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PROGRAMLES ROCHES 60TH ANNIVERSARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Les Roches CEO Biography

Program

Speakers

Facts & Figures

Testimonials

Practical Information

About Switzerland

04

05-07

08-13

14-19

20-43

44-48

49-50

Appointed as CEO for Les Roches Worldwide in June 2013 and as Director General of Les Roches Switzerland in January 2011, Sonia Tatar has over 14 years of experience in the broad business of hospitality and the education industry. In her current role she oversees and leads the global network of Les Roches campuses in Switzerland, Spain, China and Jordan. A creative and innovative leader, she believes in the power of both and the impact they have on Les Roches’ students’ careers in particular, and on the industry as a whole. Entrepreneur ship, creativity and innovation are at the heart of the curricula throughout Les Roches’ programs.

Before joining Les Roches, Ms. Tatar held a number of senior leadership positions notably at the International Graduate & Executive Business School, INSEAD. Her experience in hospitality includes stints at Euro Disney, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Hyatt Regency. Sonia Tatar has also managed start-up companies including a destination management and a high-end theme event and production company. She is a member of the Global Lodging Forum Board.

Les Roches is a private Swiss Institution which offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs. Les Roches is accredited at university level by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) (www.neasc.org) and offers programs in the fields of hospitality,

tourism, events and entertainment management. Nestled in the Swiss Alps at 1,274 meters in the small village of Bluche, just a few minutes from the famous ski and golf resort of Crans Montana, Les Roches offers to its international student body a young and dynamic educational environment, perfect for gaining maturity and experience at starting an exciting and diverse professional career. Les Roches students have the possibility to transfer to / from Les Roches branch campuses and affiliated campuses in Spain, China and Jordan (Les Roches International Hotel Management School, Marbella, Spain; Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College, Shanghai, China; and The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Amman, Jordan).

In a global survey of 5-star hotel hiring managers, Les Roches was ranked among the top 3 hospitality management schools in the world for an international career (TNS Global Survey, October 2013). Les Roches is also recognized by the Canton of Valais (Switzerland) Department of Education. It is a member of Laureate International Universities, a global network of more than 80 institutions in 29 countries offering an array of programs to 950,000 students worldwide.

LES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENTSONIA TATAR

CEO, LES ROCHES WORLDWIDE

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PROGRAMTHURSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2014

6 7L E S RO CHE S 60 T H ANNIVERSARY L ES ROCHES 60 TH ANNIVE RSARY

THURSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2014

Prog

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MORNING

09.00 Welcome coffee & croissants

10.00 Opening remarks: breaking boundaries

10.20 Keynote speaker

11.20 INNOVATION: BREAKING BOUNDARIES, BUILDING NEW SOLUTIONS Breaking established models of the hospitality industry through innovation and shaping a new world

◢ new consumers’ expectations and new trends

◢ major innovations in the industry driving success

◢ how innovation creates strong added value, for consumers, brands and employees

◢ impact of a fast changing and mobile world on innovation

◢ how can education best prepare the innovation leaders of tomorrow

12.15 Networking lunch

AFTERNOON

13.45 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: REDEFINING THE BUSINESS SPACE Entrepreneurs redefining new frontiers of the hospitality and luxury service industries

◢ what makes successful entrepreneurs

◢ entrepreneurship - a state of mind

◢ how to balance professional and private life at the C-suite level

◢ women leaders and entrepreneurship

◢ how can education help build the entrepreneurs of the future

14.45 EMPLOYABILITY: CREATING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES Creating exciting global employment opportunities in the hospitality and luxury service industries

◢ market context challenges and opportunities

◢ the shifting trends of employability

◢ what makes an ideal candidate

◢ opening new horizons for employment

◢ how to build the university of the future and disrupt the traditional education model

Closing

15.50 Keynote speaker

16.30 Closing remarks: beyond the confined space

17.00 Networking reception


SPEAKERS


KEY NOTE SPEAKERS PANEL ON INNOVATION

MODERATOR

Brian Payea is the Head of Industry Relations for TripAdvisor, and is responsible for global educational and policy outreach to the travel industry. He focuses on strengthening the ties between TripAdvisor and the hospitality community. His department builds tools for hotel brand management, hoteliers and other hospitality professionals to leverage the insights available from the wealth of traveler-contributed information on TripAdvisor and other social media.

Brian has more than 30 years of experience in communications and marketing leadership, and is a member of the HSMAI Americas board as well as the HSMAI Foundation board and the Lodging Industry Ratings Advisory Council at AH&LA.

Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO, Rotana

Omer Kaddouri recently assumed the position of President and CEO of Rotana – a highly successful hotel management company with over 85 properties in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe. British-Iraqi, Omer graduated in 1986 from Les Roches, working with chains such as Hilton International in UAE and London, Shangri-La in Kuala Lumpur and Rotana. As President & CEO, Mr Kaddouri is responsible for paving the way for Rotana’s aggressive expansion plans to operate 100 hotels by 2020.

Suzan LeVine, US Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Ambassador LeVine was named to her position on June 2, 2014. Prior to joining the U.S. Government, the Ambassador focused on education in both her professional and volunteer life. She formerly was the co-founder and then chairperson of the advisory board for the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS) at the University of Washington – one of the world’s leading early learning research institutes.

Previously the Ambassador worked at Microsoft Corporation as Director of Strategic Partnerships for Student Developers and Director of Communications for Education. She also has experience in the hospitality industry, having served as Director of Marketing and Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the luxury travel division of Expedia.

Throughout her career, Ambassador LeVine has been dedicated to social innovation and community service. Among other initiatives, she participates in Social Venture Partners, which cultivates effective philanthropists and strengthens organizations driving community change. She has received several awards for her community work, including won the Microsoft Alumni Foundation “Beacon Award” in 2013 for community leadership and inspiration and the 2012 Wexner Fellowship for her leadership in the Seattle Jewish community.

The Ambassador earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering with aerospace applications from Brown University.

Ross Edmonds

Guillermo Leal Llano, Academic Director of ART Technologies Americas & Apple Distinguished Educator Class 2012

Ross Edmonds is a presenter, facilitator and event designer for many of the top businesses in the UK. He has worked extensively across the travel industry as well as the financial, telecommunications and information technology sectors.

Ross is known for blending serious business outcomes with a great sense of humor. He will bring to the event his unique mix of dynamism, reflection and wit to ensure that it is focused, insightful and relevant.

Guillermo Leal Llano is the academic director of ART Tecnologies México. He was recognized in 2012 as an Apple Distinguished Educator and earned a degree in Computer Science and in Telematics from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Throughout his career, he has worked to improve educational digital environments in Mexico, Colombia, Switzerland and Guatemala. He has also served as a computer science teacher, and currently coordinates Apple’s professional development program for K–12 schools and higher education institutions.

In his role as Industry Leader of PwC’s Lodging & Tourism Clients Group, Nicolas Mayer is responsible for the overall service delivery of PwC’s service offering to clients. In Switzerland, the Lodging & Tourism Clients Group services clients in the tourism, travel, lodging and destination management sector and comprises 11 full-time consultants and an additional multidisciplinary team of around 40 professionals.

Prior to joining PwC, Nicolas worked in a variety of operative positions for Hyatt International, Hilton Hotels and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Companies in the USA, Germany, Spain and Indonesia.

Roger Allen is CEO of Resources for Leisure Assets, an international boutique company providing leisure advisory and asset management to the evolving and ever changing wellbeing industry.

Roger specializes in financial analysis, business planning and sound operational management of leisure facilities and the essential relationship of designing wellness concepts that have the best opportunities for operational and financial success.

He takes a very entrepreneurial approach to leisure development, which is a very focused and aggressive perspective on how the industry ‘should’ deliver a ROI without compromising the guest experience.

Brian Payea, Head of Industry Relations, TripAdvisor

Nicolas Mayer, Partner & Industry Leader, PwC

Roger Allen, CEO, Resources for Leisure Assets


PANEL ON EMPLOYABILITY

BREAK SPEAKERS

PANEL ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Michel Gehrig, a passionate advocate for talent development with a career in luxury hospitality spanning over 25 years, took over the position of Vice President Talent Development for Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group in 2012, leading Kempinski’s Talent Development teams, on a Corporate, Regional and hotel level.

Mr Gehrig is also responsible for strengthening the cooperation between Kempinski and various hotel schools. In the context of Kempinski’s on-going expansion, Talent Development is a subject of increasing importance.

As a certified Executive Coach, Facilitator and Speaker, Lee Travers draws on over 20 years of leadership experience in developing executives and leaders with global organizations.

She combines her own 8-point Inspiring Leadership model, leading coaching methods and the latest research in neuroscience to create insight, support and challenge leaders and top teams to make behavioral change and a positive impact. Lee has a particular passion for changing the landscape for women in leadership and has authored ‘Inspiring Women Leaders’.

Mei Zhang is Founder of Wild China, a premium sustainable travel company offering distinctive, ecologically sensitive journeys to all corners of China.

A native of Yunnan province in southwest China, Mei earned her MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) and worked as a management consultant for McKinsey & Company until she found her true passion in sustainable travel.

Dirk-Jan Rijks, VP Global HR, Accor

Based in Singapore, Dirk-Jan Rijks’ primary responsibilities for the Global Accor Luxury and Upscale Brands are to support and participate in brand experience while driving and supporting optimal guest experience strategy and satisfaction through HR programs. Dirk-Jan was previously the Vice President Human Resources Sofitel Asia Pacific with Accor Hospitality, where he was responsible for representing the Human Resources function to ensure brand-related training modules were rolled out within all properties.

Susan Harmsworth, CEO, ESPA

Universally recognised as one of the world’s leading spa experts, Susan Harmsworth’s innovative, inspirational and forward thinking approach has shaped the luxury spa industry into what it is today.

For over 40 years, Susan has devoted her professional life to spa and wellness, enriching people’s lives globally. Her passion and aptitude for the creation and management of spas and natural products has underpinned the success of health retreats, with 500 luxury spas and wellness centres in over 55 countries. Susan’s career has also included health and beauty journalism, spa education programmes and the extensive development of natural and effective skincare and body care products, based on the principles of nature and science.

Paula R. Singer is president and CEO of Laureate Global Products and Services (GPS), where she leads Laureate’s portfolio of U.S. institutions, as well as online institutions and offerings, including those provided through partnerships worldwide. She also is responsible for Laureate’s worldwide institutions that provide international education in the fields of hospitality, art, architecture and design. Each of the 17 institutions in GPS shares a student-centered focus and an emphasis on positive student outcomes.

In 2004, Paula was recognized as one of five Enterprising Women in Maryland by the Baltimore Business Journal. She was named one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” three times by the Maryland Daily Record, earning her induction into the publication’s prestigious “Circle of Excellence.”

Paula earned a BS in Education from the University of Connecticut, where she was the first education major to be selected for the prestigious University Scholar program.

Managing Partner and founder of Grupo Habita, Rafael Micha is responsible for public relations, marketing and VIPs at the group’s 14 hotels.

Grupo Habita hotels are internationally recognized for their proactive architecture and interior design art. Rafael’s work has resulted in creating an experience which attracts personalities such as Bono, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and many other international and national celebrities.

Sébastien Tondeur is Chief Executive Officer of MCI, a global company that offers solutions in strategic engagement and activation of internal and external target audiences that enhance business performance and take organizations to the next level.

Recognized as a thought leader, MCI helps organizations create immersive and authentic experiences that build community. MCI has 1’400 employees in 24 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, North and South America.

Michel Gehrig, VP Talent Development, Kempinski

Lee Travers, Author, “Inspiring Women Leaders”

Mei Zhang, Founder, Wild China

Paula R. Singer, President and CEO, Laureate Global Products and ServicesRafael Micha, Chief Marketing Officer, GRUPO Habita

Sébastien Tondeur, CEO, MCI

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FACTS & FIGURESGLOBAL / REGIONAL FACTS & FIGURES ALUMNI CAREER EXAMPLES


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GLOBAL FIGURES (2013)*

◥ Travel & Tourism is the world’s 2nd largest employer

◥ 8.9% of total worldwide employment is in travel & tourism

◥ Travel & Tourism’s contribution to world GDP grew for the fourth consecutive year in 2013, rising to a

total of 9.5% of world GDP (US$7 trillion). By 2024, the hospitality industry will grow 4.2% per year to a

total of 10.3% of GDP

◥ Around 4.7 million new jobs were created worldwide as a result of Travel & Tourism activity last year:

the sector now supports nearly 266 million people in employment or 1 in 11 jobs on the planet. This is

expected to rise by 2.4% per year to almost 347 million jobs in 2024 or 10.2% of total world employment

COUNTRY FIGURESHospitality is the world’s fastest growing industry and will add one new job every 2.5 seconds. According to

the World Travel and Tourism Council, international tourism expenditure exceeded WTTC expectations with

estimated growth of 4.0% in 2013.

FRANCE

Generated jobs in Travel & Tourism (2013) 1,195,500

Percentage of total employment (2013) 4.4%

Generated jobs in Travel & Tourism (2014) 1,218,700 (+1.9%)


Generated jobs in Travel & Tourism (2024) 1,425,200 (+1%)

SWITZERLAND

Generated jobs in Travel & Tourism (2013) 143,500




Generated jobs in Travel & Tourism (2024) 224,000 (+50.3%)

ITALY




Percentage of total employment (2014) 5%


SPAIN






CHINAGenerated jobs in Travel & Tourism (2013) 22,780,000





INDIA






MEXICO






PORTUGAL






UK






UAE






* Source –Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Report 2014 of the World Trade and Tourism Council


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ALUMNI CAREER EXAMPLES

JUNIOR SALES MANAGER

TRYP by Wyndham,

Antwerp, Belgium

EVENT MANAGEMENT

TRAINEEMCI, Geneva, Switzerland

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Booking.com

GUEST SERVICE SUPERVISOR

Conrad Miami, USA

REVENUE MANAGER

Sofitel Abu Dhabi, UAE

EVENTS MANAGER

Kempinski Seychelles Resort,

The SeychellesASSISTANT

RESTAURANT MANAGER

Four Seasons Hotels and

Resorts, Hawaii, USAHOTEL

MANAGER Hotel Adlon Kempinksi,

Berlin, Germany

VICE PRESIDENT & CEO

Rotana Hotels,

Middle East & Africa

OWNER Hotel Guarda Golf,

Crans-Montana, Switzerland

DIRECTOR OF SALES

St. Regis New York, USA

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

UBS Wealth Management,

Geneva, Switzerland

TESTIMONIALSCURRENT STUDENTS / ALUMNI

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STUDENT LIFELiving in Switzerland is an adventure in every possible way. Living and studying on top of a mountain, right next to a ski resort is unique, very different to anywhere else and a very nice distraction from your studies. In winter I am able to put my skis on right in front of my door and spend all Saturday on the slopes, with the most beautiful views of Swiss Valais. In the summer, with almost a blue sky and sun everyday, I can jump into the pool or into one of the lakes up in Crans-Montana. The Student Social Committee has been very enthusiastic, organizing various events to dress up, party together and make the life up here pretty fun.

Apart from the events going on at school there are many things happening locally in the community of Crans-Montana and in Switzerland itself. We have the Caprices Festival, a major and very famous music event in Crans-Montana, the car show in Geneva, the Street Parade in Zürich, the Lausanne Marathon, and not to forget the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. So, as you can see, there is no lack of things to do, or places to go, to make your studies unique and exiting.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGLes Roches teaches us more than how to wear a suit, and prepare and give a presentation in front of an audience. Industry operations are taught from the outset, going through all levels of management to an intense concentration of leadership and management. Due to various kinds of projects that foster team work, students learn from each other, teach each other, and lead and guide each other, under the philosophy of ‘learning by doing’. Les Roches inspires and supports us to be the best and innovate in what we’re doing, and it trains us to be leaders. Having this excellent education in the bag, our self-esteem and personalities are shaped for developing our own, innovative business ideas or becoming a forerunner in the industry.

MY INTERNSHIPSI decided to go to the south of France for my first internship, which turned out to be the biggest challenge of my life. The language barrier was challenging at first, and the overwhelming insight into real business life shaped me and made my 6-month experience in Cannes a fantastic adventure. Being there in summer with lots of sun, the beach on my doorstep and seeing

famous people every day, combined with a great work experience and learning a new language, was amazing. It was definitely one of my biggest adventures so far.

Living and working in New York City, however, has been another and possibly even greater adventure. During my second internship, I worked in NYC, in one of the most impressive and happening cities in the world. I was the first intern the company had ever hired and therefore the 6-month work experience with Gemini Hospitality was a great opportunity. I was working closely with one of the Sales and Marketing Managers and the Director, and got a great insight into the world of sales and marketing and the city.

The internships you complete not only let you grow professionally. A big part of it is entering a different country, living in a different culture, with another language. Both internships have contributed a lot to my personal development. The knowledge I gained during my work in both France and New York City, made me more secure and comfortable in myself. I learned about myself, and how to deal with the opinions and attitudes of other people.

MY PROGRAMWithout any doubt, the best thing about my program is the interesting, professional experience of both the faculty and the students. The small and personal class environment is highly beneficial for interesting discussions and sharing different opinions. In addition, the work and development of all kinds of projects is interesting and a great way of learning and, the presentation and communication skills that we are trained are very useful.

A VALUABLE INVESTMENTEducation, especially excellent education, is always a good investment. You learn how to use and apply your knowledge in different situations. Because Les Roches is very much focused on developing practical knowledge and requires a certain amount of internships, studying at Les Roches is a very valuable investment that will yield high returns to compensate the financial outlay many times over. The professional contacts that each one of us will gain over the years of studies will help and support our professional development.

“Les Roches has an excellent reputation around the world. By being in close contact with industry leaders, the network I will establish over my studies at Les Roches are going to be highly valuable and supportive in my future career”

KRISTIN RIEVE GERMANY

LES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT

BACHELOR DEGREE

STUDENT TESTIMONIALSLES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL

SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT

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WHY LES ROCHES?My reason for choosing Les Roches came even before I knew its existence. When I was in the 9th grade, I had my first taste of hospitality when working as an intern for one week in a two-star hotel in Chatelet, Paris. That was one of the best weeks of my life. It was just a coincidence that three years later, in my last year of high school, I walked by a group of student ambassadors in a university forum in Paris. They told me that if I wanted to meet people from all over the world and live the most amazing university life, Les Roches Switzerland was the perfect place for me.

MY EXPECTATIONSBefore arriving at Les Roches, I imagined myself in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by friends from every continent and being able to ski every weekend. I’ve got to say that Les Roches met my expectations pretty well. During my first day on campus, I had the pleasure of meeting my three roommates from 5 different countries: one from Indonesia, one from Turkey and Dubai, and the other from India and Kenya. We had a total of 7 nationalities in the same room! How amazing is that!

STUDENT LIFEAs our motto says it, Les Roches is not just a school, it’s a way of life. During the school week, I usually do sport activities (basketball, tennis or squash), watch a movie with my girlfriend or go to the sports bar for a drink with my friends. During the weekend, I have much more free time. Therefore, I have the chance to go skiing with friends or on excursions with the school. Every week, the Sports and Activities Committee organizes an excursion in the area or a trip abroad. Plus, I am a part of the Wine Club, the Les Roches Toastmasters and a Student Ambassador. Thanks to that, I always have something to do on the weekend and during the week. Of course Bluche is very different from my hometown. I come from a big city where there is so much to do but I never do anything. Bluche is the complete contrary, there is nothing to do in comparison, but you always find a way to have loads of fun!

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGI think Les Roches encourages entrepreneurial thinking in two different ways. First, through our classes: everything we learn is geared towards helping us to open our own business. We start by learning the basics and end our studies with the complete knowledge needed to open a hospitality business. Plus, the school often gives the

students opportunities to be a part of real projects, such as remodeling restaurants or bars. Second, Les Roches indirectly encourages entrepreneurship by bringing together over a thousand students who share exactly the same dream in the same place. As Ernesto Sirolli explained, entrepreneurs create when in a one-on-one environment. They need confidentiality, dedication and the right people. That is what Les Roches is all about.

MY PROGRAMThe best things about my program, teaching methods and faculty are the different projects and lessons we are able to apply in the real world. Our teachers are very knowledgeable, have all worked previously in high positions in different hotels or businesses and have many stories to tell. Finally, the faculty are very understanding of difficulties the students may have and are very open to new ideas.

At Les Roches, group projects form a high percentage of our grades. We have to do an assignment given by the teacher, and this semester, my class has the opportunity of creating a business proposal for a Swiss entrepreneur about the remodelling of a bar that he is planning to buy. This opportunity is very enriching since we get to learn all the financial, marketing, design and operational aspects of remodelling a business.

MY INTERNSHIPDuring my internship at the Ritz-Carlton Abama Golf & Spa Resort in Tenerife, I worked for three months in the restaurant and three months in the bar as an assistant waiter and bartender. I learned the skills needed to be a good waiter, observed the organization of a restaurant and a bar and learned many cocktails.

Living in Tenerife was great. I was less than a minute away from the beach, and went dancing salsa every night. The food and drinks were delicious and overall living in Tenerife was a memorable experience.

I was able to obtain my internship by connecting with the companies who visited the school. I got an interview straight away, sent my CV and cover letter through the Ritz-Carlton website and was accepted. Everything went very smoothly.

My internship changed mainly my social skills. It gave me insight into the industry and taught me how to work and talk to people. It was a very enriching experience. I now feel completely confident and prepared to enter the industry when I graduate.

“I think Les Roches is a very valuable investment for my future because thanks to the knowledge we gain, the internships and the contacts we acquire, I can be sure that I will not be jobless when I graduate”

DORIAN WILSON-DEBRIANOFRANCE / USA


BACHELOR DEGREE

SANAYA SOONAWALLAINDIA / OMAN


BACHELOR DEGREE WITH MARKETING

MY EXPECTATIONSBefore coming to Les Roches, I thought that it would be a Swiss school with a few international students, studying how to wait tables and make beds. When I arrived at Les Roches in the summer of 2010, my views instantly changed. Being greeted by the warm faces at reception made me feel at home. From then on, I knew that it wasn’t only a school to teach us hotel management but a school that would shape us as hospitality individuals with character. I won’t say Les Roches has met my expectations, but rather it has surpassed them by many miles.

Les Roches has shaped me into the international and confident individual I am today. I would definitely say that this school has made me come a long way from where I was, to where I am now, and where I will be in the future. Les Roches has pushed my boundaries and taken me to heights I never thought I would reach.

STUDENT LIFEOur home, Bluche is a tiny village tucked away in the Canton of Valais. Due to the fact that it is so small, everybody knows each other on campus, which makes the college experience all the more enriching. During my spare time I have taken many trips to the neighboring towns and cities. Public transport makes the travelling a lot easier. In addition, our campus offers many extra curricular activities. I have participated in yoga, zumba, skiing and volleyball.

A TYPICAL LES ROCHES STUDENTTo me, a typical Les Roches student is international beyond belief - you will meet people from countries you never knew existed! A typical student is also friendly, experienced, down to earth and professional.

Les Roches promotes entrepreneurial thinking because it gives us international exposure to hospitality industries through the work experience gained inside and outside of the classrooms. It bridges the gap between theory and practical knowledge. It throws you into real life situations, which forces you to think professionally and use the appropriate entrepreneurship skills.

MY LES ROCHES ADVENTURE

It has been a short four years at Les Roches. I wish I could extend it by another four. The friends I’ve made, the classes I’ve attended, the people I’ve had a chance to interact with - it’s coming to an end all too soon.

I have had the honor of being a student to some of the most well-educated and experienced professors who have worked at hotels with diverse cultures. I wish I could rewind the clock back four years.

MY PROGRAMThe professors are definitely the geniuses behind the success of the program. They are the ones who share their knowledge, experiences and make the classes as interactive as possible.

In HOIII, we had to work on an Integrated Project with 6 people. In my group we were given a random country and a concept. This project was a hypothetical situation in which we had to build our hotel. I got the experience of what it would be like to open my own hotel. From organizing events, marketing my hotel, managing the finances, and how to run it. It was a fabulous project.

A VALUABLE INVESTMENTI believe Les Roches is a valuable investment for my future because it trains me practically and theoretically about the industry. It is such a well-known school that during interviews, I don’t need to explain what or where the school is. Recruiters are well aware of the type of professionalism, experience and education you already have.

MY INTERNSHIPSAt Les Roches, we have an extremely efficient internship office, the CDIP, which helped me find my internship offers in Portugal and Italy. They helped me to organize my paper work for each internship and kept in regular touch with the hotel to make note of any changes. We have about 50 companies who come on campus each semester to recruit the student from Les Roches. The interview process may happen face to face, over the phone or on Skype.

My internships have made me a global professional. They have taught me what discipline is like in the real world. I have been exposed to many cultures, foods and languages, which have made me incorporate internationalism in my daily life. At the end of Les Roches and my internships, I see myself being able to take on any challenge the hospitality world has to throw at me.

I have become a global professional with regards to experience, confidence, team spirit and attitude.

“Les Roches has its own way of life. We might be a hospitality school like others all over the world, but our objectives, aims, professionalism and principles are what sets us apart from the rest”

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WHY HOSPITALITYI see myself as a sociable person and believe that one of my strongest skills is dealing with people of all ages. The reasons I want to pursue a career in the hospitality industry is because I enjoy being of service to other people and contributing to their well-being. I also have strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.

MY SALES & MARKETING INTERNSHIPI obtained an internship in the department of Sales & Marketing in the Ritz Carlton in Tenerife, Canary Islands, and spent most of my time the department of Marketing. I had the opportunity to create a bond with the media world, as I had to work personally with top end magazines mostly in Spain, England and Russia, such as Elle, Telva, Marie Claire and, GQ. I learned how to promote the hotel and be the contact person for such a complex and developed company.

A NATURAL LEADERThroughout my life I have been given opportunities to provide leadership, whether it was as the basketball team captain or being appointed Head Girl of my school. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to host many events and organize private and public affairs, allowing me to be at ease in the public eye. I take care in my appearance and I am perceived to be a very approachable person as I always have a smile on my face and am eager to help.

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCEAs a Les Roches Ambassador, I was granted the fantastic opportunity to participate in the Twisper conference in Berlin that consisted of a day of workshops with

educational hacks and guest speakers, as well as a visit to 4 locations considered to be “Twisper Destinations” in the city.

Being a part of such an incredible team, as well as being welcomed to a new approach of the digital travel industry really showed me that there is a way to accommodate travelers’ needs across the globe.

Twisper gave me the opportunity to provide my opinions and views of market expectations in regard to a travel app, as well as input some ideas to aid the expansion of the digital travel world.

As if this wasn’t enough, Twisper also provided me with a “weekend of a lifetime”, where I was shown the top-hit locations in Berlin, all based around food, wine, fun and culture. I met amazing people, with creative and innovative ideas to improve travelers’ well-being when discovering new places.

As a student, I must say that this has been an unforgettable experience not only professionally, but personally as well. If you are a student with a hospitality background, I strongly suggest you try your best to be part of any future Twisper conference, as you will take home with you much more than you expect.

MY FUTURE My ambition is to manage a hotel; however, my true passion lies in sales & marketing and events. I trust that my creativity and capacity to interact and please people from all backgrounds will shine if I am given this opportunity.

“I trust that I am a communicative and responsible person with strong skills who enjoys welcoming and motivating others. I believe a high standard of training will help me develop my skills and open doors to my ambitions in marketing and events”

MARIANA BENEDITA LEMOS HEATHPORTUGAL / UK


BACHELOR DEGREE

ANA MARIA VELEZ MANJARRESCOLOMBIA


BACHELOR DEGREE WITH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

STUDENT LIFELiving in Switzerland has been an amazing experience. Throughout my four years, I’ve been travelling a lot, completing my internships and visiting home. Switzerland is an amazing country; it offers a lot of things to do, and most of them are connected with nature. Amazing scenery, delicious food, beautiful cities, lakes, and mountains - these are all part of what defines Switzerland.

Bluche is definitely very different to my home city, which is Bogotá – the capital of Colombia. That Bogotá is a Latin American capital, already speaks for itself. Bluche is quiet, very green, inhabited by only locals and students – that’s it. To go shopping or dining, you have to go to Crans-Montana or to the cities close to Bluche (Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva). Undoubtedly, living here has been amazing. I will definitely miss living in such an environment.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGLes Roches indeed encourages entrepreneurial thinking through all the projects we do during the program. The projects are very educational and enable and empower us to think like leaders, which is why most of us feel ready to become outstanding leaders in the hospitality industry. Coupled with this, is the opportunity to do a series of internships that provide all students with the chance to grow as professionals.

WHAT MAKES LES ROCHES UNIQUE?Studying at Les Roches is unique for several reasons: it is a small community of 1,400 students per semester and there are more than 90 nationalities within it! The chances of doing internships all over the world are exciting and interesting. The teachers and students all have an encouraging and friendly relationship, which is hospitality attitude ‘in practice’. Also, the mountain views we get when we wake up every morning to go to school are unique; it’s not really common in other educational institutions. Definitely, Les Roches is one of a kind.

A VALUABLE INVESTMENTAs studies have shown, Les Roches is one of the top 3 hospitality schools in the world. By stating this, I refer to the reputation my school has, and therefore, I am willing to keep on positively representing it throughout my career. It was definitely a valuable investment since I now feel ready to work in this

industry, which, thanks to Les Roches, became my passion. To be in the hospitality industry, passion is definitely needed, and I can assure you, I am very passionate about the career and university I chose. With hard work and passion, Les Roches will definitely be the reason for my success.

MY INTERNSHIPSI have completed 3 internships, all of them in different countries. My first internship, I did in Penha Longa Hotel (Ritz-Carlton) in Sintra, Portugal. I worked as Room Service Intern. When I started to work there, the Room Service department gave me supervisory responsibilities, which therefore was a challenge for me as it was my first time doing it; however, I overcame all problems and this internship became one of the most enriching of all three.

The second internship that I completed was in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at the Yas Viceroy hotel. During this internship I worked in 5 different kitchens (pastry, all-day-dining, cold, Japanese and pool/bar). The main lesson I learned was how to work in teams, since having smooth relationships with everyone effectively helped me achieve my goals. Abu Dhabi was amazing; it is where I want to go when I graduate.

Finally, the third internship was at Les Roches Shanghai, China. I was working as Receptionist as well as Assistant to the Student Activities Manager. Living in China without knowing Chinese was indeed the biggest challenge I encountered. Nonetheless, I learned how to live there as an expat and learned basic Chinese and how to get around.

At the end, I believe that all my experiences and travels will positively influence my future endeavors since I learnt a lot about people, cultures, traditions and history; and this is something essential when it comes to creating unforgettable experiences in the hospitality industry.

MY FUTUREI am willing to work hard and learn a lot in the next few years so that when I feel I am ready, I can open my own F&B restaurant in Bogotá, home to amazing events and dining experiences. I believe that Bogotá, as a growing tourism destination, needs this kind of hospitality, and I want to be part of its growth. This is my dream job - to have my own business, but at the same time, to help my country become more attractive in terms of tourism.

“My program is definitely going to help me to achieve goals in life. Now that I am graduating, I am ready to live in the real world, and succeed in making my dreams come true. This is all due to the education and support given by Les Roches faculty”

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WHY A POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA?I always wanted to work for the benefit of others. After researching hospitality schools I found Les Roches, and I knew that it was the perfect place to enrich my skills and knowledge within hospitality.

I decided to take a break from my career to gain more life and work experience in order to enhance and open up my professional options. It was a challenge but it was at the right time of my life to begin this new adventure. I wanted to learn and reflect about possible prejudices and failures so that I could improve my own abilities and become a successful professional.

I believe this diploma will enhance my chances of succeeding within the hospitality industry, and enable me to travel extensively around the world in a professional capacity.

MY EXPECTATIONSBefore I arrived I expected the very best in teaching and learning from both my colleagues and accredited staff. I saw Les Roches as the best place to nurture and enhance the specific skills I need for a hospitality career. After arriving at Les Roches, all of my previous expectations were met – surpassed, even. Now I have the opportunity to further my skills with the insight and learning from Les Roches through state-of-the-art resources, teaching and professional care.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGA typical Les Roches student can be described as someone who is open-minded, articulate, outgoing and diverse.

Les Roches gives students the opportunity to harness the skills required to be a successful entrepreneur. They do

this by giving the appropriate challenges tailored to each individual need.

MY LES ROCHES ADVENTURE SO FARMy adventure so far has been an amazing and enriching experience which has changed my perception of life and has enhanced the skills and knowledge which are quintessential for life long-learning. I now feel that I am connected to the world and that Les Roches is my second family. Traveling around Switzerland has been a great experience and has taught me much about the local culture and traditions of Switzerland. This adventure has made me more independent and has given me a willingness to work and travel around the world.

MY PROGRAMOne of the best things about my program is the practical activities we do. It enables me to have the opportunity to learn whilst working and this helps to consolidate new strategies. To me, this is an invaluable investment as it provides endless opportunities for people looking to enhance their employment prospects.

I feel that my marketing skills and interpersonal skills will help to develop my leadership abilities and enable me to work effectively within the hospitality industry.

MY FUTUREAfter I graduate, I will be looking for a Management Training position in events or marketing. Ideally I would like to work in Abu Dhabi, as it is an emerging market with great opportunities to help develop my career.

“Les Roches gives you the best platform to succeed in the hospitality industry, it helps you to enhance your skills to a higher degree”

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ALEJANDRA ACOSTAMEXICO


POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA

BALDASSARRE DURAZZO ITALY


BACHELOR DEGREE

WHY LES ROCHES?Les Roches is one of the top hotel management schools in the world. I wanted to invest in my education and I think, after four semesters of study here in Switzerland and all the knowledge and experience that I gained, that this is the best way I could have done it. However, the primary reason for which I chose Les Roches is that this school offers the possibility of putting the theory we learn into practice during the practical years of service and work in the kitchen.

Before arriving, I was expecting to learn as much as I could in order to gain work in a luxury five-star hotel. Thanks to the years of study at Les Roches, going through practical and academic studies, I can now say that I am ready to accept whatever challenges, in terms of work, that this wonderful industry will present me.

LIVING IN SWITZERLANDThe location, the wonderful nature and the pure air makes Bluche the ideal place to live. I avoid the crowds and the noise of an industrial city such as Naples, my hometown. Since Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe, it takes only a few hours to reach the most important cities of the nearby countries such as Italy, France and Germany. For this reason, in my spare time I cover my need for short-weekend breaks and travel all over Europe. The way of life in Bluche is totally different from the one in my home country. The combination of nature with such a multicultural and friendly environment makes Bluche the place to be for a person like me. The life on campus is very active; in fact, sport and many other activities are organized almost every day so if you associate mountains with a boring lifestyle, this is not the case.

A TYPICAL LES ROCHES STUDENTA typical Les Roches student is a very dynamic and open-minded person who is willing to help on every occasion. I still remember my first day at Les Roches, I was impressed by the way that I was welcomed by the students. Everybody was exceptionally friendly and in less than an hour it felt like home. “Les Roches is a way of life” and being part of it is one of the best things that could have ever happened to me.

MY INTERNSHIPMy last adventure I went on was in Prague for my second internship where I was working in the kitchen of the Four Seasons Hotel. I believe that the education at Les Roches played an essential role

in my success during this internship. In fact, most of the jobs I did were directly related to what I had learned during my studies. Furthermore, thanks to the academic aspect of my education, I was able to deal with any kind of requests made by my superiors. Most of my colleagues, including the Executive Chef, were impressed by my capability to work on my own after only two weeks of training without creating any specific issues, and for this reason I was rewarded with a special recommendation letter written by the General Manager of the hotel.

Internships are a valuable chance to improve a student’s professional portfolio. An internship can be the occasion to learn more about the hospitality industry and allows us to understand the various aspects of the business by putting into practice what is learned during the years of study at Les Roches.

MY PROGRAMThe academic studies at Les Roches involve several projects related to the hospitality industry. The most interesting project that I worked on so far was the kitchen project. For this project, students are divided into groups of five people with the common task of building a restaurant. Menu designing, floor planning and budgeting were involved, and this is what made this project both the most interesting and challenging group project of the BBAIII semester. Thanks to this project students have the chance to improve team spirit which is crucial for the success in the hospitality industry.

Les Roches is the most valuable investment that my sponsor and I could have ever made for my future. Once I graduate from Les Roches there is a very big chance that I will be recruited by one of the top hotels or companies in the world.

MY FUTUREThe hospitality industry is a worldwide industry that has been consistently growing in the last ten years, especially in the Middle East and Asia. Once I graduate I envision myself having an international job as the key to success in this industry is having as much experience possible, including in other countries.

My dream is to become a general manager of a successful hotel and I am putting my best effort into my studies so that I can achieve this goal as quickly as possible.

“Once I graduate from Les Roches there is a very big chance that I will be recruited by one of the top hotels or companies in the world”

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BEIDI ZHOUCHINA


MBA WITH SPECIALIZATION IN FINANCE

MY EXPECTATIONSI first heard about Les Roches through a family friend, who recommended the school as a top choice.

I expected to be in an international environment with a diverse culture. In reality, Les Roches is like a big family of students and faculty, and I have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Due to this unique environment, Les Roches students are typically very open-minded, cheerful and diverse.

What I have learned and experienced at Les Roches is priceless. I would recommend other students to come to Les Roches to explore the way of life here.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGLes Roches has many events and projects that are organized by students. For example, every semester, there is an event organized by postgraduate students, and the Cultural Night, which is organized by BBA 7 students. These types of events help to promote entrepreneurial thinking amongst students as the students themselves are required to organize all aspects of the event, making sure everything comes in on budget.

As part of the MBA program, we complete an applied

business project in collaboration with a luxury hotel in Switzerland. This semester, our project is linked with the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne. It is a very good opportunity for us to improve our entrepreneurial thinking.

MY PROGRAMFor me, one of the best things about my program is having experienced teachers from the industry. We have reliable and responsible teachers such as Dr. Eeckels, who are always willing to help students when they have difficulties regarding classes.

I have made a lot of connections here and I believe that Les Roches is a valuable investment for my future.

MY FUTUREAfter graduating, I would like to work in the finance or revenue management department of a leading hotel, and enjoy an international career.

Once I have built up some experience within the finance sector, I hope I can move into the real estate investment industry. I plan to use my hospitality skills, to bring something extra to my position.

“Les Roches allows me to work with different people, cultures and values. I realize that an effective leader should understand the differences between people, and how to inspire and influence them so that they follow you voluntarily”

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AYOUB LOUAHLIAFRANCE, MOROCCO, CANADA


BACHELOR DEGREE

STUDENT LIFEOne of the main reasons I chose to study at Les Roches Bluche, was because of the location; Switzerland is at the center of Europe. We can travel anywhere, and we can easily visit our families during breaks or short holidays. After a successful internship with Louis Vuitton in Geneva, I secured a weekend job with the Louis Vuitton store in Montana. It is a great way for me to make pocket money, to keep busy during the weekends, and such an excellent experience helps my CV to stand out from the competition.

There are plenty activities and clubs to be part of in school, and I try to make the most of it. I regularly play basketball, and I am part of the Wine Club and the Les Roches Toastmasters, which is a club with workshops on how to give clear and fluent speeches in public. The most important thing about all the activities I participate in is that I get to do them with my friends.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGOur teachers demonstrate to us how the industry operates, the competition present in the world and how to deal with it, and constantly encourage innovative thinking and unique points of view on certain subjects. Having a good idea of the industry we are involved in, and understanding the competition we are going to face in the future, is the best way to be prepared for work in the future. That is why I think the school really gives us the opportunity to be entrepreneurs.

WHY IS LES ROCHES UNIQUE?The unique aspect about studying in Les Roches is definitely this feeling of being a family or a very close community. Les Roches is like a small country of 1,500 habitants, students and staff, with 95 nationalities, and where everyone knows and cares for each other. Since my first year, we have been growing together, helping one another, studying and gaining experiences together, and traveling. To me, the most unique value of Les Roches is its people.

MY PROGRAMOur classes are very helpful and most of the teachers are well qualified and have great amount of experience in their respective fields. Our teachers also give up some of their free time to meet with us outside of class to help us individually, which is I think a great indication of their dedication and desire to help.

We learn a lot of technical and also practical aspects of the hospitality industry in class. Moreover, our classes are very diversified and they range from bar & beverage classes that touch the food and beverage department, to human resource classes or marketing classes that come to complete the full circle of the different hospitality departments.

A VALUABLE INVESTMENTLes Roches is extremely helpful for my future in terms of bringing companies on campus to recruit. We don’t have to worry about contacting them ourselves, as representatives of leading hotel and luxury brands around the world come to our school throughout each semester.

MY INTERNSHIPI completed my first internship in the Louis Vuitton luxury store in Geneva from December 2012 to July 2013, which was a little bit over 6 months. I have previously worked in a hotel and in a restaurant-bar and so I found the opportunity of working with Louis Vuitton very different and challenging. Since I am passionate about luxury clothing and leather goods etc., it was the perfect opportunity for me; I am still thankful to Les Roches for opening this door for me.

Working at the Louis Vuitton store made me realize how important it is to treat your customer the best you can, to exceed their expectations, and for them to leave the shop having experienced an exceptional moment. Working at the store taught me how to adapt and talk to customers coming from different parts of the world, and learn more about their culture, likes and dislikes, and ways of thinking.

MY FUTURE CAREERI am a man of the people, I care for everyone and I am very altruistic. I like to talk and communicate and serve everyone like they were members of my own family. Former managers and work colleagues have told me that this authenticity and joy of helping people is the best strength you can have in the hospitality industry. My goal would be one day to manage my own hotel to the best of my abilities and I promise you, my employees and customers will be the most cared for.

“Since my first year, we have been growing together, helping one another, studying and gaining experiences together, and travelling. For me, the most unique aspect of Les Roches is its people”

ALUMNI TESTIMONIALSLES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT

IBRAHIM ANDRAOSJORDAN


BACHELOR DEGREE WITH MARKETING

LIVING IN SWITZERLANDSwitzerland is incredibly beautiful and diverse with a plethora of kind and caring people. In my free time I enjoy being on campus with my friends, and travelling around Switzerland. When I am in the mood for something different, I sometimes travel to Italy - it is so close by, and is a great opportunity to explore. I am also part of the Les Roches Rugby team, which is a great way to unwind after class.

I grew up in Dubai, which is a large and fast-paced city. Living in Bluche is a big contrast, but I really enjoy the peace and quiet that is found in the mountains.

ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKINGI feel that Les Roches has the ability to push students to achieve their dreams and goals. For instance, we wanted to have better music facilities on campus, so I got together with some students, and with the help of the school we renovated an empty music room, into a fully functioning music studio. This was a great example of how we can see our ideas come to life.

A VALUABLE INVESTMENTI am sure that Les Roches is going to be valuable investment for my future. Through my program and the study environment here, I feel that the foundations are set to help me achieve a position as a future leader in the industry. I will soon start my first internship at the Bulgari Hotel in London – which is not a bad start!

MY FUTUREAfter I graduate from Les Roches, I plan to work in hotels and restaurants for a few years in order to gain experience and to climb the professional ladder. My dream job further down the line, is to be the owner of a famous and successful chain of restaurants.

“From students to faculty, everyone at Les Roches is always willing to help. I know that the friends and contacts I have made here will last a lifetime”

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British-Iraqi, Omer Kaddouri graduated in 1986 from Les Roches in Switzerland with a diploma in hotel management. Since then, he has gained a wealth of experience in various fields of hotel management and has worked with chains such as Hilton International in UAE and London, Shangri-La in Kuala Lumpur and Rotana Hotel Management over the past 28 years.

Omer joined Rotana in 1998 as Resident Manager of the Al Bustan Rotana in Dubai and progressed within the company to Area Vice President, Senior Vice President UAE-Operations in 2008, and Executive Vice President and CEO of Rotana in 2010.

In January 2014, Omer Kaddouri assumed the position of President and CEO of Rotana, taking the helm of a highly successful hotel management company with a portfolio of over 85 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.

His great belief in the online trend has moved the company forward with its investment in technology infrastructure and in its brand website, giving Rotana an even larger opportunity to expand its distribution.

Omer has led many initiatives involving the retention and succession planning of colleagues in line with the company’s expansion plans. One of the major programs is TAROT – The Accelerated Refinement Of Talent – which targets ambitious college or university graduates, as well as passionate existing team members whom Rotana believes have a bright future. This confirms his belief that human resources will remain a key factor in the growth of the company.

As President and CEO, Omer is responsible for paving the way for Rotana’s aggressive expansion plans to operate 100 hotels by 2020.

OMER KADDOURIUK / IRAQ

GRADUATED IN 1986 / HOTEL MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA

PRESIDENT AND CEO - ROTANA HOTEL MANAGEMENT

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PANOS TZIVANIDISGREECE


HEAD OF EVENTS & HOSPITALITY, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ,

SWITZERLAND.

Prior to being named Head of Events & Hospitality at the International Olympic Committee, he served as Head of the Travel and Conferences unit for UEFA, the European Association of Football Federations, widely known for the organization of the Champions League, Europa League and National teams EURO tournaments with headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, known as the “House of European Football.” He previously served 11 years as Head of Sibos (an annual conference, exhibition and networking event) and events at SWIFT.

“Les Roches, one of the most well-known schools in the world for hospitality management with a strong international curriculum in event management, definitely fast tracked my career. Les Roches prepares students based on a Swiss educational model that combines practice, theory and internships enabling them to be fully employable, flexible and mobile,” said Tzivanidis. “As a Greek, and a Les Roches

alumnus, I feel honoured to be serving the Olympic idea.”

“Les Roches, one of the most well-known schools in the world for hospitality management with a stronginternational curriculum in event management, definitely fast tracked my career. “

“ Les Roches is an amazing place to meet people from all cultures. It was a fantastic springboard for my future. It gave me the ammunition I needed to get into my career.”

FRANCISCO GILESUK

GRADUATED IN 1984 / HOTEL MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA / LES ROCHES

GENERAL MANAGER , PARK ROTANA COMPLEX, ABU DHABI

EVA KUBON

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GERMAN

GRADUATED IN 2000 / BACHELOR DEGREE / LES ROCHES

GENERAL MANAGE R OF MAXIMILIAN MUNICH APARTMENTS AND HOTEL,

MUNICH, GERMANY

After graduating, Franck Dorin worked for Accor before moving to Kempinski. His career shows a rapid progression through hospitality ranks.

He started in London as a night manager, then moved to Dubai where he held several different positions, including Conventions Manager which included preparing for conventions such as the Economic Forum.

Dubai is a special place for him because it was here that he met his wife, Erika Campos, who also is a Les

Roches alumna. After Dubai he moved to the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan, working as Food and Beverage Manager.

Next stop was the Djibouti Palace Kempinski, as Assistant Executive Manager. After this position he moved to Germany to work at the Adlon Hotel in Berlin.

Kempinski has recently awarded him the highly-coveted ‘high potential employee’ status.

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FRANCK DROINGERMANY / FRANCE

GRADUATED IN 2001 / BACHELOR DEGREE

HOTEL MANAGER, HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI,

BERLIN, GERMANY

Francisco Giles has over 23 years of experience in the hotel industry. After attending Cornell University he came to Les Roches to complete his Hotel Management Diploma.

He has worked for different companies such as Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson, Firmley Hall Hotel, Grosvenor House Hotel, Renaissance Dubai Hotel, Ramada Hotel Dubai, Royal Abjar Hotel, and recently was promoted to work as the General Manager at the Park Rotana Complex Abu Dhabi. Most of his titles at the different companies were General Manager.

Not only has he had these different experiences but along the way he was awarded different prizes for his work. He was awarded General Manager of the year with Marriott International in 2006 and General Manager of the year by Hospitality Magazine in the Middle East. His key strengths are in Food and Beverage operations, but this is supported by his substantial experience in sales and marketing and human resources.

FRANCISCO GILESUK


GENERAL MANAGER , PARK ROTANA COMPLEX, ABU DHABI

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During her studies at Les Roches, Eva Kubon did her internship in the United States at The Peaks Resort and Spa in Colorado and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

After graduating in 2000, Eva worked at Le Mirador Kempinski Lake Geneva. There she held several different positions, starting with Guest Service Agent, Reservations Manager, Assistant F&B Manager and lastly, Sales Manager. A desire for change led her to the Hotel Les Trois Couronnes in Vevey, Switzerland. Here, she held the role of Executive Assistant Manager, responsible for sales and marketing.

When the opportunity came to head to Munich and start the Apartment Hotel close to the famous Maximilian Street, she jumped at it. As General Manager, she started with a small team taking care of 60 apartments.

Over time, she has increased the team to 33 people, offering luxury apartments with the 5-star experience and a restaurant.

In this role, Eva was able to develop a new concept and do what she loves best: connect on a deeper level with her guests, making them feel at home.

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EVA KUBONGERMANY

GRADUATED IN 2000 / BACHELOR DEGREE

GENERAL MANAGER OF MAXIMILIAN MUNICH APARTMENTS AND HOTEL,

MUNICH, GERMANY

ELSA BISCAUT-ABASCALMEXICO


GENERAL MANAGER, MON HOTEL, PARIS, FRANCE

Elsa Biscaut graduated in 2005 and has held many different, interesting positions. These include: Reservations Agent with Starwood, Events Manager at Accor, Front Office Manager at the Hotel Montalambert, Guest Relations at the flagship Sofitel-Pullman Hotel, General Manager of the Hidden Hotel (Elegancia Hotels) and General Manager of the Hotel Le Crayon (Elegancia Hotels).

Elsa is one of the brightest lights of the younger generation of hoteliers. She held the role of General

Manager at 25, and was a finalist for the International Hospitality Awards in 2010 for best successful career after graduation

‘I have always been proud of the fantastic experience I had at Les Roches. It will spark a fantastic career, blow open closed doors, and give you that special something that will make you the next best hotelier in a market where innovation and change are quickly replacing the standard and traditional.’

“I have always been proud of the fantastic experience I had at Les Roches. It will spark a fantastic career, blow open closed doors, and give you that special something that will make you the next best hotelier in a market where innovation and change are quickly replacing the standard and traditional”

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Since completing her degree at Les Roches, Febbie has spent her first professional year working as a Signature Butler for the St. Regis San Francisco. This experience has enabled her to experience the hospitality culture of North America. Butlers have been a part of the St. Regis brand story since John Jacob Astor IV set out to build ‘the finest hotel in the world’. St Regis’ two core values reflect his spectacular service philosophy: uncompromising and bespoke.

Febbie believes that Les Roches not only gave her knowledge and a great platform to experience different cultures, but it opened doors, giving her opportunities to translate everything she learned in class, into the real world.

She loves exploring the different cultures among hotel chains and will hopefully find the place that best fits her personality.

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“Les Roches promotes entrepreneurial thinking because all management skills are taught from an entrepreneurial perspective, instead of from an operational worker standpoint. Les Roches shows us the bigger picture, not only looking at just what we are doing”

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FEBBIE SUM YEE TSEHONGKONG

GRADUATED IN 2013 / BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SIGNATURE BUTLER AT ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO, U.S.A.

GIANLUCA SPARACINOITALY


CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE FOUR SEASONS, EUROPE,

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

Since January 2011, Gianluca Sparacino has held the position of Corporate Director of Food & Beverage for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Four Seasons, based in Geneva. Gianluca’s never ending passion for food, wine, and service serve him well in this position. The region is poised for fast paced growth with many new hotel openings in the region.

Since his graduation, Gianluca has had a truly global experience, commencing with Hyatt in Singapore, and continuing to concentrate on food and beverage with positions in Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Taipei. Gianluca made a return trip to Bangkok, this time with the

Peninsula Group to do an opening as director of food & beverage. He then took one more turn with Hyatt in Jakarta before joining the Four Seasons family in Chicago at the Ritz-Carlton. After a few years in the windy city, Luca moved to Houston as Hotel Manager from 2005-2007. In 2007, he then moved north on the I-45 Highway to Dallas for a position as Resort Manager of the Four Seasons Dallas.

Gianluca is originally from Italy, however has been quite worldly since the age of five and always on the go - having lived in New York City, Chicago, Montreal and finished high school in Singapore.

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Ronak strives to strengthen existing corporate and leisure relationships whilst seeking to identify and develop new leads in the market to build up and maintain a consistently increasing room occupancy and F&B revenue. Using existing databases and networking along with online communication and social media to

implement guidelines for guest and client satisfaction, the role is to build and deepen relationships with guests through effective use of communication technology and social networking channels; optimizing on marketing activities and guest service etiquettes working with the Sales and Marketing team.

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“Les Roches has provided

me with a platform that

differentiates skill

from talent. As a student I

took a lot for granted, like

having friends from over 90

nationalities, or being able

to network with industry

professionals. The reality

is that by gaining so much

unplanned exposure to

almost every culture we are

truly ready to deal with any

situation in the real world”

RONAK GANATRAINDIA

GRADUATED IN 2013 / BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

VIRTUAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI, U.A.E

a l u m n i . l e s r o c h e s . n e t - L e s R o c h e s a l u m n i a s s o c i a t i o n 2 0 1 3

Ronak strives to strengthen existing corporate and leisure relationships whilst seeking to identify and develop new leads in the market to build up and maintain a consistently increasing room occupancy and F&B revenue. Using existing databases and networking along with online communication and social media to implement guidelines for guest and client satisfaction, the role is to build and deepen relationship with guests through effective use of communication technology and social networking channels; optimizing on marketing activities and guest service etiquettes working with the Sales and Marketing team.

“Les Roches has provided me with that platform that basically differentiates skill from talent. As a student we take a lot for granted, like having friends from over 80 nationalities, or being able to network with industry professions, but the reality is that gaining so much unplanned exposure to almost every culture truly readies you to deal with any scenario or situation”

LES ROCHES / A WAY OF LIFE

Ronak GanatRa

ViRtual Relationship ManaGeR, Radisson Blu hotelduBai

nationality: indian

class of 2013.1

program

Bachelors of Business Administration

Born in Indonesia, Indian by culture and being raised in Morocco gave Ajay Harjani the perfect push to enter the hospitality industry. After having successfully completing a bachelor’s degree at Les Roches in Bluche, Ajay set about exploring the different worlds of hospitality. His ambition to explore took him to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, working with some of the best hotels in the world.

Starting as a receptionist at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, Ajay quickly worked his way up to supervisory level. He then moved to Jakarta to discover the Asian hospitality market where he attained his management training with the Mandarin Oriental Group. Ajay always had a dream to work with the “Best hotel in the world” and his strong ambition took him to Dubai to work for the famous Burj Al Arab hotel as a Guest Service Manager. His responsibilities as a Manager at the Burj not only included managing a team of 200 executive butlers but also satisfying the most exclusive guests around the world. While

Ajay was working at the Burj, his management skills, strategies and motivation helped the hotel regain the award as being the only “7-star” hotel in the world.

Moving back to Morocco was a strategic move by Ajay to help his father celebrate the 10th year anniversary of their award winning Indian Restaurant in Casablanca. Ajay then worked for a consulting firm in Casablanca as the Director of Learning and Development where he used his luxury experience to mystery shop, and to train and consult hospitality professionals to enhance their customer service. After having helped many hotels and restaurants in Morocco, he then received an offer no hotelier would decline.

Ajay is currently the General Manager of Park Suites, a luxurious boutique hotel, located in the heart of Casablanca.

42

AJAY HARJANIINDONESIA, INDIA

GRADUATED IN 2011 / BACHELOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

GENERAL MANAGER OF PARK SUITES HOTEL & SPA, CASABLANCA, MOROCCO

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONCONTACTS / MAPS


CAMPU

S ADRESSES

The address and contact details of the different venues are as follows:

CONTACT INFORMATION

JOEL REEVESEDITOR AND MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST

PHONE: +41 21 989 26 30

MOBILE: +41 76 634 22 69

[email protected]

LES ROCHES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT (BLUCHE CAMPUS)

CH-3975 Bluche Crans-Montana Tel Reception: +41 (0)27 485 96 00

CRANS AMBASSADOR LUXURY SPORT RESORT

Route du Petit Signal 3 3963 Crans-Montana Tel: +41 (0)27 485 48 48 [email protected]

FONDATION PIERRE ARNAUD

1, Route de Crans1978 Lens, SwitzerlandTel : +41 (0) 27 483 46 10www.fondationpierrearnaud.ch

ALEXIA ROBINETSENIOR INTERNATIONAL PR MANAGER

PHONE +41 21 989 26 63

MOBILE +41 79 310 81 93

[email protected]

GRACE BATTAGLIA EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

PHONE +41 21 989 26 03

MOBILE +41 79 814 19 98

[email protected]

SWITZERLA

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LANGUAGES IN SWITZERLAND

The four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. The Bluche campus is located in the French speaking part of Switzerland.

WEATHER

Located in the heart of the Alps, Switzerland benefits from a temperate continental climate. Winters are not too cold in spite of some significant snowfalls and the temperature rarely goes below -5°C. Summer is warm but not too hot, and generally remains below 30°C.

The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28 °C (65° - 82° F) and from January to February the range is -2 to 7 °C (28° - 45° F). In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C (46° - 59° F).

In early November, temperatures drop and there may even be some snowfall. As Bluche is set in the Swiss Alps at a higher altitude, the climate is much colder, so please dress warmly and bring appropriate footwear.

Please check for an up-to-date weather report for Bluche on: www.meteosuisse.ch

TIME ZONE

Switzerland operates on Central European Time (CET), which is

GMT+1.

CALLS IN SWITZERLAND

The international dialling code for Switzerland is +41 (can be dialled

0041) and the ‘0’ beginning the number is dropped.

STORE & BANK OPENING HOURS

Store opening hours are generally as follows:

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 12:00 and 13:30 - 18:00

Saturday: 08:30 - 16:00

Sunday: Closed (exceptions apply to some tourist attractions)

CURRENCY

The monetary unit of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is divided into 100 cents. While you are in Switzerland, currency can be easily converted at airports, railway stations, local banks and hotels. The rate of exchange will be best at airports, railway stations and banks; it is lowest at hotels. A fee is often added for the exchange of service – even at banks.

◥ The current exchange rate as of October 2014 is:

1 CHF = 0.83 EUR 1 CHF = 1.03 USD

1 EUR = 1.20 CHF 1 USD = 0.96 CHF

DRESS CODE VENTS:

20TH NOVEMBER

◥ Dress code for daytime conference:

Ladies: Business attire / suits

Gentlemen: Business suits & tie

21ST NOVEMBER

◥ Dress code on the Les Roches campus:

Ladies: Business attire / suits

Gentlemen: Business suit & tie

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about Switzerland please visit www.myswitzerland.com

60.LESROCHES.EDU

‘ L e s R o c h e s 6 0 ‘ A p p D o w n l o a d o n t h e A p p S t o r e ( I O S )

o r G o o g l e P l a y ( A n d r o i d )

Pa s s w o r d : 6 0 y e a r s

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