Radek Cais, Multi-Property General Manager of Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme and Agora Autograph Collection, speaks about a recent prestigious award and his pride in his associates.

You were recently awarded the title General Manager of the Year – Qatar at the Hotelier Middle East GM Awards, which recognises the leaders who are shaping the region’s hospitality sector. Please tell us what it means for you to receive this accolade.
This award belongs to our associates; it was an honour to bring it home to them.

Does this recognition impart a sense of responsibility in regard to your position in the industry and how are you building on this?
I have a sense of responsibility to help aspiring associates to grow their dreams and goals. My aim is that those individuals I help develop will be best-in-class. Strong leaders in our industry will help the sector directly. I am also a part of the American Chamber’s Tourism Committee, supporting the further development of tourism to Qatar.

Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail was also named among the Top 100 Luxury Hotels & Resorts in the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024 and both it and Agora have emerged as top performing properties. What is it about your leadership style that has precipitated this change?
Living Marriott International’s core values to the best of my ability: Put People First, Pursue Excellence, Act with Integrity, Embrace Change, Serve our World.

What can we look forward to from your properties in the future?
We have embarked on a journey of authenticated excellence; I will share when we get there.

If you had to pick one standout feature from each of the hotels, what would they be and why?
The key standout feature for both properties is the proximity to Place Vendôme Qatar. Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail is connected to this seven-star mall and Agora, Doha, Autograph Collection Hotel is just across the street. The other standout for both properties has to be our esteemed associates.

On a more personal note, your career has spanned decades and continents, are there any funny or strange stories you can share with us from your experiences?
A story that spans the years and continents is one of learning. When I first moved to China from Canada, I relied on decision making based on the experience that I had, which was narrow as I had knowledge of working in just one country. Over my journey, I discovered the importance of adjusting or adapting to the styles and customs of the countries I reside in. For example, in Sweden, there is a cultural process to get consensus from all before moving forward with an initiative. It is not easy to get consensus and it takes time. Nevertheless, over the entire span of time for any given initiative, that investment in time to gain consensus is very powerful.

As a seasoned traveller, what’s one thing you never leave home without?
Passport and credit card, the rest can be solved.

What’s your dream bucket list destination?
Probably Mauritius. I have been to Rome several times, it is one destination that I would want to visit over and over again. ✤