Tatjana Ahmed named among Hozpitality's Best 30 Most Popular Housekeeping Leaders in the Middle East for 2023
Tatjana Ahmed, Housekeeping Director at Grand Hyatt Dubai over 30 years of experience in managing housekeeping operations.
Tatjana Ahmed started her career as a Housekeeping Supervisor in a privately-owned hotel at Lake Constance, Germany, in 1986. She quickly worked her way up the ladder and took her first role as a Housekeeping Manager at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Al Ain in 1990. At the age of 25, she became the youngest Housekeeping Manager in the Inter-Continental Hotel Group. Prior to joining Hyatt Hotels in Dubai in 2001, she held various Housekeeping Management positions.
Tatjana's passion for the housekeeping industry is evident in her commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of the industry. She specializes in setting up Housekeeping & Laundry departments and ensuring that brand and operation standards are implemented in accordance with the hotel's needs. Her commitment to the housekeeping community is demonstrated by her multiple wins of the Housekeeper of the Year award, including wins in 2008, 2010, 2019, and 2021. Her dedication has also earned her recognition as one of the Top 25 Women in Hospitality in the Middle East, ranking 21st in 2019 and 4th in 2020.
In her current role as Housekeeping Director at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Tatjana manages and oversees the housekeeping functions of the 682 rooms at Grand Hyatt Hotel. She plans and manages yearly budgets for OE, FF&E, manning, and other operating costs. She oversees renovation works for 585 guest rooms and coordinates with contractors for the timely handover of the newly renovated guest rooms. She is also responsible for the training and development of new and existing staff.
Tatjana is always seeking new ways to stay engaged and up-to-date in the field, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability by striving to operate chemical-free as much as possible. She advocates that we need to embrace and adapt to new technologies and environmentally friendly systems in Housekeeping, as this is the way forward. Tatjana is a founding member and Chairwoman of the UAE Professional Housekeepers group. Building her legacy of maintaining high standards for guests and, at the same time, emphasizing education and growth opportunities for her team.
Apart from her role as Housekeeping Director at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Tatjana is a functional specialist in Housekeeping for Hyatt International. She is a pre-opening team member to set up the housekeeping operation at various Hyatt Hotels in the region. She also conducts Management Operation Reviews for various Hyatt Hotels in the region. Tatjana is a guest speaker and panellist at various Housekeepers Conventions and Summits. She is also a column writer for the monthly Clean Middle East Magazine.
In conclusion, Tatjana Ahmed is a trailblazer and a true icon in the housekeeping industry. Her legacy of excellence and dedication will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of housekeeping professionals. Her passion for sustainability, technology, and education sets her apart from others in the field. Tatjana's commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of the industry has made her a respected leader in the housekeeping community.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE