“Ismail’s extensive experience in the luxury hospitality field enabled him to develop not only his operational skills, but also his leadership and interpersonal abilities, making him a trusted person among his peers and colleagues as well as corporate staff and the ownership of the hotel. He clearly nurtured the DNA of Kempinski, which supported him in getting where he is right now and being a role model and a source of inspiration for his colleagues. Ensuring the proper implementation of Kempinski’s operational standards is one of his great contributions, reflected in our guests’ journey and satisfaction.” – Sebastien Mariette, Cluster General Manager and Area General Manager Levant, Kempinski, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
When did your Kempinski journey start?
I started in 2006 at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in the position of Assistant Housekeeping Manager during the hotel’s pre-opening. I got promoted to Executive Housekeeper within a year, and I was one of the first few colleagues who held the Master Trainers certificate in the region.
Being nominated to take on various assignments at different Kempinski properties was a great recognition for me within the company, as I took on some projects in the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, Chad, Djibouti, Seychelles and Jordan.
“These significant accomplishments paved the way for Ismail to be promoted to Director of Rooms at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, and very recently, to be promoted to Executive Assistant Manager in charge of rooms as of June 2022.” – Sebastien Mariette, Cluster General Manager and Area General Manager Levant, Kempinski, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
I am very proud when sharing with my family and friends that I am a part of a company with 125 years of heritage in the hospitality industry, which has given me the opportunity to be exposed to diverse guests and widen my cultural knowledge and which, eventually, enhanced my personal communication skills.
How is Kempinski different from other places you have worked at?
I feel we are a collection of individuals in a talent-development school. In any other company, you are just a number, but at Kempinski, you are an important asset.
What was your favourite guest moment?
During my time at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, I happened to handle a complaint from a long-stay guest who claimed that his seafood dinner was not fresh. The next day, we arranged a fishing trip for the guest with one of the local fishermen who supplied us with fresh seafood and his daily catch. It was a memorable experience for the guest, who had a very local adventure and, at the same time, was assured of the source and freshness of our seafood.
What is it like being part of your team at the hotel?
Being part of a talented team is definitely motivating and inspiring. When you witness your colleagues’ development and growth within the company, holding similar positions at sister hotels in the region, it is indeed rewarding!
My favourite thing about our hotel is that we are focused on driving results. I gained the trust of my peers/colleagues and guests alike, which has enabled me to get things done and which is very motivating.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining or someone who has just joined Kempinski?
Work hard, love what you do and you will eventually get what you are aiming for.