Looking Back, Stelliers 2014: The Inaugural Celebration
The hospitality industry has always been a vibrant and ever-changing sector. It is a space where people from different backgrounds come together to create unique experiences for guests. In such a dynamic industry, recognising and celebrating the contributions of hoteliers and hospitality professionals is essential. This is where Stelliers comes into play.
Since launching in 2014, formerly as The Hotelier Awards, Stelliers has grown to become a recognised award platform in the industry. Every year, we attract an ever-expanding number of applications from leading hotels all across Greater China.
Join us as we delve into the history of Stelliers, where we will uncover key milestones and spotlight one exceptional award-winning hotelier from each year.
2014
In 2014, Stelliers made its debut with the first edition as The Hotelier Awards, held at the iconic Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. The event recognised the exceptional contributions of hoteliers and hospitality professionals across Greater China, with the goal of elevating the industry as a whole. With this inaugural event, Stelliers set the stage for its future success as the leading platform in the industry.
Ellen Franke
From Hotelfachfrau to future-forward General Manager
Award Won in 2014: Food & Beverage Hotelier of the Year
Position in 2014: Executive Assistant Manager Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Current Position: General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
Ellen Franke’s hospitality journey began 24 years ago when she was just 16 years old. It was during an internship as a Hotelfachfrau (Hotel Specialist) at a small hotel in Bavaria that she first discovered her passion for Food and Beverage. Following this discovery, Ellen went on to work in Michelin Star restaurants in Stuttgart and in France, where she dedicated time to learning French and was put in charge of a 55-item cheese trolley.
In 2004, Ellen moved to the USA to work as a Dining Supervisor and Assistant Restaurant Manager at a little inn outside of Boston before returning to Germany in 2006 to begin her career with The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin. When her General Manager at the time, Rainer Burkle, moved to Shanghai, Ellen followed 18 months later to take on the role of Club lounge Manager at The Portman Ritz-Carlton. Following this transition, Ellen climbed through the ranks at the Portman Ritz-Carlton and The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong to Director Food & Beverage and, ultimately, Executive Assistant Manager. In June 2016, Ellen was offered the opportunity to open The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, as Director of Operations, before being promoted to General Manager in 2018.
Ellen's story is an inspiration to many in the hospitality industry. Not only has she achieved great success as a hotelier, but she has also become a mentor to many female leaders. Despite the demands of balancing motherhood and marriage, Ellen leads with a positive, future-forward approach that has propelled her to success. Her journey is a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Having worked with The Ritz-Carlton brand for the majority of her career, Ellen truly breathes the DNA of the brand; fostering values such as respect, equality, confidence, pride, comfort and genuine care. As such, she believes that when you work for a brand that reflects who you are as an individual, it is easy to achieve everything you dream of. Aspiring hoteliers around the world can look to Ellen's story as a source of inspiration and motivation to reach their own goals.
What advice or mantra would you like to pass on to Stelliers’ applicants?
Be who you are. Believe in yourself. Stay true to yourself. Never give up and always seek solutions to any problem. Inspect what you expect. Have the I.M.Possible approach. And to all the women out there – you can totally be a General Manager and a mother and still find time for yourself while driving a successful hotel operation.
Never, ever let someone tell you any different.
Are you ready to showcase your hard work and dedication to hospitality to the world? Applications for Stelliers 2023 are now open! Click “Read More” at the end of this article to submit your application today!
Applications Close:
June 16, 2023