CEO Reto Wittwer visits UAE properties to share the group's vision with employees

Dubai, UAE, 31st July, 2007; President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, Mr Reto Wittwer was in the UAE this week as part of a global tour of Kempinski properties.  Wittwer met with staff at Emirates Palace and the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates to share the group's people-oriented philosophy as well as development plans on a global scale.

Heading Kempinski for the last 12 years, Wittwer is dedicated to maintaining a strong and undiluted brand by personally ensuring each property and member of staff shares in the vision of the group. A practical and charismatic man, he places great faith in the human side of the organization and believes strongly in encouraging staff to grow and succeed with the company, saying, "Finding a good employee is not just about what is on his or her CV, it's about fostering talent. Everyone has a talent but sometimes they are not given the chance to shine, we like to give our staff every opportunity to reach their potential, because essentially we are in the people business".

Each year Kempinski staff members worldwide are asked to fill in an employee satisfaction survey, the results of which are collated at the Kempinski head office to identify areas that need improvement.  With the groups planned expansion over the coming years, human resources are an essential element in ensuring the successful growth of the company and Kempinski understands that incorporating employees into the group's vision is paramount.

As a management company, Kempinski chooses properties carefully and prefers to differentiate itself in every market through iconic properties and truly unique experiences for guests as opposed to massive growth and identical hotels in every location. "Travellers don't necessarily want a home away from home or else why would they leave? People are looking for an experience, something interesting and special that gives them a sense of entering a different reality and immersing themselves in it completely", explained Wittwer.

Taking a very different approach from most large hospitality companies, Wittwer is placing a cap on development and remains adamant that the group's expansion will not overshadow the impeccable standards for which Kempinski is renowned. The group celebrates its 110th birthday this year and in accordance, Wittwer has vowed that the number of properties bearing the brand worldwide will never exceed the years of operation.  "I don't want the distinctive style of Kempinski Hotels to get lost in an explosion of development and lose the essence of the brand.  It is far more important that we maintain the portfolio we already have and within this replace some of the lower performing hotels with market leaders", he ended.  Wittwer returns to the UAE in mid August to visit the staff at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman.

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About Kempinski
In 2007, Kempinski Hotels is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and distinctive luxury. During this time, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world's leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe. Experience Kempinski's unique heritage at one of the group's prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. 

About Global Hotel Alliance
Global Hotel Alliance currently comprises 7 luxury brands encompassing 153 upscale and luxury hotels with over 46,000 rooms in 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation: Kempinski in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Omni in North America, Pan Pacific in the Pacific Rim, The Leela Group in India, Dusit in Thailand, Landis in Taiwan and China, and Marco Polo in China and Hong Kong.  GHA will continue to grow to include selected hotel brands in those regions not currently covered by the alliance.

For more information please contact:
Doaa Amin,
Regional Director of PR Area
Middle East and Africa 
Tel: + 971 4 341 00 00 
Fax: +971 4 341 45 00
e-mail:doaa.amin@kempinski.com
Website: www.kempinski-dubai.com

Sarah Harris
TRACCS Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 367 2530
e-mail: sarah.harris@traccs.net

© Press Release 2007