyway,” she said. “But when my name was read out my heart almost stopped. I love what I do, I always try my level best and make an effort to share my experience with others.” Sabiniano also thanked her team and managers for all their work.
Laundry Person of the Year – Sunil Panaparambil, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

Shortlist:Michael Montilibano, Coral Boutique Hotel Appartments; and Anthony Watson, Coral Deira Dubai.

Judge’s comments:Judges applauded Panaparambil’s belief in empowering his team, so that they can perform their jobs to the best of their ability.

Since joining Le Meredien, he has set about changing the mindset of the staff. He thinks that people should enjoy their jobs and take pride in what they do, saying that each and every employee must realise that the work they do impacts greatly on the success of the hotel.

He keeps housekeeping associates motivated by constantly recognising their efforts, maintaining a positive attitude, and encouraging everyone to go the extra mile to make sure guests are happy. Panaparambil considers training and team-building to be the keys to success, and this conviction manifests itself in a happy and hard-working team.

The judging panel was also impressed with new and innovative measures to cut costs which Panaparambil implemented, without compromising quality standards. He also believes in taking an environmentally friendly approach to his work, making sure to reuse and recycle wherever possible.

Panaparambil joined Le Méridien Al Aqah in 2002, and due to hard work and commitment, he quickly moved up through the ranks from room attendant to housekeeping supervisor.

Colleagues cited his stamina, determination and leadership skills, and his innate ability to create an atmosphere of homeliness within the hotel.

They added that whether preparing a room for a guest or training a new member of staff, Panaparambil was always ready to work whenever and wherever needed.

From the winner:Panaparambil was delighted with his award, saying that when his name was read out he was “completely amazed”.

“I think many people deserve this award as well as me,” he said, thanking his co-workers and managers at Al Aqah.
Stewarding Person of the Year – Ryan Guerra, Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Shortlist:Krishnan Manikandan, Kempinski Hotel Mall Of The Emirates; Mohameed Ali Basheer, Coral Deira Dubai; Adri Dharma, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort; and Rajesh Maharjan, Shangri-La Hotel Dubai.

Judge’s comments:Judges were impressed by Guerra’s dedication, not only in his own job as steward, but to any area of hotel operation in which he believed he could be of service.

Colleagues were impressed by his ability to adjust his schedule at a moments notice according to the number of hotel guests and the property’s needs, and it is evident to all that Guerra knows his job inside out, consistently showing initiative and a profound understanding of the hotel business.

Always prepared – colleagues noted his commitment to checking banquet events orders well before the event, yet at the same time always managing to fit essential jobs into his busy schedule – Guerra has made himself an irreplaceable part of the team at Jumeirah Emirates Tower.

His dedication to, and love of, the hotel industry is demonstrated by his work in obtaining a wide array of skills, such as knowledge of the ATS (time and attendance) system – put to good use when logging the attendance of his colleagues – and his support for Jumeirah Emirates Tower’s waste management and energy saving system – Eco-Jet.

He also keeps a record of all F&B breakages, controls chemical and cleaning supplies and prepares training material for new recruits, all of which has led to him being awarded a number of Smiley Cards for exemplary service.

From the winner:Guerra said he was delighted when his manager told him that he had been nominated for a Hotelier Award.

“I was really happy – I’d never been nominated for anything before, let alone won,” he said. “When I started working , I had no idea washing up plates could win you awards, but now this has come along and it feels amazing.”

Guerra thanked his managers and all the hotel staff for their support.