22,500 new recruits needed internationally by 2015

Abu Dhabi, December 12, 2012; Kempinski Hotels held its first regional Career Day over the weekend at Emirates Palace. Twenty general managers from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, along with the company's Chief Operating Officer and a dozen corporate vice-presidents and regional directors conducted more than 400 interviews in less than eight hours with candidates who came from as far away as Germany and South Africa. Eighty-five percent of internal candidates and forty-six percent of external candidates were given offers on the spot.

Kempinski Career Day, the only one of its kind in the industry, gives ambitious hotel management school graduates, highly-motivated young professionals and enthusiastic newcomers the opportunity to kick-start their career in the luxury hospitality business. More than 300 entry level, middle and senior management positions were available with Kempinski in the region, and an additional 300 vacancies were on offer elsewhere. In 'speed dating' style, candidates had valuable face-time with the Kempinski's general managers and for hundreds of lucky candidates, Kempinski's Career Day meant the first step towards an exciting future with Europe's oldest and most established luxury hotel group.

Despite the global economic downturn, hospitality remains a growth industry. Plans to expand its world-wide portfolio from 73 properties to 120 by 2015 mean that Kempinski has an immediate need to identify high-quality talent to fill 22,500 positions over the next two years. "Our aim is to double our portfolio by 2015," says Reto Wittwer, President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels. "Finding new talent, which will push us further in the future, is and will continue to be our utmost priority. We are looking for candidates who are interested in different cultures, speak various languages and are looking for a bit of an adventure abroad."

While many of the positions available at the regional recruiting event were for properties in the India, the Middle East, and Africa, region general managers were recruiting for positions all over the world. Through Kempinski's commitment to talent development, a key division in the company, employees are given ample opportunity to gain experience in various locations around the world throughout the course of their career, regardless of where they start their career.

Kempinski's first Career Day in the region was an overall success, with plans for next year's regional event already underway. Kempinski will hold its third Worldwide Career Day in Munich on the 2nd of March 2013 with all of its general managers in attendance offering global placements for internal and external candidates, and the second China Regional Career Day will be held on the 23rd of March with positions available inside and outside of China.

About Kempinski
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 73 five-star hotels in 31 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location.

Furthermore Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA): The world's largest alliance of independent hotels.

www.kempinski.com/press • www.globalhotelalliance.com

Issued By:
Lashley Pulsipher, Regional PR Director Middle East & Africa
Kempinski Hotels
Business Central Towers, DIC
Office 2201A
Tel +9714 4281544, Mobile + 97150 6405903
E-mail: lashley.pulsipher@kempinski.com
www.kempinski.com

© Press Release 2012