February 2011 | No. 47 Connection alumni news le Bouveret expands! Who’s who at César Ritz colleges? Jobs, jobs & more jobs! www.ritz.edu editorial contents
your friends and happy family news.
In terms of other changes, in order to fur- ther develop our alumni and career services, we enlarged the department. The Director of University Centre César Ritz, Daniel Gutzwiller, has been appointed as the Director of Industry Relations responsible for all industry contacts as well as all César Ritz Colleges career and alumni activities; and Katharina Eyer has been appointed as the Career Services and Alumni Manager to work in close collaboration with our Career Services Manager, Trude Konrad, and myself. I’m sure that our dynamic team will continue developing alumni and career activities.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the alumni who contributed to the new César Ritz website and film (visit www.ritz.edu). While you’re online, please What have we been up to in 2010? visit and register with the alumni database ‘NetCommunity’ by clicking on ‘Alumni’. Connection alumni news Well for a start, one of the first changes is in And for jobs, don’t miss the Job Board your hands! How do you like the new look that will provide you with job opportunities Editorial 2 of the Connection Alumni Magazine? and the possibility to post job openings to attract qualified employees among our Campus News 3–7 César Ritz Colleges Switzerland developed a César Ritz graduates. You’ll also have Switzerland 3–6 new communication concept to strength- online access to the Alumni Directory that Global Partners 7 en our position as an international leader will provide you with contact details of Alumni Gatherings 8–9 in hospitality education and inspire stu- thousands of our graduates around the dents looking to make and advance their world. People ‘n’ Stuff 8–15 career in the global hospitality industry. Success stories 10 –11 In the range of new promotional mate- I hope that you’ll enjoy reading this edition Javier Munoz-Calero rial, you’ll discover the César Ritz pass- of Connection. Antoine Rajeh port stamp representing the combination Katja Marshall of our core values – excellence, service, Stay in touch! Photo gallery 12–13 leadership, care and innovation – and Updates 14–18 your career journey. And so, Connection Michèle Patry Family News 18–23 also has a new look with the same sort of Alumni Network Manager Weddings 18–20 content you want: news about the school, [email protected] Babies 21–23 pictures and stories of worldwide alumni www.alumninews.ch reunions, success stories, updates from credits
We would like to thank everybody who has contributed to this magazine, including our partner colleges, staff, and graduates. We’re looking forward to your future participation. The next “Connection” is scheduled for February 2012.
The editors take every care in presenting Editorial management, production Dear Alumni, please let us know your the correct details at the time of printing and graphic design: career moves and changes of address but take no responsibility for contribu- Paul English/Heather Dittmar that can be updated online under tions from third parties. English Communications Pty Ltd www.alumninews.ch – User Login – 4387 Inglewood Update Your Profile. Don’t forget to “Connection” is prepared for you by: Queensland, Australia check our website regularly. This edi- César Ritz Colleges Switzerland [email protected] tion and further news about César 1897 Le Bouveret Printing by: Imprimerie Saint-Paul Ritz Colleges are published on our Switzerland 1705 Fribourg, Switzerland website: www.alumninews.ch Tel: + 41 24 482 82 82 Fax: + 41 24 482 88 99 The People ‘n’ Stuff and Family News Cover photo: Inger Rimestad, Iva Vukelic, [email protected] sections were collected by Michèle and Leda Bace during the Annual Alumni www.ritz.edu Patry, Alumni Network Manager, and Reunion in Switzerland in May 2010 Marga Cretton, Ambassador for Inter- national Relations.
2 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 CAMPUS NEWS | SWITZERLAND
MARTIN KISSELEFF TAKES RETIREMENT AFTER 27 YEARS WITH César RITZ COLLEGES GROUP Mr Martin Kisseleff, President of the Board of U.C. César Ritz Colleges AG is proud to announce the change of ownership of the César Ritz Colleges Group, to Invision Private Equity AG, a leading Swiss Private Equity firm.
Mr Schwestermann and Mr Kisseleff on the new construction site in Le Bouveret
Invision’s new ownership guarantees expand facilities for the students. 2010 has and sound system the sustainability and further growth been the year to start major improvements • A ultra-modern training kitchen of the Colleges in the Canton of Valais to the facilities in the Le Bouveret Campus, • A high-tech demonstration kitchen and around the world. Mr Kisseleff’s especially for the Food and Beverage • A pastry and baking kitchen health does not allow him to continue department, accommodation and student • A production training à la carte kitchen at the required rhythm for the future. services. Construction of the additional • A production training facility for self Invision is the right partner for many facilities commenced in November 2010 service reasons with more than 12 years and should be completed by October 2011. • A fitness room with professional-level of experience in running success- Mr Kisseleff and Mr Schwestermann will equipment and a view of the lake ful operations in different economic remain owners of all the real estate in • A student café and lounge environments. Le Bouveret and have signed a long term rental agreement with Invision. Naming Competition Mr Kisseleff and Mr Schwestermann will And what about a name for this new remain on the Board of Directors thus Here then, is an overview of what the new building? At the moment we use the ensuring a smooth transition for the new building will include: name Bellevue 2 because the new facilities management and ownership. • One hundred deluxe single rooms of a are connected to the Bellevue, however, similar standard to the T&X rooms at we would like to propose a competition Extension at Professional Centre Brig with a 120cm wide bed, WC and among students, alumni and staff to find César Ritz shower, TV, fridge, wireless internet and a more original and attractive name. Invision also takes over the student accom- lots of working and storage space modation buildings Themis and Xenius • A student cafeteria for 200 students So if you have some bright ideas, please (T&X) in Brig. César Ritz Colleges will make • An application restaurant (with Chef’s send your suggestions by 25 March 2011 to significant investments to enhance the qua table) seating 80–100 people Christian Konrad ([email protected]). lity of education and further develop and • A student club with professional disco A nice prize will be offered to the winner!
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 3 CAMPUS NEWS | SWITZERLAND
WHO’S WHO AND WHO’S NEW? FACULTY AND STAFF UPDATES
Loyal service to students Diana Vicari has been teaching English, public speaking, French and humanities over the past 20 years (to around 8,000 students). Mrs Vicari has not only been a teacher of languages but also a life coach.
George Cocker joined the Brig faculty as a lecturer in law 15 years ago. Known to present interesting challenges in terms of subject matter, Mr Cocker continues to maintain the highest expectations from his students.
Thank you both for all your hard work and dedication.
I would also like to take this opportu- nity to congratulate Susan Fournier for her outstanding achievement of Diana Vicari George Cocker being elected Vice President of I-CHRIE. Mrs Fournier also obtained her Master Mr Ronan Fitzgerald has been appointed as Managing Director of César Ritz of Science in International Hospitality Colleges Switzerland. He took over management of the group’s activities Management with distinction. in mid-January 2011. Mr Fitzgerald brings great experience in hotel mana gement education. For the past three years, he has managed Hotel Insti- On a personal note, I am happy to announce tute Montreux. With over 15 years of management experience in various that Marcel Kisseleff is now working on fields, Mr Fitzgerald is someone who is highly skilled in managing people special projects within the marketing de- in an international environment. partment together with his fiancée, Jenai Oliveira, a BIB graduate and currently a work-study student in the MSc programme. 2010 has been a big year for César Ritz of accommodation, Food and Beverage Jenai undertakes projects in sales and pro- Colleges and there have been quite and bars, student services, student activi- motes César Ritz in Brazil, her country of a number of staff changes. After 22 ties and facilities management. origin. Tanja Kisseleff Florenthal started years of dedication and loyalty, Hervé as BIB Programme Director in October and Fournier decided to leave César Ritz While remaining the Director of University her husband, Uri Florenthal, works as Colleges in December 2009 to begin Centre César Ritz, Daniel Gutzwiller was Area Manager for Spanish speaking coun- a new orientation to his professional also appointed as the Director of Indus- tries and specialized projects. I am proud to career. He is now working as Project try Relations responsible for all industry see my children and their partners taking Manager and Managing Director contacts, as well as all César Ritz career such an interest in César Ritz Colleges. for Business Valais – Antenne Valais and alumni activities. Mr Gutzwiller’s Romand for the State of Valais. Mr department includes the internship co César Ritz is a strong brand with an excellent Fournier was a leading member of the ordinators for the Swiss intraining place- worldwide reputation for producing profes- management team and I would like to ment and assessment. Within this depart- sional, entrepreneurial, efficient, disciplined thank him for all his efforts. ment, Katharina Eyer was appointed in and multifunctional graduates. This reputa- August as the Career Services and Alumni tion will continue to strengthen and expand With the departure of Mr Fournier, we Manager to further develop those activities and I would like to thank you, the alumni, decided to implement some organiza- and now works with Trude Konrad as for your success. I would also like to thank tional changes within the company and Career Services Manager and Michèle all the faculty and staff (present and former) appointed Christian Konrad as Director Patry as Alumni Network Manager. In for having prepared you so well, academi- of Operations and Student Affairs, re- May 2010, the Director of Marketing cally and professionally. sponsible for all student matters at both and Enrolment Management, Jonathan locations in Le Bouveret and Brig includ- Hilton, left César Ritz after 11 years of Martin Kisseleff ing all the organization and supervision service.
Passing of Mrs Monique Ritz It is with great sadness that César Ritz Colleges bids adieu to Mrs Monique Ritz, daughter-in-law of the famous hotelier, César Ritz. Mrs Ritz passed away on 15 January 2011 at the age of 88. We will forever remain in her gratitude for her kindness and support. Mrs Ritz touched our hearts and the times we had the privilege of spending with her, will stay with us forever.
4 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 The pleasure to please Georges Ortiz “Teaching at César Ritz Colleges has not been a job for me; it has been a great experience in human relations that has left me with so many joyful and happy moments.”
That’s part of how Georges Ortiz recently summed up his 14 years of teaching at the University Centre César Ritz in Brig. According to George, “the contacts with colleagues, students and even the top management have all been a great human dimension to my work and many of those became friends.” George told us that he “learnt a lot while teaching, not only from colleagues and research, but also from students,” and that “it is very pleasant to read and hear about their successes all around the world and I feel proud thinking that I might have contributed to this success in a very humble way.”
“Humble but dynamic”, “giving a lot more than class room experi- ence” – these are just some of the comments showing how students have enjoyed the multiple nuances of Georges Ortiz’ personality and competencies. The management, staff and students thank him for his great contribution, which he describes as: “hospitality is service – good service is the pleasure to please”.
We are proud and pleased that Georges Ortiz received the Nestlé Pro Gastronomia Foundation Award to honor a professional who has demonstrated excellence in training, education and develop- mental work in the hospitality industry. This distinction was awarded to him during the EuroChrie Conference 2010 in Amsterdam. With our best wishes for his future, we hope that we will still see Georges from time to time in our Colleges. multiculturalism study
Dear Alumni, The 23 students in Brig and 90 in Le Bou- ended, two international conferences have Go back and remember your earliest ex- veret coming from three Caribbean ethnic accepted this study with the subsequent periences as an international student at cultures provided the perfect case study. findings being presented in Euro-Chrie, César Ritz Colleges. Certainly you were As part of the research, it was possible to Amsterdam (25 to 28 October 2010) and excited at the idea of studying in a mul- examine their initial difficulties when con- in ’Primer Encuentro de Turismo Indígena ticultural environment and, I’m sure, you fronted with a completely different world de las Américas’ in Argentina (16 to 19 may have even wondered from which and, what is more important, the factors March 2011). The programme created by countries your new friends would come. that helped them to understand and inte- the school to help in the adaptation of But perhaps you also had mixed emo- grate into this multicultural environment. these students generated some academic tions: perhaps some anxiety, confusion and social challenges, though for us, it or even a touch of homesickness. Now The yearlong English language programme was an honor to have the opportunity. remember how you felt a few months prepared the indigenous students from later once you had settled in! What were Panama for their Higher Diploma studies. Virginia Meza MSc those factors that helped you overcome Lecturer your initial difficulties? Now that the research part of the project has César Ritz Colleges Because the internationalization of stu- dents is considered the greatest issue in high school this century (Seddoh, 2001), institutions and researchers are throwing themselves into relevant studies. Your school is no exception! In effect, we undertook research related to the inter- cultural integration and adaptation of a significant group of indigenous students studying hospitality management and culinary arts at César Ritz Colleges. The Panamanian government sponsored the study of the students. Virginia Meza with students from Panama
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 5 CAMPUS NEWS | SWITZERLAND
César Ritz Job Board
Looking for a new job opportunity? Looking for qualified and motivated hoteliers? NetCommunity is the answer!
Not only does this platform facilitate career opportunities in the hotel and tourism industry but you can also post job offers in different fields.
If you’re looking for qualified staff – senior managers from the hospitality industry or management trainees – you can post the opening on the Job Board. This is free and only takes two minutes! Make sure you tell your HR department about this.
If you’re looking for the next challenge for your career, the Job Board gives you the opportunity to view job offers that are being communicated to the College.
All this career information is now availa- ble on NetCommunity, a secure platform linked to our online alumni database and only accessible to César Ritz graduates Take a minute now to register on www.ritz.edu – Alumni who are members of our Alumni Asso- ciation. This means that you’ll only reach To stay updated with all César Ritz Colleges alumni news, qualified César Ritz alumni. check out www.ritz.edu/socialmedia
Many other options are available on Net- Scan this barcode for further information Community, including the online alumni Need a barcode reader? directory, articles, photos of events, and Download it on your smartphone dates of alumni reunions. from your appstore. Search keyword: barcode reader real Projects needed
Working on real projects for the industry is the best way Projects (IP). As some of our alumni already know, these are re- to learn about how the industry works in reality, rather search projects that are supposed to be of value to the industry. than just in theory. Do you have a project idea that could Students have to pass the IP to be able to graduate. help our students? Unfortunately, some good students find it difficult to get the We would like to appeal for help from our alumni to help our cooperation of people in the industry for one reason or another Bachelor students find good topics for their individual Industry and this is a real pity for the students as these IPs can produce very valuable results for the industry. We are therefore appealing to all alumni to see if they have suitable IP projects.
What sort of project would constitute a good IP? Basically, it could be an issue or problem that you would like to see investi- gated or perhaps research that you would like to see done but haven’t had the time to do. The actual formal project lasts for eleven weeks but students can work on it for several months (or longer). All they need from you is access to the relevant data and you can be assured that confidentiality is guaranteed. Please help today’s students prepare for their future careers.
If you have any suitable projects, feel free to contact Tanja Florenthal, the Undergraduate Program Director, or myself to discuss your ideas.
John Swarbrooke Academic Director [email protected] Professor John Swarbrooke and student Varvara Makarova [email protected]
6 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 CAMPUS NEWS | GLOBAL PARTNERS
Go the extra mile! ICMS Graduation ceremony on 15 October 2010
Martin Kisseleff congratulated the graduates upon receiving their diplomas from the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) in collaboration with César Ritz Colleges Switzerland. Dur- ing the ICMS graduation ceremony on 15 October 2010 Mr Kisseleff gave the graduates some personal advice for lasting success:
“Do not choose a job but a career! Salary and title are not as impor- tant as loving your job because when you love your job, only then will you be motivated and perform in exceeding expectations”
“Care about your relationships – colleagues at work and loved ones at home – find a good life balance, care about your families and friends”
Mr Kisseleff congratulating the winner of the Annual César Ritz “Be better than your competitors, pretty good is not good enough, award for Academic Excellence, Lisa Nussbaum go the extra mile!” EIC and César ritz partnership
The European International College Hotel Management & Tourism (EIC) was established with a mission to provide world-class hospital- ity education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To fulfill this mission, the EIC established an academic partnership with our very own César Ritz Colleges Switzerland. A memorandum of cooperation between the two institutions allows graduates of EIC’s two-year programme to transfer to University Centre César Ritz to complete a Bachelor of International Business over four terms. From the inception of this agreement, César Ritz has fully assisted the EIC by providing train- ing and consultancy services to its faculty and staff. This partnership has significantly contributed to strengthening the educational links between the two countries.
César Ritz alumnus Jin Deng (MSc 2008) currently works at the EIC César Ritz and EIC students during the 2010 Career as Student Placement Coordinator. Development Trip to the UAE
Statements from transfer students Usman Saleh Suri (left) and Binny Varghese (right) Binny Varghese Transferred from Jindal School of Hotel Mangement (JSHM) in India: “The school and atmosphere are both nice and the people very friendly including the faculty and staff who help make such transfers so smooth. All this goes to make a very good experi- ence. Plus, the exposure you get here is fantastic, not only in terms of placements but also in terms of the type of work. I worked for the UNWTO TedQual conference at Brig. Through these sorts of placements you learn so much!”
Usman Saleh Suri Transferred from the European International College (EIC) in Abu Dhabi: “It has been a great experience living among people from all over the world, understanding their behavior, learning how to interact and sharing a part of my life with them. It has been very uplifting for me in terms of my confidence and motivation. I have acquired a lot of experience at César Ritz and I’m sure my learning isn’t over. César Ritz and Switzerland have really given me the best experiences in my life so far.”
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 7 Alumni gatherings
La’Chaim! Israel alumni meeting
The alumni meeting of César Ritz hospitality students was held at the five-star InterContinental David Hotel in Tel-Aviv in October 2010.
Not surprisingly, four of our graduates just happen to work in the hotel. Among our alumni were a hotel chain owner, a vice president of a five-star hotel chain, front desk managers, a manager of a desert hotel, an expert in wines, a manager of food and beverage in hos- pitals, and many others with exciting positions. With more than 30 alumni participating, one could see the strength of the César Ritz alumni network, one that is a truly global network with connections all over the world.
Uri Florenthal Area Manager SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES TODAY AND TOMORROW Maintaining professional and ethical standards was identified as being one of the key competencies required by hospitality managers in order to succeed in today’s industry. This insight into the challenges within the hospitality industry was revealed at the César Ritz Colleges Switzerland Hong Kong Hospitality and Alumni Reunion held at the Hyatt Regency in Hong Kong, on 12 August 2010.
César Ritz Colleges’ Director of Teaching and Learning, Charles new staff in China alone in the next five years”. For the graduates Hains presented the findings at the event where many senior man- of César Ritz Colleges, this certainly comes as good news. agers from the hospitality industry were gathered. While the find- ings of the extensive survey conducted by César Ritz Colleges came During the event reception, Daniel Gutzwiller, the Brig Campus as little surprise to those gathered, they did reinforce that the skills School Director in charge of Alumni and Career Services, Place- and competencies required by today’s managers have changed little ments and Industry Relations, welcomed back many César Ritz than those of ten years ago: adaptability, embracing and managing alumni, all of whom praised the College for the skills given to change, people management, cultural diversity, strategic thinking, them for their journey into hospitality management and other problem solving, multi tasking, and being customer focused. All also closely related industries. agreed that these skills and competencies will most likely change little in the next ten years! Congratulations to Evan Chiu who was inaugurated as the new president of the César Ritz Hong Kong Alumni Chapter. All in all, The research also showed that the number of new employees the evening was a great success and a special thanks to those needed in the industry is growing annually. “One general manager who attended including the seven César Ritz Colleges staff told us”, said Mr Hains, “that his chain will be recruiting 50,000 members.
8 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 Journey back in time – Brazilian alumni chapter launch Hospitality alumni from César Ritz Colleges Switzerland went back in time during the launch of the Brazilian alumni chapter in São Paulo in September 2010. Cristhina Lima was elected President of the chapter.
“With graduates from both Le Bouveret and Brig attend- Upstairs Lounge Bar of the Grand Hyatt Hotel where two César ing, so many stories were relived about the good old days as Ritz alumni are currently working in managerial positions.” students in Switzerland. But it was the launch of the new chapter that took the limelight at the cozy and charming Cristhina Lima (grad. 2002) 25 years! our malaysia reunion
In order to celebrate their 25 years of graduation and catch up with old friends again, a group of hospitality alumni who had studied in Brig and Lax between 1985 and 1987 decided to organize an event for their former classmates. All alumni from 1985 to 1987 were invited and about 40 people in total (alumni and families) ended up coming to be part of the happy crowd who came mostly from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
The reunion was held from 25 to 27 June 2010 and the reunion dinner was on the Saturday evening. Lucky draw prizes were giv- en out as well as the major prize offered by César Ritz Colleges: a voucher for a round trip to Switzerland to attend the Annual Alumni Reunion in May 2011, inclusive of accommodation. The lucky winner was alumnus Chee Foo Low.
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 9 PEOPLE ‘N’ stuff | success stories
javier muÑoz-calero
”Again and again, César Ritz is in my mind and in my heart, and I am so grateful to all of you and lots of love from all the family.”
Javier Muñoz-Calero graduated in nary creations. Javier realized the dream from all the family.” 1999 from the César Ritz Hotel Man- of having his own successful restaurant agement Programme in Le Bouveret right in the heart of Madrid, so successful On a personal note, on 6 January 2010, before following his passion for that it is always fully booked and he has Javier’s other big wish came true. He had cooking with the Cordon Bleu School to refuse many customers every night. wanted a son and received two when in Paris and the Royal Thai School of wife Marta gave birth to twins: Javier Culinary Arts in Chonburi, Thailand. Since the opening in February 2010, the and Jacobo. Javier has worked in different coun- national and international press has regu- tries around the world and recently larly contacted Javier for interviews. Dur- Javier Muñoz-Calero opened his own restaurant with a ing these, he never forgets to mention Spanish, Hotel Management very special concept. that his success has been based on his Diploma, 1999 studies with César Ritz Colleges. “Again Owner t.a.r.t.a.n. is the place to meet and be and again, César Ritz is in my mind and t.a.r.t.a.n. restaurant, Madrid, Spain seen (ver y ser visto) in Madrid. It is also in my heart,” Javier told us, and “I am [email protected] the place to enjoy Javier’s amazing culi- so grateful to all of you and lots of love www.unrestaurantellamadotartan.es
an american dream – antoine rajeh
Like most of the students enrol concierge, Antoine also started to realize ling in a hotel management school, his entrepreneurial skills and it wasn’t long Antoine Rajeh (Lebanon), wanted to before he started to follow that potential. become the general manager (GM) Today, together with his partner Kristine, of a luxury hotel and not only a GM, Toni owns and manages the company but also one in the USA. Antoine’s Luxury Rentals Miami Beach, a company César Ritz Colleges diploma was renting out hotel condominiums and pri- the first step towards achieving this vate villas. ambitious goal. Asked what César Ritz Colleges brought After graduation in 2001, he set out on his into his life, Antoine says that he learnt ‘American Dream’. While working as con- the importance of “details, service, eti- cierge at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, quette and tradition”. “Most important Antoine Rajeh Antoine discovered that his true passion, of all”, said Antoine, “was learning about Lebanese, Hotel Management and something in which he excelled, was real professionalism and patience”. For Diploma 2001 in making a guest feel special. This he did Antoine, the time spent at César Ritz Owner so well while at the famous Setai Hotel in was definitely the key to bringing him to Luxury Rentals Miami Beach Miami and, later, at the W Hotel. America and starting his business. “I truly Miami Beach, FL, USA thank César Ritz Colleges for the oppor- [email protected] While becoming more experienced as a tunities that I received.” www.luxuryrentalsmiamibeach.com
10 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 career and motherhood – Katja Marshall It all started in Switzerland when Katja decided to take advantage of the international study options with César Ritz Colleges. Starting in 1993 at the Le Bouveret Campus, she transferred for her second year to the sister school in Washington, Connecticut.
Having learnt to appreciate the details in service and customer care that the school provides in line with the philosophy of César Ritz, Katja developed a strong feeling for the well being of the guests and also discovered her passion for Food and Beverage. Benefiting from the international contacts César Ritz Colleges offered, Katja spent a few years with the Ritz Carlton Hotel Group at Amelia Island and then in Mauii, Hawaii. This was followed by several years in Arizona with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Returning to Switzerland and a short time as Restaurant Man- ager at Mosimann’s Restaurant in Olten, Katja then followed her wish to get back to a more international career and started in 2006 as Assistant Food and Beverage Director at the Fair- mont Hotel in Monaco. When the position as Food and Beve rage Manager at the Fairmont Montreux Palace Hotel became vacant, she applied for a transfer and today, fully enjoys this new and exciting challenge on the Swiss Riviera.
Katja is passionate about working in Food and Beverage and the enthusiasm she dedicates to her activities is based on the pleasure of working not only with people in general, but more especially, with the guests she serves.
What did she gain from César Ritz Colleges to successfully implement in her career? Katja says that besides offering her new international horizons, the College opened her eyes to details and the diversity of Food and Beverage. It also gave her the ability to recognize and look after the special wishes of each guest as a unique individual.
How does she cope with being in an area that is still mainly in masculine hands? According to Katja, that has never been a problem and she has always enjoyed doing what she was do- ing while gaining the necessary experience needed to move forward. This, she says, works out perfectly well – even in her private life.
Katja is the proud mother of a three-year-old son, Raphael, and lives with her life partner on the Swiss Riviera. Katja has, she Katja says that besides offering her new says, a perfect symbiosis between motherhood and career with international horizons, the College opened all the inherent challenges and responsibilities of being a Food her eyes to details and the diversity of and Beverage Manager. Food and Beverage. It also gave her the Katja Ehrensperger – Marshall ability to recognize and look after the Swiss, Hotel Management Diploma (Le Bouveret Campus) and special wishes of each guest as a unique Associate Degree (Connecticut Campus) 1995 individual. Food and Beverage Manager Fairmont Montreux Palace Montreux, Switzerland [email protected]
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 11 PEOPLE ‘N‘ STUFF | PHOTO GALLERY
1 2
3
4 5
6 7
12 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 8 9
11
10 12
1. Hotel Managers attending the 2010 Annual Alumni Reunion in Switzerland with Messrs Gutzwiller and Kisseleff 2. Kenya alumni reunion (June) 3. 2010 Annual Alumni Reunion in Switzerland (May) 4. Weekend ski excursion for the members of the alumni chapter in Bulgaria (February) 5. ITB alumni reunion in Berlin (March) 6. Dr Petri at the 2010 Annual Alumni Reunion in Switzerland (May) 7. Xi’an alumni reunion (June) 8. Oslo alumni reunion (September) 9. Grace Ngan-Mook with her family visiting the Le Bouveret Campus (July) 10. Portugal alumni reunion (July) 11. Alumni reunion in Vancouver (May) 12. Japan alumni reunion (March) 13 13. Will Allan with his family visiting the Le Bouveret Campus (July)
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 13 PEOPLE ‘N’ stuff | UPDATES
Graduate personal news. Who’s doing what, where have they been and where are they now?
Fabiana D’Angelo (grad. 1997) works as General Manager of ‘27 Hotelaria e Turismo Ltda’ in Brazil. “It is a small company being established in Brazil. We are building a 41-room charm “We are building a hotel by the beach. As the two owners are Italian, live in Europe and only come to Brazil 41-room charm hotel once a year, I am their administrator handling the project. In addition to that responsi- bility, I am teaching ‘Menu Engineering’ and ‘History and Culture of Brazilian Regional by the beach”. Cuisine‘ at a University of gastronomy.”
Fabiana is trying to reach all her PGD former classmates so if that is you, please send her an e-mail at [email protected]
Prashanth Gurumurthiah (grad. 2004) “After my graduation (PGD in Hotel & Tourism Mgt), I gained hospitality experi- ence working with international chains in Zurich and England. Then in 2007, I had an opportunity to move to Dubai where I joined the Meeting and Events team at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. In 2009, I moved to Corporate Sales and in June 2010 I was promoted to Regional Sales Manager of The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s fastest growing hotel com- panies. I enjoy working in this challenging position and travelling to many countries. I like living in Dubai which I believe is cur- rently the most dynamic, vibrant and excit- ing place to be.” [email protected]
“I like living in Dubai which I believe is currently the most dynamic, vibrant and exciting place to be.”
14 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 Philippe Harb (grad. 2001) Philippe has been appointed Direc- tor of Food and Beverage of the five- star Al Murooj Rotana hotel in Dubai. Originally from Lebanon, Philippe has Philippe has been 10 years of extensive hospitality exper appointed Director of ience with specific expertise in Food Food and Beverage and Beverage and had occupied vari- ous posts in other five-star properties of the five-star Al Murooj across the Middle East. Prior to joining Rotana hotel in Dubai. Al Murooj Rotana, Philippe was the Food and Beverage Manager at Al Ain Rotana. [email protected]
Claudia Doron-Zahner (grad. 1995) so CIPERFOOT aims to get them off the is involved in humanitarian activities. In streets and offers an education that line with the nonprofit foundation, Riv- they would otherwise not receive and We take advantage ers of Hope, Claudia, her team and spon- possibilities for a future. Via football, “ sors support the project ‘CIPERFOOT children experience social integration, of the special power – football is more than just a game’. learn about health and hygiene as well of football, to give They opened a football school in Sanga as qualities like respect, tolerance and Mamba, a suburb of Kinshasa, the how to deal with anger, frustration and children a chance to capital of the Democratic Republic of violence. We take advantage of the spe- find happiness, discover Congo. In Sanga Mamba, approxima cial power of football, to give children a tely 500,000 people are thought to live chance to find happiness, discover their their hidden talents, in slum conditions where even basic hidden talents, and for a few hours, for- and for a few hours, needs like drinking water and electricity get the tough reality in which they live. are barely met. Most children do not [email protected] forget the tough reality have the opportunity to attend school www.ariverofhope.org in which they live”.
Claudia with her God-child Marina together with Carina from Don Bosco (on the left) and Sister Josephine (on the right)
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 15 PEOPLE ‘N’ stuff | UPDATES
Register now
Haven’t registered in the alumni database yet?? Take a minute now and go to: www.alumninews.ch – User Login This will enable your César Ritz friends to find you!
Avantikka Raghumandan from India (grad. 2010) was sponsored by César Ritz Colleges to attend the EuroCHRIE Conference.
During the conference that was held in Amsterdam in October 2010, Avantikka presented a paper based on her final year project ‘Agri-tourism in India – the poten- tial for sustainable development and eco- nomic growth’.
A small delegation from César Ritz Colleges joined over 200 other delegates from around the world. Avantikka’s paper received very positive feedback from the audience and many were quite surprised to learn this was an undergraduate project! We’re sure that this will not be the last time we hear from Avantikka and about her project. [email protected]
Stephan Kau (grad. 1997) is back in Brazil working for the Amadeus IT Group in Sao Paulo. Stephan met his wife, Fabiane, while studying at our sister College in Sydney and followed her to Brazil. After some years with Amadeus in Germany, Stephan, and Fabiane returned to Brazil with Felipe (four years old) and Sofia (two years). One of his colleagues is our alumnus, Fernanda Monasque, and this is how we got in contact again with Fernanda and gained a few new members for the Brazilian alumni chapter. [email protected] [email protected]
Alice Disch (grad. 1993) is successfully operating Alice Teaching and Translation, a very busy English language school located in the small Swiss village of Schwaendi. Besides translating and also selling language courses abroad, Alice is busy as president of an organization called EMBRACE, supporting young Mongolians in their studies. Why Mongolia? Because Alice taught English there a few years ago and was confronted with lots of intelligent and bright young Mongolians who did not have a chance of an education because of lack of money. So she decided to help and says that “it’s really rewarding and we have already given many people a start towards a better life.” [email protected] www.aliceteaching.ch
16 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 Omar Ghassan Ehssan Edilby (grad. 2002) “I obtained my PGD in 2002. It was a great experience both academically and socially. The skills and knowledge I gained during my time at César Ritz were greatly beneficial to my career. After graduation, I worked in some five-star hotels in Amman and Dubai, then I shifted towards sales and marketing. To my surprise, the skills and knowledge I received from the PGD were also very helpful in different industries other than hospitality. I am currently pursuing my career in hospi- tality education as a service instructor at a culinary school in my home country. So I am now the new Mr Ortiz of Jordan!” [email protected] Mr Gutzwiller, Omar, Sanjay Chib and Mr Ortiz at the Brig Campus in March 2010
“It shows that the experience gained at César Ritz Colleges helps our students to apply their knowledge and cultural experience and adapt to any industry.”
Michael Museler (grad. 1997), Night Lantau Island, close to the new airport. Manager at the InterContinental in Hong They found a domestic helper to look Kong, writes: “It all started a year ago after their son Max and all is going well. when my wife Monica was offered a po- Michael is in touch with the Hong Kong sition in Hong Kong with her company to alumni chapter and was surprised to see so assist in a merger in which her bank was many former students working in various involved. We have always moved for my industries outside of the hotel business. It job but felt that this was an important shows that the experience gained at César career move for her and I knew that with Ritz Colleges helps our students to apply my experience, I would be able to find a their knowledge and cultural experience job in Hong Kong.” and adapt to any industry. The Museler Family wishes everyone the best and suc- And so he did and now they live not far cess in their travels and work. away from Hong Kong in a nice town on [email protected]
In loving memory of Wan Othman Mohd Farewell to Heinz Javier Colby Noor and Haji Rahman bin Abu Samah It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former student and friend, It is with deep sorrow that we announce Heinz Javier Colby, who graduated from the the passing of two of our former students, Hotel School Zillwald in Lax in 1986. Wan Othman Mohd Noor and Haji Rah- man bin Abu Samah, both from Malaysia. Heinz was the Group General Manager of three properties in the Blue Mountains Wan Othman passed away on 15 Sep- west of Sydney in Australia. He passed away tember 2010, due to heart complica- unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart tions. He was in the Summer Batch 1984 disease condition on 27 January 2011 at the and graduated in 1985. age of 48 years.
Wan worked three years with Malaysian Heinz will be deeply missed by his wife, two Airline System, Malaysia’s national airline children and many friends. (MAS). In 2006, he was Station Manager at MAS Brisbane and in mid-2009, he was back at the KL MAS HQ.
Haji Rahman (also known as Samah Raman Wan Othman Mohd Noor Abu) passed away in November 2010 after a long illness. He studied in Lax in 1986 and his classmates will remember him He was a consultant and celebrity chef for as a jovial person who was always mak- Adabi, a spice manufacturer in Malaysia. ing fun. After graduating, he worked for some years running a restaurant in Japan Wan Othman and Haji Rahman will be with his uncle before returning to Malaysia. missed. May they rest in peace. Heinz Javier Colby
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 17 PEOPLE ‘N’ stuff | UPDATES family news | weddings
Several alumni have tied the where are they now? knot since we last heard from Graduate career news. What jobs have they had and where them. Here’s a round-up with are they working now? brief news about what the graduates are up to now.
Mukarram Dadajonova (Mickey, grad. 2003) and Marcelo Castro Vera (grad. 2004) met when they were in Le Bouveret in May 2003 and Nicolas Tasiounis (grad. 1992). After almost 20 years of a successful career in the have been together ever since. international hotel industry, Nicolas has changed his orientation and is now teaching at the “We married on 22 August 2009 in Institute of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management in Santiago de Chile. “Nevertheless”, he the charming town where we live of says, “sometimes I miss the professional career after nearly 20 years of work”. San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, [email protected] Mexico. It was a small, civil ceremony with 80 guests followed by a delicious, Rahim Azad (grad. 1994), has a long and successful career with Serena Hotels in casual buffet lunch with excellent wines. Serengeti, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Jaipur, Mozambique, and Uganda. He recently opened The evening finished with a fun karaoke the Polana Serena Hotel in Mozambique as Hotel Manager. with our closest friends. The day was [email protected] full of emotion and there were many kind words spoken by our loved ones. Tuomas Laakso (formerly Thomas Holtman, grad. 1997). After many years in an We chose not to do a typical wedding international career in operations and consulting, mainly in the US, Dubai and London, and went for a small, unique and a Tuomas has taken up a new challenge with Marriott International in Zurich as Director little quirky mood in purple and chocolate of the International Hotel Development – Europe. palette. I think we managed to pull it off!” [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Wolfgang Bendl (grad. 2001). After some exotic experiences in Curacao and St. Lucia, Wolfgang is now back in Europe and has taken up the role of Financial Controller at The Augustine Hotel in Prague in the Czech Republic. [email protected]
Natalie Mik – Stadelhofer (grad. 2001) and her husband Joe moved from London to Geneva. Natalie is happy in her new life and enjoys her new position as Head of the Geneva Office of Alpine Homes International. [email protected]
Florian Kittler (grad. 2001) enjoys a new challenge in Shanghai where he is heading Portfolio’s Hotel Executive Recruitment Business as General Manager for Shanghai & Greater China. Worldwide, Portfolio employs over 50 consultants in the hospitality, leisure and travel industries. Florian focuses on senior appointments, like chief executives, general management and senior executive committee members. Having worked for five-star chains like Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental and Hyatt, Florian gained significant hospitality experience in Europe, Middle East and Asia. Tanja Kisseleff (grad. 2003) [email protected] Tanja and Uri Florenthal married on a special day: 01.10.10. They first had a civil ceremony Katja Beyer (grad. 2008) from China to Schwaben! Katja met the love of her life while with only close family members present and working in China. She returned with him to Germany and enjoys working in a small town then a party with friends and family. “It was in the south of Germany for the Tourism Organisation of the Ostalbkreis in Aalen. a small, elegant and fun wedding!” [email protected] [email protected]
18 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 Jess Jiyoun Choi – Fanelle (grad. 2000) “After completing my management train- ing at the Park Hyatt Chicago, I wanted to specialize in accounting and finance in the hospitality industry so I went to Hilton College at the University of Houston to do a Masters. After graduation, I worked as Assistant Controller at the Warwick Hotel, then as Controller at the Forest Club in Houston, then as a Controller at the Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas where I have now been working for the last three and a half years. During this time, I undertook another Masters in accounting at the University of Texas. Currently, I am in the process of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
I’ve learnt so much at César Ritz and also met so many great people. The experi- ence made a great impact on my life and I really cherished every moment. I always wanted to somehow share my student life with my partner and I did during our honeymoon during a visit to Brig. My husband’s name is Frank Fanelle and we were married on 6 March 2010. Frank is a wonderful person with a huge heart and works in the pharmaceutical industry.” [email protected]
Dima Musharbash (grad. 2006) “Every now and then the good old days cross my mind and I miss the great times we had at school and in the Tonkin and Student Bars! For those of you who don’t know, I married on 7 August 2009 to Saro Assayan with the wedding ceremony in St. George’s Cathedral. A lovely din- ner party followed with family and close friends, including my César Ritz classmate, Mira Lawn, who came from Beirut with her family to attend our big day. After gradua- tion, I pursued my education with an MBA with a focus on Marketing. Currently, I am the Assistant Marketing Manager for Jordan Insurance Company, one of the lar gest insurance companies in Jordan. I hope we can always stay in touch and keep hearing the good news from friends and alumni from all over the globe.” [email protected]
Liina Pikver Heffernan (grad. 2001) married Jim Heffernan “Our wedding day took place in the deep Värmland forest in Sweden, on 26 July, 2008. We were joined by friends and family from Sweden, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Norway and Ecuador. Some very good friends from César Ritz were among those that shared this beautiful day with us: Julia Hacker (Gruber), Michael Rosenström and Maria Fernanda Hidalgo Rosenström and their daughter, Emma. We now live in Kristianstad, Sweden and I work at Kristianstad University. I am always happy to be in touch with old classmates!” [email protected]
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 19 family news | weddings
Katharina Darisse (née Rutz, grad. 2004) and her husband Julian met in Beijing where Katharina was working for Kempinski and Julian for Shangri-La. Being Canadian, Julian did not speak German but learnt one sentence to pro- pose to Katharina! He must have said it correctly because her answer was a definite ‘yes’. The wedding took place on 3 July 2010 in Katharina’s hometown of Egestorf, near Hamburg in Germany, Violeta Dimitrova-Salama (grad. 1999) with Julian’s family from Canada and Even though Violeta, originally from Bulgaria, was married two years ago (and now has lots of friends from all around the world. a baby girl, Isabella), we are delighted to share her happy news. “We were very grateful to have so many “My husband Magdy and I met upon my return to Egypt after I had spent seven years friends celebrate this very special day with living in the UAE. We were married in 2008 in the picturesque town of Split in beauti- us and we even had guests from China! ful Croatia. We are now settled in Cairo where I work as a publishing executive for the Also my best friends from my César Ritz Egyptian Chefs’ Association.” time joined the wedding weekend and [email protected] that made it extremely special: Barbara Kahl, Margarita Sannikova, Vanja Lind- say (née Kranjec) and Katharina Franz. Lubna Ali was dearly missed by all of us as she was nine months pregnant at the time and couldn’t travel. After spending our honeymoon in a beautiful old castle close to the Baltic Sea in Germany, we returned to Shanghai and have been enjoying married life.” [email protected]
Mirasari Halim (grad. 1992) Although Belén Gallo-Martinez (grad. Elina Murina from Russia “My husband Ridwan Judhianto and I 1997) and her husband, Joaquin (grad. 2009) married on 14 February 2010 in Jakarta. Batanero, celebrated their marriage “I was married on 2 October 2009 to It was a nice and simple wedding. I’m already in 2006, we would like to share Laurent Damasse and we have been liv- still running my own business called their wedding photo together with ing in Algiers for the past two years due ‘It’s Brownies Time by The Cookie Lady’ the information that the happy couple to Laurent’s work. We are planning to and specialize in brownies and cookies. now lives in Mallorca where Joaquin is stay two more years until the end of his Besides that, I am also running ‘pernik working at the Sol Meliá headquarters contract. I would like to send my kind [aikon!]’, that specializes in a natural in charge of the openings of Sol Meliá regards to all my wonderful professors material used in handcrafts.” hotels. and amazing friends!” [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
20 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 family news | Babies & families
Several graduates have welcomed new arrivals. The César Ritz family wishes them a lot of happiness and joy in their personal lives and success in their professional lives
Lubna Ali Rahman (grad. 2004) Leen Adnann was born in Amman, Jordan from the love of Lubna and Adnann. Lubna writes: “we welcomed our baby daughter into the world on 6 July, 2010 and she re- ally is our little ray of sunshine.” Lubna has been working with the César Ritz Colleges Sabine Achkar and Philippe Abou Jaoude (grad. 2004) team as the Director of Regional Develop- “Our life has new meaning since we became the proud parents of our first daughter ment for the Middle East Region since Au- Tiffany, born on 21 May 2010 in Laval, Canada. Our bundle of joy made our life busier gust 2009. She was very excited to assume but definitely more gratifying and momentous. Despite Philippe’s busy schedule in his this new job and responsibilities and get restaurant and my new appointment as Coordinator for the Le Cordon Bleu programme back in touch with the César Ritz family in a reputable university, we always manage to spend some quality time with Tiffany.” again. [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected]
Alexander Schillinger (grad. 1995) Born on 25 December 2009, Annabel made a happy Christmas entrance into the lives of her mum Genie and proud fa- ther, Alexander who is currently working as Director of food and beverage at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok. [email protected]
Flor Berman (née Molina, grad. 2007) from El Salvador “I married a little more than two year ago and now live with my family in Hoboken, New Jersey, near Manhattan. We are Violeta Sanchez Dakovic (grad. 2000), the proud parents of Alyssa Marina, now sent this lovely photo of her little daughter two years old. I’m currently doing a Mas- Amalia, born on 30 April 2010. Violeta ter in Education and, hopefully, will be writes: “I was living in Cancun, Mexico for graduating next year. I’m also working the past two years, married Jorge Sanchez as a language teacher in some New York Rovirosa Sanchez and just recently moved City public schools. Achieving a Masters is back to the UK. In Cancun, I worked an important step in my career and it is all Tina Asamoali-Dammenhayn (grad. as a store deputy manager for Groupo possible thanks to the outstanding teachers 2002) lives and works with her husband Ultrafemme, a luxury retail company. I had at César Ritz. I always keep everyone in London. They wish to proudly announce At the moment, I am in the process of from Brig very close in my thoughts and as the birth of their daughter Naomi who starting a new job back in London.” a source of inspiration.” entered their lives on 12 January, 2010. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 21 family news | Babies & families
Constanze (née Minten, grad. 2001) and Boutros Khalil Khalil Daniel arrived like a Christmas present in the life of Constanze and Boutros on 21 December 2009. He added 3.6 kg worth of new happiness to their busy life. Constanze is back running The Americas Operations for IFH® – Institute for Hospita lity Management and conducting training in U.S. and South America for hotels as well as managing the team of Mystery shoppers and callers. Boutros joined Hojeij Branded Foods as Director of Operations for the Washington D.C. area. This is one of the leading airport concessions companies and run restaurants at airports throughout the U.S. [email protected] [email protected]
Simone Harms (née Mueller, grad. 1997) Another happy mother working with the Fairmont Hotel Group is Simone Harms, Director of Operations at the Fairmont San José. Her daughter, Zoe Hannilisa, was born on 17 May 2009. [email protected]
Veronika Ganz (née Schwarzmayr, Adalheidur Hannesdottir Angel Lobo has been promoted to GM grad. 1997), her husband Dave and (grad. 2005) within Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts. His little son Leopold, are extremely hap- Viktoría Dögg arrived in the lives of challenge now is to open the first Innside py about the birth of Florentina, born Heida and Gummi on 23 June 2010 on by Melia hotel outside Germany, (open in on 19 November 2009 in St. Gallen, her mother’s birthday! Kristófer is very April 2011) in Barcelona. Here Angel is with Switzerland. happy to have a little sister to look after! Marco, his six-month-old son. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Kristian Gundersen (grad. 1994) “We are back in South Africa after three years in Chile but with an addition to the family, our son Neo who was born in Santiago de Chile on 5 May 2009. The Hotel and Casino project (Monticello) was completed but suffered some damage after the earthquake in February, hence I was asked to stay on Marie Kristiannsson-Bchara (grad. and supervise the repair and construc- 2001) enjoys spending time with her tion works. It has since opened and boys four year old Yakoub and eight is trading well. I am back at the Head month old Noah. The family is still living Office of Sun International Manage- in Dover in the UK but might be moving ment Ltd. in Johannesburg as Develop- back to Sweden. ment Manager.” [email protected] [email protected]
22 | Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 Heike Schnell Little Margarita is the newest addition to Heike’s family. She was born on 13 Sep- Bjoern C. Loesch (grad. 2002) and fian tember 2010. Just like her young family, Christina Wieland, (née Mika, grad. cée, Anne-Kathrin are thrilled to announce Heike’s London based yoga and lounge 2002), writes about her son Philip, born the birth of their first son, Maximilian wear company, Wellicious, is also growing. on 2 December 2009: “he is a great boy Christoph born on 27 July, 2010 in Lucerne, Wellicious is selling in over 100 exclusive who gives us lots of joy while we watch Switzerland. “We’re very proud and happy, spas, hotels, and yoga and pilates studios him grow, is very active and tries to eat and thank God for our healthy son”. worldwide. whatever he finds on his way.” [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Trude Konrad (née Gulbrandsoy, grad. 2003) and Christian Konrad “Greetings from Switzerland! 2010 has been a very special year for us. After being a couple for over eight years, we finally decided to make it official and on 13 March became Mr and Mrs Konrad. Three months later, on 24 June, our lovely little daughter Sophia Michelle was born. Christian also changed his job this year and is now Director of Operations for Simona Ritter (grad. 2001) and Mihai both Campuses in Le Bouveret and Brig. Tudoran are the happy parents of Ana A great responsibility with a lot of chal- Emilia, born on 29 September 2009. As stu- lenges and one that he really enjoys.” dents at Le Bouveret in 1999, one Swedish [email protected] and the other German, they soon found Tarsila Fercher-Geis (grad. 2003) and out that they both had Romanian roots. Matthias Geis (grad. 2005) Following the completion of internships Hannah is the name of the little girl who in Geneva, they went their different ways: entered this world on 21 September 2010 Simona continued in Brig before mov- and added a new touch of happiness to the ing to the UAE, while Mihai transferred lives of her grateful parents, Tarsila Fercher- to our sister school in Australia and then Geis and Matthias Geis. moved to Spain and changed from hotel [email protected] management to sports management and [email protected] a Masters at the FIFA university. After five years with Radisson Blu and speaking Romanian, Simona was sent to Bucharest to be part of the opening team of the new Radisson Blu. She checked for friends in Romania and got in touch with Mihai! They met during César Ritz alumni reun- ions and then became a couple and their happiness became complete with Ana Emilia. Simona is still on maternity leave from being Director of Sales and Market- ing at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Mihai is a licensing and event manager for the marketing agency for the Romanian Foot- ball Federation. [email protected]
Connection alumni news | February 2011 | No. 47 | 23 César Ritz Colleges Switzerland Alumni Office 1897 Le Bouveret, Switzerland Tel. +41 24 482 82 82 Fax +41 24 482 88 99 [email protected] www.ritz.edu