When did you start your career, and when did you join Kempinski?
I started my hospitality career in 2006 at the One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives, as an accounts payable assistant. In 2012, I joined Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain as Paymaster/General Cashier. Then, I joined the Finance Pre-opening Team at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha, which opened in 2014, as Accounts Payable Supervisor/Paymaster. During the pandemic in 2020, I joined the HR Department as HR Payroll Supervisor.
“Racquel is an extremely dedicated and passionate lady who always strives to achieve the best results. She is competitive and takes opportunities and faces challenges without being afraid. Racquel is a perfect example of how to grow within Kempinski by upholding the Kempinski values and DNA. Her colleagues admire her attention to detail and recently nominated her to become the departmental trainer. She inspires team members daily with her actions and positivity, and we are very lucky to have a person like Racquel as part of the HR Team.” Harshine Karunadasa, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Marsa Malaz Kempinski.
What was a memorable moment for you?
The most memorable moment for me was when I joined the HR Team – which I consider discovering a completely new world, from PAPERS to PEOPLE. I considered this moment the best feeling ever, for being taken care of by the GM – Mr Karim – and the three great HR leaders and mentors (Mr Edward, Mr Ayoub and Ms Harshine). I am forever grateful to them for the full support and favour, personally and professionally.
What do you like about your team?
As most of us are expats, living away from our own families, the feeling of belongingness as family at Kempinski makes Kempinski different. The ten years I have been at a Kempinski hotel have been a part of my life that I am proud of. “I belong to this Kempinski family.” We do have differences and moments when we face challenges and issues, but we find a way to gather and talk together, while eating and cracking jokes.
What does “beautiful performance” mean to you?
“Beautiful performance”, for me, is working with your heart. It flows naturally inside out. My favourite Kempinski DNA is “Creating Traditions” – always adopting a can-do attitude for every task I do is what is important for me.