Africa's 10 Most Inspiring General Managers to Follow in 2024

VOL 08 I ISSUE 15 I 2024 Leading with Vision Innova?e Strategies from Today’s Top General Managers Empowering Teams How Inspiring General Managers Cul?ate a Culture of Success Hadyr Koumakpai General Manager Africa JA Solar

General managers are the architects of a company's success, laying the foundation for growth through careful planning and execution. #ciolook.com

Leaders Shaping the Future of Hospitality in Africa n a region where the hospitality sector plays a vital role in economic growth, a select group of leaders is redefining what it means to manage and inspire. These individuals stand out for their innovative approaches, I focusing on operational excellence and creating environments where both employees and guests thrive. Their vision goes beyond the traditional scope of management, encompassing a deep commitment to service, community, and cultural awareness. These General Managers have an exceptional ability to anticipate and adapt to the unique challenges of their locations, whether it's enhancing guest experiences, optimizing resources, or leading teams through periods of change. They are at the head of some of the most successful establishments, consistently pushing boundaries to elevate the standards of service and hospitality in Africa. What sets these leaders apart is their dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. They understand that true success in hospitality extends beyond profitability; it involves making a meaningful impact on the communities they serve. By prioritizing responsible business practices, they are setting new benchmarks for the industry, ensuring long-term growth that benefits all stakeholders. Their leadership style is defined by a blend of strategic insight and a genuine passion for the people they lead. They are not just managers but mentors, guiding their teams with a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose. Their ability to inspire and motivate has resulted in highly engaged teams that are committed to delivering exceptional service. In this edition, "Africa's 10 Most Inspiring General Managers to Follow in 2024," we acknowledge their achievements and the lasting influence they are having on the hospitality industry. Have a good read ahead! Jasper Sheppard Editor's Note

S C O V E R S T O R Y 08 T N E T A R T I C L E S N Leading with Vision Innova?e Strategies from 16 O Today’s Top General Managers Empowering Teams How Inspiring General Managers 20 C Cul?ate a Culture of Success

Featured Person Company Name Brief With over 15 years of leadership experience in upper-upscale Adrian Attard Corinthia Prague Hotel and luxury properties, Adrian specializes in driving significant General Manager corinthia.com financial growth and operational excellence. Alexander is the General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Alexander Sell Company, the hotel that sets the gold standard in luxury Company General Manager hospitality worldwide. ritzcarlton.com Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief Antonello has more than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, with a strong background in rooms and revenue Antonello Cocco The Rome Edition management, before moving into operations, sales and General Manager CONTENT editionhotels.com FOLLOW US ON marketing, general management, and asset management. Deputy Editor Anish Miller www.facebook.com/ciolook Managing Editor Jasper Sheppard www.twiter.com/ciolook Doris is a luxury hotel expert with 24 years’ experience and Hyatt Doris Hecht proven skill in personalized guest services and change WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON hyatt.com General Manager management. DESIGN Visualizer Dave Bates With over 15 years of working experience, Hadyr has Hadyr Koumakpai JA Solar developed an active and dynamic approach to work and getting Art & Design Director Davis Mar?n things done. He is a dedicated, organized, methodic, and very General Manager jasolar.com CONTACT US ON strategic individual. Associate Designer Jameson Carl Email Joachim has always been fascinated by hospitality and service, info@ciolook.com Joachim Hartl Hilton SALES as long as he remembers, and he is a passionate ambassador for General Manager For Subscripton hilton.com the industry. Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D. www.ciolook.com Customer Success Manager Mark H. JP Kavanagh is an experienced General Manager with a Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK, All demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Marriott Hotels JP Kavanagh rights reserved. The content and Sales Execu?esTim, Smith Skilled in Catering, Food and Beverage, Luxury Goods, Hotel marriott.com images used in this magazine should General Manager Management, and Spa. not be reproduced or transmited in TECHNICAL any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, Jurgen has experience in hotel openings as Hotel Manager and Technical Head Peter Hayden photocopying, recording or General Manager, individual hotel operations as well as cluster The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Jurgen Ammerstorfer otherwise, without prior permission Technical Consultant Victor Collins roles, and excels in building a strong culture, managing change, Company General Manager from CIOLOOK. and delivering results with teams in culturally diverse ritzcarlton.com Reprint rights remain solely with environments. SME-SMO CIOLOOK. Research Analyst Eric Smith Michael is the General Manager at The Marker Dublin Hotel. Michael Davern The Marker Dublin Hotel SEO Execu?eAlen Spencer The hotel is part of the Leading Hotels of the World and listed General Manager themarker.ie as a Great Place to Work in Ireland in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Themba is the General Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, a brand sales@ciolook.com Themba Mpofu Radisson Blu Hotel of Radisson Hotel Group that provides stylish living spaces for business and leisure in some of the world’s favorite General Manager radissonblu.com August, 2024 destinations.

Hadyr Koumakpai General Manager Africa JA Solar Hadyr believes the solar industry is one of the most dynamic, competitive, and challenging sectors, particularly due to market instability. Cover

Strategic Solar Leadership! in Africa promises to transform the energy sector and each contributing to the development of solar markets offers a pathway to socio-economic development by across Africa. His dedication to the industry is evident providing sustainable and affordable energy solutions through his strategic initiatives and the successful he solar industry has become an essential force to millions of people. penetration of solar energy in various countries. His in the global push for renewable energy, offering His leadership is leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to T sustainable solutions to power needs. In Africa, improving energy access and fostering growth in the where the demand for reliable and affordable Hadyr Koumakpai, the General Manager for Africa, characterized by a deep sector. electricity is critical, solar energy presents a demonstrates leadership and dedication in advancing commitment to improving transformative opportunity. This sector’s growth is solar energy initiatives on the continent. His journey driven by technological advancements and strategic began with a significant project in Cameroon that Under Hadyr’s leadership, JA Solar has tailored its ener? acces and fostering initiatives aimed at harnessing the abundant solar highlighted the potential of solar energy. Over the strategies to address the specific needs of the African growth in the sector. resources across the continent. The rise of solar power years, Hadyr’s career has spanned multiple companies, solar market. The company prioritizes aligning and standardizing processes while ensuring continuous training for its sales teams. This approach has led to improved customer satisfaction and engagement by reducing administrative burdens and enhancing the projects in Niger, Cabo Verde, and Madagascar. Since efficiency of tracking and follow-up activities. JA Solar’s then, he has worked with two other companies, success in Africa is measured by its market share, and developing markets from scratch, defining strategies, the diverse and capable team Hadyr has cultivated, and building teams. However, what drives Hadyr is his which has become a recognized force in the solar dedication to his work and his desire to always improve industry. His commitment to nurturing a culture of and do better than his previous achievements. continuous learning and innovation ensures that JA Solar remains competitive and responsive to the Building Trust and Control in Relationships progressing energy sector in Africa. The experiences of Hadyr traveling to over fifty Let’s explore Hadyr’s innovative leadership journey in the countries, including high-risk areas for managing solar industry: international teams and projects, during his career have profoundly shaped him. These experiences have taught Pioneering Solar Development in Africa him to embrace, respect, and accept different cultures. They have honed his communication skills to ensure During his studies, Hadyr volunteered as a translator clarity and understanding, regardless of language and provided delegation support at international barriers. Throughout this journey, he’s had the privilege forums and fairs. His efforts were noticed by several of interacting with people of diverse beliefs, which has companies, leading to requests for his presence on their helped him develop a strong mediation approach. trips outside China. After university, he was hired by a mining company as an African project developer. He can bring people together by creating a shared strategic vision. He’s also learned the importance of Everything went smoothly until 2011, when a donation building relationships, fostering mutual trust, and had to be made in Cameroon for the local population. maintaining control to ensure everything stays on The only requests from the locals were for water and track. Additionally, he’s gained the ability to stay calm light, so solar kits were provided, which felt magical to during challenges and unforeseen situations, avoiding them at that time. emotional reactions. At the age of 26, this memory remains one of Hadyr’s Unconventional Pathways to Business Insight happiest. He proposed to the company to open a solar development entity, which they did, but due to the Hadyr finds Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin company’s different focus and the slow development in Group, truly inspiring. Despite leaving school at 16, Africa, the entity was closed. Branson went on to create an empire. This reflects Hadyr’s belief that a degree does not necessarily define Hadyr then joined another solar company to continue one’s aptitude, but rather, it is one’s knowledge and developing the African market. Within half a year, they experiences that truly matter. After many years in the successfully penetrated three countries and won

sector, he decided to pursue an MBA in Energy and Tailoring CRM Systems for Diverse Markets According to Hadyr, these measures significantly Sustainability to critically reassess his business reduced the time spent on administrative tasks, approach and explore areas he may have overlooked. shortened meeting durations, eliminated unnecessary At JA Solar, while the company boasts comprehensive questions, and enhanced companies’ ability to track and CRM and reporting systems that are continuously follow up effectively. As a result, customer satisfaction His first master’s degree was in British Literature, not improving, the Africa sales department requires a and engagement improved noticeably. solely for the romance of Shakespeare or the drama of tailored approach to address its diversity and George Owen, but to understand the historical aspects specificity. The key was aligning and standardizing of the British Empire, which he felt were lacking in his processes outside the company’s general framework, Building a Diverse Team in the Solar Industry undergraduate courses. To further refine his coupled with continuous training. management skills, he pursued a second master’s Hadyr believes the solar industry is one of the most degree in economics and management. This involved establishing a defined communication dynamic, competitive, and challenging sectors, protocol for different scenarios and ensuring a clear particularly due to market instability. This necessitated There is a two-way relationship between his career and understanding of the reporting requirements for each having a highly resilient team. While he is proud of his education. His career motivates him to seek further segment. The company prioritized tasks based on the achieving the largest market share in Africa and education to test and expand his knowledge. unique needs of each sub-team and sales KPIs, consistently breaking records year after year, his understands the principle of ownership and recognizes that Conversely, his education has equipped him with developing a task achievement approach that guided greatest pride comes from building and leading a they all share a common goal.” valuable insights and skills that have propelled his the team to focus on the most relevant objectives to diverse team. career forward. reach the company’s common goals. This fosters a proactive attitude, where team members This team, composed of individuals from various support one another without expecting anything in backgrounds, beliefs, and origins—many of whom had return. This approach also promotes cross-functional no prior experience in the solar industry—has now cooperation, builds trust, and cultivates a strong team become a recognized force in the solar world. spirit. Witnessing their growth and transformation into industry leaders was the most rewarding aspect of his Hadyr makes it a point to celebrate each team career. member’s achievements and encourages them to share their successful collaborations and experiences. Each Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Learning team member is given the platform to demonstrate their leadership without restrictions. In addition to consistently reading and following industry news and journals, Hadyr actively participates However, they adhere to rules and regulations that in conferences and webinars to stay informed about the apply to everyone, including him, and he strictly latest developments. However, the most valuable enforces them regardless of the situation. This insights often come from his team. Since they cover consistency helps maintain a fair and disciplined work various countries and segments, they provide clarity environment while encouraging innovation and and practical perspectives on market trends. teamwork. He encourages the sharing of insights among team members and fosters a culture of continuous learning. By combining this information, they can engage in strategic planning and make informed decisions. This collaborative approach ensures that they remain competitive and responsive to changes in the energy sector. Under Hadyr’s leadership, JA Solar has tailored its strategies Promoting Leadership and Innovation to address the specific needs of From the perspective of Hadyr, everyone certainly has the African solar market. a piece of the puzzle to contribute. His team members are encouraged to freely share their opinions and ideas. In his opinion, “it’s essential that each member

Addressing Poverty through Renewable Energy Key to Effective Leadership Hadyr highlights that the world is constantly evolving, Hadyr’s advice to aspiring general managers or leaders presenting numerous challenges, particularly in Africa, in the energy sector is to remain goal-focused. where approximately 429 million people live in extreme poverty, as noted by Saifaddin Galal. This issue not only He advises, “Learn not to be swayed by others’ opinions, affects regional security but also underscores the surpass one’s ego, and focus on facts rather than ongoing struggles for justice and equality across the individuals. Embrace and accept people as they are and find continent. the best in them instead of trying to change their behavior.” He emphasizes, “Stay curious, stay informed, and be He envisions a more equitable world and firmly believes willing to adapt your strategies and approaches to that renewable energy, particularly solar power, holds accommodate all types of change, with a deep focus on the key to sparking an industrial revolution in Africa. sustainable practices.” This transformation has the potential to rapidly increase employment opportunities and significantly reduce poverty levels on the continent.

Leading with Vision Innovative Strategies from Today’s Top General Managers n the competitive world of business, general managers play a pivotal role in steering organizations I toward success. Their leadership strategies and vision set the tone for the company’s culture, drive operational excellence, and influence the bottom line. As companies face new challenges and opportunities, the role of the general manager has become more crucial than ever. This blog explores the innovative strategies adopted by leading general managers to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and build resilient teams. Strategic Thinking and Decision Making General managers today must excel in strategic thinking to stay ahead of the competition. Strategic thinking involves looking beyond the immediate and anticipating future trends, opportunities, and risks. The ability to make informed decisions based on thorough analysis and understanding of market dynamics is essential. This includes evaluating the competitive environment, understanding customer needs, and aligning the company’s strengths with market demands. Top general managers prioritize data-driven decisionmaking. By utilizing data analytics, they gain insights into market trends, customer behavior, and operational efficiencies. This approach enables them to make well- informed decisions that enhance the organization’s agility and responsiveness. They also emphasize the importance of being adaptable, ready to pivot when new information arises or when market conditions change. Building a Culture of Innovation Innovation is at the core of any successful business strategy. Leading general managers recognize the 16 17 www.ciolook.com |August 2024 | www.ciolook.com | August 2024 |

importance of cultivating a culture that encourages are constantly evolving, and they prioritize meeting creativity, experimentation, and the pursuit of new these demands. They place a strong emphasis on ideas. They create an environment where employees understanding the customer’s journey, identifying pain A good general manager balances feel empowered to take risks and explore new points, and delivering exceptional experiences at every approaches without fear of failure. touchpoint. the needs of the company with the One of the key strategies is to establish crossfunctional To achieve this, they invest in customer research, well-being of his team, steering the gather feedback, and use these insights to tailor teams that bring together diverse perspectives and ship with both compassion and strategy. products, services, and interactions to meet customer expertise. This nurtures collaboration and allows for the development of innovative solutions that may not expectations. They also ensure that all employees, regardless of their role, understand the importance of have emerged in a more siloed environment. customer satisfaction and are empowered to make Additionally, they ensure that innovation is not just decisions that enhance the customer experience. limited to products or services but extends to processes, customer experiences, and business models. understand that the customer’s needs and expectations Leadership and Team Development Investment in research and development (R&D) is another hallmark of these managers. They allocate resources to R&D to stay ahead of the curve, Effective leadership and team development are understanding that the ability to innovate quickly is a cornerstones of successful management. Top general competitive advantage. By staying at the cutting edge managers are not only leaders but also mentors and of industry advancements, they ensure their coaches. They understand the importance of organizations remain relevant and competitive. developing their teams and creating an environment where talent can thrive. Operational Excellence and Efficiency They focus on recruiting and retaining top talent, Achieving operational excellence is a priority for top understanding that a skilled and motivated workforce general managers. They understand that efficient is key to achieving organizational goals. They invest in operations are the backbone of a successful training and development programs that enhance organization. By optimizing processes, reducing waste, employees’ skills and prepare them for future and improving productivity, they can deliver better challenges. By doing so, they ensure that their teams value to customers while maintaining profitability. are equipped to meet the demands of a constantly changing business environment. One approach is the implementation of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma. Conclusion, These frameworks help identify inefficiencies and streamline operations. Leading general managers General managers who lead with vision and employ champion these initiatives by cultivating a culture of innovative strategies are the driving force behind continuous improvement across all levels of the successful organizations. Through strategic thinking, organization. promoting a culture of innovation, achieving operational excellence, focusing on customercentricity, Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing operational and developing their teams, they create a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success. As the efficiency. General managers invest in state-of-the-art tools and systems that automate routine tasks, reduce business sector continues to evolve, the ability to adapt human error, and improve accuracy. They also ensure and innovate will remain key to staying competitive and thriving in the market. These general managers not that their teams are equipped with the necessary skills to use these technologies effectively. only guide their organizations through present challenges but also position them for future opportunities, ensuring they remain leaders in their Focusing on Customer-Centricity respective industries. Customer-centricity is at the heart of successful business strategies. Leading general managers 18 www.ciolook.com |August 2024 |

Empowering Teams How Inspiring General Managers Cultivate a Culture of Success n today’s competitive business environment, success is often driven by the strength and I cohesion of teams. General managers hold the responsibility of shaping a work culture that not only meets organizational goals but also nurtures employee satisfaction and growth. The best leaders understand that their role goes beyond setting targets—they cultivate environments where teams feel empowered to achieve their full potential. This blog will explore the strategies inspiring general managers use to cultivate a culture of success through team empowerment. Understanding the Value of Empowerment Empowerment in the workplace refers to giving employees the autonomy, resources, and support they need to make decisions, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully to the organization. General managers who prioritize empowerment recognize that it leads to higher job satisfaction, improved performance, and greater innovation. By trusting their teams and encouraging them to take ownership of their work, these leaders create a culture of accountability and motivation. A critical aspect of empowerment is the willingness to delegate. Instead of micromanaging, successful general managers trust their teams to make decisions and solve problems independently. This not only frees up the leader’s time to focus on strategic initiatives but also helps employees develop confidence and decisionmaking skills. 20 21 www.ciolook.com |August 2024 | www.ciolook.com | August 2024 |

Encouraging Open Communication to work-life balance, understanding that overworked A general manager's true employees are less productive and more prone to burnout. By promoting a healthy balance, they ensure Open communication is a cornerstone of an power lies in his ability to that their teams remain energized and focused. empowered work environment. General managers who cultivate a culture of success prioritize transparent, create a culture of Encouraging Innovation and Creativity honest, and frequent communication with their teams. They create channels where employees feel accountability, collaboration, comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and Empowering teams to think creatively and innovate is a feedback without fear of repercussions. key aspect of cultivating a culture of success. General and innovation. managers who excel in this area encourage their teams to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ideas, To achieve this, these managers often implement and take calculated risks. They provide the resources regular check-ins, team meetings, and open-door and support necessary for innovation while ensuring policies that promote dialogue. They also lead by that failures are treated as learning opportunities example, demonstrating active listening and rather than setbacks. responding to employee input in a constructive manner. This approach helps to build trust and ensures that team members feel heard and valued. To raise creativity, these managers often implement practices such as brainstorming sessions, innovation labs, or dedicated time for employees to work on Investing in Professional Development passion projects. They understand that giving employees the freedom to explore new ideas can lead Empowerment also comes from equipping employees to breakthroughs that drive the organization forward. with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. General managers who are committed to cultivating a Building Trust and Accountability culture of success invest in professional development opportunities for their teams. This could include training programs, workshops, mentoring, or even Trust is the foundation of any successful team. General support for external education. managers who prioritize trust-building create a culture where employees feel confident in their roles and By prioritizing professional growth, these leaders not responsibilities. They are clear about expectations and only enhance the capabilities of their workforce but provide the necessary support to help their teams also show a commitment to their employees’ long-term succeed. In return, they expect accountability and hold success. This investment in people creates a more their teams to high standards of performance. These leaders are transparent in their decision-making engaged and skilled team, which is better positioned to contribute to the organization’s objectives. processes, ensuring that their teams understand the rationale behind strategic choices. By being open and honest, they build credibility and adopt a sense of Promoting a Positive Work Environment mutual respect. This, in turn, encourages employees to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence. The work environment plays a crucial role in the overall performance and satisfaction of employees. Inspiring Conclusion, general managers understand that a positive work environment is essential for nurturing creativity, collaboration, and productivity. They take active steps Inspiring general managers cultivate a culture of to create a workplace where employees feel respected, success by empowering their teams to take ownership supported, and motivated. of their work, cultivating open communication, investing in professional development, promoting a positive work environment, and encouraging One way they achieve this is by recognizing and innovation. By building trust and holding their teams celebrating achievements, both big and small. Regular accountable, they create an atmosphere where acknowledgment of individual and team successes employees are motivated to perform at their best and helps to build morale and encourages a culture of contribute to the organization’s success. appreciation. Additionally, these leaders are attentive 22 www.ciolook.com |August 2024 |

A successful general manager knows that every decision has a ripple effect, impacting not just the present but the future of the organization.

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Africa's 10 Most Inspiring General Managers to Follow in 2024

Africa's 10 Most Inspiring General Managers to Follow in 2024

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