Looking Back, Stelliers 2020: Inspiring Triumph in the Face of Adversity
Join us on a journey through the years with Stelliers as we take a closer look at our history, major achievements, and notable honourees of the hospitality industry!
2020
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the hospitality industry to a standstill, but we were undeterred and adapted to the situation by hosting a virtual awards ceremony for all markets under one unified platform. The event celebrated the resilience and dedication of hospitality professionals who continued to provide exceptional service during challenging times.
Michael Schmitt
From Operational Insights to Strategic Hospitality Leadership
Award Won in 2020: General Manager of the Year – Asia
Position in 2020: General Manager, Waldorf Astoria Chengdu
Current Position: General Manager, Conrad Dubai
Michael embarked on his extraordinary journey in the hospitality industry back in the mid-90s at the renowned London Hilton on Park Lane, located in the heart of the United Kingdom. Since then, his unwavering dedication has been firmly anchored in the Hilton family, save for a transformative chapter when he pursued an MBA in Singapore with the University of Birmingham, while simultaneously working at the iconic Pan Pacific Singapore hotel.
With each passing year, Michael’s career has taken him across seven diverse countries, each experience adding a new layer of knowledge to his ever-expanding repertoire. And while he reflects on his remarkable journey so far, he knows that there are still many thrilling chapters yet to be written.
Throughout his professional journey so far, Michael has ventured through a multitude of roles, from operations to revenue management and commercial positions. This eclectic blend of expertise propelled him to his current position, where he thrives on shaping transformative experiences, driving innovation in guest encounters, and nurturing high-performance teams. It is his strategic mindset, coupled with his unparalleled ability to deliver impactful revenue growth and strengthen brand positioning, that has driven his career to new heights. What also sets Michael apart is his unwavering commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Throughout Ramadan, he collaborated with Hilton and the United Nations Environment Program’s ‘Recipe for Change’ initiative, which is a testament to his passion for making a meaningful difference. Together, they successfully championed the noble cause of reducing food waste and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In 2020, Michael’s leadership and unwavering commitments were honoured with the prestigious title of the Stelliers General Manager of the Year – Asia award. This recognition was not only a personal triumph for Michael but also a testament to the dedication and passion of his exceptional teams who truly excelled in living Conrad Hilton's vision of filling the Earth with the light and warmth of hospitality. For Michael, fostering an extraordinary team culture that nurtures growth and success is the cornerstone of any organisation, and it remains his priority wherever his journey takes him.
Among the many defining moments in Michael’s career to date, one that shines particularly bright in his memory is the opening and subsequent management of the iconic Conrad Xiamen in China. The hotel was quickly established as second-to-none; positioned as Xiamen’s and Fujian Province’s leading luxury hotel, and one that set new benchmarks for luxury guest experiences.
Nevertheless, Michael’s leadership extends far beyond personal accolades. Through the collective efforts of his exceptional teams, Waldorf Astoria Chengdu garnered prestigious recognition as Asia’s and China’s Leading Luxury Hotel in the esteemed World Travel Awards. It further solidified its place among China’s top hotels, as evidenced by the consecutive triumphs at Conde Nast Traveler’s – Reader’s Choice Awards of 2019, 2020, and 2021. Moreover, as a board member of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, Southwest Chapter, Michael played an important role in fostering stronger ties between Europe and China, alongside representing the chamber's members' interests.
As Michael continues his journey with Conrad Dubai, UAE, his dedication and the relentless commitment of his passionate teams have culminated in the distinguished honour of being named the Middle East’s and Dubai’s Leading Business Hotel in 2022. These accolades serve as a resounding testament to the engaged and thriving team he leads – an exceptional group that strives for excellence in every endeavour. As Michael puts it: "As a General Manager, I couldn’t ask for more."
What advice or mantra would you like to pass on to Stelliers’ applicants?
"Winning awards is important to any leader, be it on a personal or organisational level as it simply raises your profile. Stelliers – as the name says – is amongst the best as it is renowned and prestigious and only the best leaders win. My experience with the management and judges was simply amazing. They are experts in their fields, transparent, kind, ask questions that are relevant in today’s world, etc. So, my answer is simple: Profile yourself as a leader, be innovative and bold in your approaches, build and lead strong teams, challenge the status quo and strive for excellence in everything you do, drive bold and unforgettable guest experiences, commit to a sustainable future, and reach for the stars. If you do that, then you have the chance to be a ‘Stelliers Alumni’ and one of us at one stage!"