GM mentors future leaders in world famous competition

Tony’s experiences from Restaurant Supervisor to General Manager Le Meridien Zhengzhou has uniquely qualified him to support China’s National Team during the prestigious Worldskills Competition. In this capacity, he will also act as the Skill Expert for the Restaurant Service Skill category and mentor and guide the national Chinese champion.

What is Worldskills?
Worldskills Competition is the world’s largest skills excellence competition where young talents below the age of 23 compete to win Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in their chosen skill. This year’s competition will be held in Abu Dhabi in October 2017 with over 1000 young people from over 70 countries participating.

Why did you choose to originally work in the Food & Beverage sector?
Since my school days, I’ve always enjoyed the process of coming up with new ideas and I got to do a lot of this at SHMS as we hosted many banquets.

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I also enjoy problem solving and ‘sorting out’ issues, which I think is part and parcel of working in F&B.

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I graduated in 2004, and during this time the hotel business was thriving in China, especially in Shanghai. I knew there would be many opportunities to work in F&B at the new hotels that were coming up.

How and why did you get involved with Worldskills?
I was recommended by the HR department of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Corporate office in Greater China in 2013. At this point I was with the group as the F&B Director at The Hongta Hotel, A Luxury Collection hotel in Shanghai.

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I would like to pass on what I have learned in Switzerland and in my work experience to youth and provide them with the inspiration and opportunity to excel in the hospitality industry.

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Why is mentorship important to you?
I think it is a necessary part of development. I gained a lot from Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ talent development programme and have had mentors who’ve opened doors for me. I would like to do the same for the younger generation and be a part of their development.

Even as a mentor, I am learning from these young minds about new ideas that I have not thought about.

What makes a good mentor?
A good mentor is one who is dedicated and genuine about sharing his/her experiences. What I enjoy most about being a General Manager and an Expert for Worldskills Competition, is seeing my team develop and progress in their careers.

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I love working in hospitality and I want to give back to the industry by sharing my experiences and skills.

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Tony graduated Swiss Hotel Management School with a Bachelor in International Hospitality Management:
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