“I set the goal that my kids will say proudly that their father is a chief engineer and working for a 5-star hotel, something I never thought possible when I started as an electrician. ”

— Zameer Khan

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

I was born in a middle-class family; my mom was a home wife and my dad was a police constable in Mumbai police. After finishing my diploma I worked in a hospital in Mumbai as an electrician, then I got the chance work in ( KSA Riyadh) in 1996 in a maintenance company as an electrician and in 2001 I got chance to work in Holiday Inn Riyadh as an electrician and that was my turning point.

After joining Holiday Inn when I came to know about my leaders like GM, chief engineer, Housekeeper, F&B manager that how they have started their journey this industry. That’s was the time I ask myself what about you and what’s your goals in life? Because till that time I was not having any goals for my future just enjoy life.

Then I set the goal that my kids will tell that their father is in chief engineer and working for 5-star hotel because I use to say to my friends very proudly that my father is working for Mumbai Police.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

If you are ready to take any challenge and driver it on time you will succeed in this industry.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

If I am looking for line staff, I always look for young and fresh candidates who are willing to lean and ready to take any challenge. If I am looking for a management level, I look for experiences and leadership skill because I believe that a good leader makes a successful team.

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

In my point of view, it’s now time to change the way we serve the guest because world is changing very fast because majority of guests today are self-sufficient, tech-savvy travelers who are comfortable using apps or mobile websites.

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the tech that goes into creating your guest experience.

We have GRMS (guest room management system), high-speed WIFI, IP TV with facilities which shows your welcome till you do check-in on IT TV from your room, mobile check-out, E-registration.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

If I could, I would change the treatment and the culture of how we treat hospitality employees.