LAGNIAPPE
You ’ re Swiss-born . How did your career path bring you to Africa ?
After spending the majority of my career in Europe , I decided that in order to be a world-class hotelier , I had to experience new continents with different cultures and to challenge myself in different environments . First , I branched out to cruise lines and I worked with people from many different parts of the world . I had a team of more than 300 from 34 different countries . Then I went to India and after a short break , I found new challenges in Africa . Started off in Mozambique and now in Zimbabwe .
What ’ s a personal skill that makes you unique as a hotelier ?
My eagerness to accept challenges , venture into the unknown and question the status quo . These often bring a fresh perspective to organizational issues together with innovative solutions .
One of your favorite things about Africa ?
The people ! Something you don ’ t find everywhere in the world : people always at the ready with a smile and happy to help . Africans do both of these and they ’ re also willing to learn .
One of the most challenging things about Africa ?
Logistics and bureaucracy .
A surprising , non-hotel skill you have learned on the job ?
Reading maritime maps .
Favorite app ?
Geocaching . I love to involve my tech-savvy guests from time to time .
FRANCO RIENZO
GENERAL MANAGER ANDBEYOND MATETSI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE , ZIMBABWE
Franco Rienzo , formerly GM at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort Mozambique , took over in June after a US $ 10 million renovation at the Zimbabwe-based AndBeyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve .
What do you do better than anyone else you know ?
A senior vice president of hotel operations once said they found me to be a left-thinking classical hotelier with the talent to make people happily do what I want them to do .
Have you made a personal goal for the year , and what is it ?
To have my 8-year-old son finally living with me and my wife .
What ’ s the most creative part of your job ?
To look for service innovation and to surprise my guests . My greatest reward is to hear “ wow ” from a surprised guest .
What do most people not know about you ?
Out of my work environment , I ’ m a shy person .
Who taught you your biggest lesson , and what was it ?
One of my schoolteachers taught me to always move away from my comfort zone , always challenge myself . These are wise words in many industries . It certainly is in hospitality .
72 hotelsmag . com November 2017