Cooks with August Escoffier at the Baur Au Lac in 1930
Andrea Kracht with his wife Gigi and daughter Marguita
in the late 90s and first came into prominence when then-CEO Joe Giacoponello appointed Kracht as vice chairman . Some 10 years later he became chairman , a run that ended in 2021 . Kracht led strategic planning for the for-profit organization that reinvested all of its profits into the business .
He spent about one-third of his time in his Leading role , taking it very seriously and often attending regional meetings to support the membership . Among the highlights of his tenure was the creation of Leading Quality Assurance , which sets standards for members and non-members .
“ As an owner , it gave me an international perspective and connection ,” Kracht says . “ You see how others think , what they are doing , how they are investing … You learn things as they happen , and it is so beneficial as an owner from Zurich .”
When considering his experiences with Leading , Kracht is also inspired to tell the next generation to connect and work for the likes of its membership . “ Find a good job but go into a well-known property that has a good name , that has a great know-how , because this will be so beneficial to your future ,” he says .
WHAT ’ S NEXT ? Staying motivated is never an issue for Kracht , who has been entrusted with the family business and takes the responsibility quite seriously . “ It ’ s the success … it ’ s always step by step to make our product even better ,” he says . “ We train our people better . We make new , beautiful things . It ’ s a constant and we never stand still .”
Today , Kracht is focusing more on working with the new GM and his daughter Marguita ’ s ascent in the business , which gives him particular joy . He is also involved in the family ’ s wine business , which he says accounts for about half the revenue the hotel generates .
Marguita , who was expecting her first child in August , has been working on a new corporate identity program and has been very handson with the recent renovation to the entrance and reception of the hotel and the refurbishment of the brasserie restaurant . The garden ’ s tiled terrace has also been redone ,
with enormous umbrellas so it ’ s influencers ’ choice from outdoor breakfasts through to late-night suppers .
Along with GM von Rechenberg , Marguita is also focused on continually driving innovations in digitalization and sustainability and optimizing the experience for both guests and employees .
“ She ’ s gathering her experience ,” Kracht says . “ She ’ s very humble . She is great with people because she goes into substance with everyone .”
Just as it was a natural progression for Andrea to take the reins of the family business , he sees the same qualities in Marguita , who has worked at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris , The Lanesborough and Peninsula in London , as well as for Aman . “ She is really amazing . Actually , you don ’ t have to explain anything – she ’ s just a natural ,” Kracht says with immense pride .
But the baton has not been passed just yet and Kracht remains as devoted as ever to the Baur Au Lac . “ This is my life ,” he reflects . “ It takes a lot of diligence ; there ’ s no resting . It ’ s every day . It ’ s our business and we love it .”
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