Jeroen Elmendorp Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 GM Powerlist for the Middle East – 2024
Jeroen's journey in the hospitality industry began at Conrad Hotels & Resorts after graduating from Hoger Technisch Instituut, Bruges, Belgium. His path led him through Europe, the USA, Africa, and the UAE, leaving an indelible mark through key roles at award-winning properties.
Jeroen Elmendorp, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, has earned a coveted spot in Hozpitality's esteemed Best 30 General Managers in the Middle East power list for 2024. This prestigious recognition isdemonstrates his outstanding leadership and tenacious dedication, acknowledged through votes from esteemed peers and colleagues. The Hozpitality Group, synonymous with its unyielding commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry, meticulously organizes this highly regarded acknowledgment.
Jeroen's journey in the hospitality industry began at Conrad Hotels & Resorts after graduating from Hoger Technisch Instituut, Bruges, Belgium. His path led him through Europe, the USA, Africa, and the UAE, leaving an indelible mark through key roles at award-winning properties. His transformative leadership truly shone when he assumed the helm of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.
Amidst an era of challenges and change, Jeroen spearheaded a transformation that elevated The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, to unprecedented heights. Guided by a tenacious commitment to excellence, he shattered existing records and set new benchmarks. His tenacious pursuit of perfection resulted in monumental achievements:
Jeroen's visionary leadership propelled The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, to achieve the highest Average Daily Rate (ADR) of AED 2,621 and the highest Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of AED 1,620. These achievements underscore his ability to drive premium guest experiences while optimizing revenue and profitability.
His leadership catalyzed an extraordinary financial performance that reverberated across every facet of the resort. Jeroen's strategic acumen propelled The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, to attain its highest-ever room revenue, F&B revenue, and overall hotel revenue since the hotel opened in 1998. These impressive figures demonstrate his ability to orchestrate a harmonious symphony of guest experiences and operational excellence.
In culinary mastery, Jeroen's impact is palpable through a staggering achievement - the highest number of F&B covers served in a year, an astonishing 466,373. This milestone signifies Jeroen's exceptional ability to curate dining experiences that resonate with guests, leaving an indelible mark on their memories.
Jeroen's leadership prowess extends to the bottom line, where he engineered the highest Gross Operating Profit (GOP) and profit ever generated for the owner. His financial stewardship and a tenacious dedication to operational efficiency underscore his ability to balance luxury with profitability, creating a harmonious equilibrium that benefits guests and stakeholders.
In a historic achievement, Jeroen's strategic insights and leadership yielded the highest incentive fee ever generated for Marriott in the hotel's history. This accolade demonstrates his exceptional ability to drive revenue growth and operational excellence, elevating the resort's standing within the Marriott portfolio.
Under his stewardship, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, achieved an astounding Employee Engagement Score of 90% in 2022, reflecting his ability to inspire and empower the team. Moreover, his exceptional leadership is mirrored in the Leadership Excellence score of 91%, underscoring his ability to nurture a culture of excellence and growth.
Nearly 20% of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai's Ladies and Gentlemen, were promoted or transferred to new roles in 2022 under Jeroen's guidance, showcasing his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering upward mobility.
One of the cornerstones of Jeroen's tenure is the unprecedented F&B revenue of AED 71 million, a historic high for the resort. This achievement showcases his ability to innovate, curate exceptional dining experiences, and drive revenue growth in an increasingly competitive market.
Jeroen Elmendorp is not just a leader of records but a sustainability champion. Under his visionary leadership, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, has embraced innovative and environmentally conscious practices. The resort's hyper-local hydroponic farm, one of the first vertical farms in the city and among Marriott International hotels in Dubai, demonstrates his commitment to sustainability. By reducing water consumption, utilizing energy-efficient lighting, and implementing waste reduction strategies, Jeroen has elevated the guest experience and established The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, as a beacon of responsible luxury.
His legacy is not just in breaking records but in his lasting impact on the resort, its guests, and the industry. Jeroen Elmendorp's leadership is a beacon of inspiration, illuminating a path to a more prosperous, sustainable, and exceptional future.
Amit Singh
Mumbai, India
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