1. As we know you have worked and lived in Finland, tell us about that.

I was very privileged to be a part of the reopening of probably the most famous hotel in Finland – HOTEL KÄMP. My wife and I lived in Olari and really enjoyed exploring Helsinki, the surrounding areas and Finnish life!

2. If someone asked you, “What’s the vibe at your Radisson Blu?”, how would you describe it?

We’re transitioning the hotel to be more lifestyle focused within the BLU brand framework as our local neighbourhood here in Media City is a fit for that style of hotel.

I also manage the Park Inn at Motor City and there we’re focusing on being a more active part of the local community, so much so we just launched our ‘furry friends’ pet-friendly program.

3. What do guests visiting Dubai usually look for in a hotel experience—and how does Radisson Blu + Park Inn deliver that?

Guests want to be able to concentrate on enjoying their trip – however that looks like, for business or pleasure, alone or with family / friends. Our role is to ensure they get a ‘stress-free’ stay that allows them all the time needed to make full use of their time in Dubai.

4. What’s been your most memorable experience managing a hotel?

Every hotel I’ve worked in has been an amazing experience – whether it was in Riyadh, Warsaw, the US, UK, Abu Dhabi or now in Dubai. Why? Because of the teams I’ve worked alongside. Hospitality is a simple business – its by people for people, so if you ensure your people (our teams) are happy, engaged and having fun, as well as building a career for themselves, then that’s most memorable for me.

5. If you were not working as a hotel manager, what profession would you have?

I think I would have liked to be a Principal of a School or College. Helping young people on their path to success, learning, developing, growing would be very satisfying for me.