PERSONALITY PROFILE

There is potential for future growth in hospitality

Mesfin Abdi, 50, general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Addis Ababa, believes in hard work and strives to serve. He was born and bred in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mr Abdi said, looking back: “I would have liked to join the hospitality industry earlier in my career.

“I enjoy that there is a lot of potential for future growth, and through hospitality. There are many positives and I enjoy the fact that you have the ability to do things for other people.”

Mr Abdi said: “I joined my current employer, Radisson Blu Addis Ababa in 2014 as HR manager. I was promoted to director for human resources and training and then executive assistant manager. In April 2020 I became the acting general manager and took on my current position permanently in October 2020.”

After school, he completed a teacher training certificate at Kotebe Teacher Training College. “I obtained my business administration degree from Washington International University. Subsequently, I completed a leadership management training course at the International Leadership Management Institute in the UK. My working career commenced as an assistant PE teacher at the Sandford International School, which works according to the British curriculum. I fulfilled several positions at the school and eventually became a school administrator. Following that, I joined the department for international development at the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. Initially, I was technical support office administrator and eventually became the office manager, after working there for ten years,” Mr Abdi said.

There is a bright future for the hospitality industry in Africa, especially in Ethiopia.

Observing the hospitality industry, Mr Abdi said: “There is a bright future for the hospitality industry in Africa, especially in Ethiopia. Until recently there were only two internationally branded hotels in the country. Now there are five internationally managed hotels and a few international hotels which are franchised. In a country with a population of 110 million and a city which is the headquarters for the African Union and well over 100 embassies and numerable UN and international organisations, Addis Ababa has good potential to be a place to attract many visitors who require internationally branded hotels, as well as local hotels offering international standards.”

“It is great to see that the Ethiopian government is supporting the hospitality industry and most universities now offer degrees in hotel management etc. Ethiopia has many places that are popular with tourists and there is also great potential for hotels to open outside the capital in areas where tourist numbers are increasing. The Radisson Hotel Group recognises the importance of offering high class accommodation for tourists and international visitors in places such as Bahir Dar,” Mr Abdi added.

How long have you been in the sector?

I began working in the hospitality industry in 2014.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

When I joined the Radisson Blu in Addis Ababa, the hospitality industry had just begun picking up and was a sector many people aspired to join. It began attracting investors and highly qualified people.

Are you married?

Yes, my wife is Jane Malone and we have a daughter.

What role does your family play in your life?

Without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy watching football and spending time with friends and family.

Do you play any sports?

Yes, golf.

What is your favourite sport?

My favourite sport is football and my favourite sports person was Maradona. I am an Arsenal supporter.

What do you do for leisure?

I enjoy getting out of town at weekends, when I get the opportunity.

What is your secret to success?

I work hard and try my best when faced with challenges.

What is one of the challenges you find working with guests?

At times, it is difficult to deal with guests when you know that they are wrong, but you must treat them as if they are right.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

The biggest challenge is finding and maintaining skilled manpower.

What is your pet hate?

I dislike it when people don’t give their full commitment to the task assigned, as well as bad timekeeping.

Who is your role model?

One of my bosses from my previous employment. He is someone I gained a great deal of guidance from. He taught me to empower and trust others.

Who is your favourite movie star?

Morgan Freeman.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

I went on a family holiday to Switzerland which was memorable and amazing. Everything worked like clockwork.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

I would avoid a large group holiday.

If you could be anyone for the day, who would you be and why?

I would like to be one of those people who gives up so much to support others without receiving the recognition they deserve. I could learn how they see the world from their perspective.

What is your favourite city?

My favourite city is London because it is so multi-cultural and, if you work hard, you may be recognised.

What is your favourite book and TV programme?

I enjoy reading historical books about Ethiopia and a book called Blood and Sand by Frank Gardner. I enjoyed watching the Apprentice.

How do you relax?

I socialise with friends and watch TV.

What is your favourite food? My favourite food is fish and chips.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

I am not an impulsive person.

What is your advice to newcomers, aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

My advice to newcomers is to work hard and be confident in attempting new things.

What is your dream for the future?

To grow within the hospitality industry.