Ute Saltenberger, corporate human resources directorH Hospitality Collection, a UAE based hospitality management company, has appointed Ute Saltenberger as corporate human resources director.
Originally from Germany, Saltenberger will play a vital role in overseeing the group’s human resources programs and initiatives. She will support and coach the executive team on all people-related and a variety of human resources matters including recruitment, performance management, compensation & benefits, employee recognition and learning & development.
In this exclusive interview, we talk about her strategy for the executive team, the company culture at H Hospitality Collection, and how to make sure the organisation performs at its best.
"The right skill and positive attitude"
TD: When looking for new members to join H Hospitality Collection, what traits are you looking for?
US: H Hospitality Collection operates luxurious properties in popular destinations across the globe, offering extraordinary experiences to travellers who are looking to highlight their holidays and business stays by immersing themselves into the local culture, places and residents. To cater to this segment and ensure we exceed guests’ travel requirements and expectations, our team members must first and foremost, have a passion for hospitality, love and enjoy dealing with people, committed to their job, willing to go the extra mile and have a naturally positive attitude.
We seek people with the right skill and positive attitude and then train them to further enhance their skill to excel within and beyond their strong points/strengths.
What would be your strategy for the executive team?
The executive team has the primary role of leading the strategy for the company, ensuring efficiency in the hotel operation by providing the most efficient tools and platforms and establishing the best practices to increase profitability and improve KPIs. Also, the team is in charge of organising the brand structure and implements policies that help hotels to reach the best performance. Thus, the members of the executive team should comprise of high-ranking employees who have sound knowledge of the industry, vast and solid experience and the skills to improve and increase company profitability.
What kind of company culture do you employ?
H Hospitality Collection is a growing company headed by experienced and recognised professionals in the industry. The group builds a culture that embodies transparency and open communication.
We implement the international standard Code of Ethics alongside a guideline for Corporate Social Responsibility which has a strong focus on sustainability. Practices that involve engagement with our people, the community that we live in and our planet are currently in place and other initiatives will be adopted and implemented to accelerate our sustainable efforts.
"The team feels highly valued"
How do you make sure all members of the organisation perform at their best?
H Hospitality Collection has a total employee of 520 plus who hails from over 40 different nationalities, so ensuring that all team members perform their utmost best is a completely challenging task. However, with healthy and suitable learning and development programs in place, the team feels highly valued which results in increased productivity and high motivation at work.
At H Hospitality, we keep ourselves abreast of the market standards in terms of income, living costs and benefits so that our teams are satisfied and happy with their compensation. As part of the learning and development programs, we will organise regular team-building activities to support the team break down any personal barriers, eliminate distractions and for them to have fun. These activities shall improve productivity and communication, increase collaboration and encourage creativity.
