interview
A GRAND PERSONA PUJA TIWARI Rocco Santopietro has been driven and motivated by his passion for hospitality throughout his professional life. He talks about his vibrant career and plans for his tenure at this five-star hotel.
Rocco Santopietro
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aving achieved remarkable success through the years, Rocco has a stalwart repertoire of over 38 years of hospitality experience with prestigious properties all over the world. His entry into the industry began at a young age. “I always knew I wanted to be in this field and eventually became a hotel manager,” he says. “As a child I would travel with my family and sit in the lobby, watching and observing people. At that time, everyone dressed very elegantly and sharp. But what caught my attention was the hotel manager, who was always talking to people and making sure everything was flowing smoothly. That is when I decided on my future.” He started his career in 1978 in Switzerland, climbing his way up the ranks from the very bottom. “I have worked with recognised names like The Dorchester, Mandarin Oriental, Raffles in Singapore, The Ritz-Carlton, London and various others,” he says. This dynamic hotelier was recently appointed as the general manager for Ramee Grand Hotel 36 June 2017
and Spa in Seef and is planning to positively bolster the venue with his expertise. “The GCC has always been a riveting region and I was keen on exploring the place,” he says. “When it came to choosing my next stint, I analysed the key indicators of the Kingdom and saw that the country is growing in a way that will make it a central hub for the Middle East.” Rocco believes that Bahrain has a bright economic future, saying: “The government is doing well. Although the growth surges are not exponential, they are well planned and on the way to developing the nation in all aspects.” He strongly believes that Ramee Grand has the ability to become one of the best properties to grace the luxury segment. “Ramee is a fivestar hotel that, I have no doubt, could compete with top-tier properties as it is a great product,” he adds. “Unlike our rivals, agility is the competitive advantage we have in the sector, as we do not need to follow a protocol from any franchise office or headquarter.” He deems the hospitality that Ramee Grand
offers is different from the rest, and says: “Luxury is a subjective connotation. What is considered as a luxury to one may not be the same to another. I believe time is the true luxury, and we take this very seriously by giving our clients something that will make it worth their while. We personalise each and every experience to cater to individual customers.” However, Rocco is well aware of the challenges that lie on his path. “Obviously, there are a lot of things to catch up on,” he says. “We are doing what is in our power and we are moving faster than expected to get our market share for the brand.” His favourite feature of the job is being able to serve people. “I enjoy helping others follow my path and grow the way I did, to mentor and further their career,” he explains. “To see them evolve is one of the biggest pleasures I get.” His advice to newcomers in the industry is to be resilient and natural. “You can learn the tricks of the trade but sincerity is important,” he adds. “The only way to get around that is to have a fervent passion for your job.” www.bahrainthismonth.com