Hector de la Rosa © HDLR
During the European Hotel Awards 2024, organized at the prestigious Radisson Collection Royal in Copenhagen, Hector de la Rosa was honored as Corporate F&B Manager of the Year. With a remarkable international career, marked by the opening of the first Hard Rock Hotel in Europe in Ibiza and his recent role within Unico Hotels luxury hotels, Hector has managed to impose an innovative vision of Food & Beverage. His commitment to product quality, the authenticity of the experiences offered, and the well-being of his teams are at the heart of his success. Endowed with a keen sense of human management, he encourages cohesion and smiles on a daily basis, convinced that this approach is essential to offer an unforgettable client experience. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the strategic role of F&B in hospitality, and his aspirations for the future.
Hilton Sherman (References Hoteliers Magazine):
Congratulations, Hector! What does this Corporate F&B Manager of the Year award mean to you?
Hector de la Rosa:
Thank you very much! This award is a precious recognition, both for me and for all the teams I have been fortunate to collaborate with. It demonstrates our constant commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. This title highlights the importance of the Corporate F&B role in creating memorable experiences, but also in the daily management of our teams’ well-being. My goal is to maintain an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired, as the smile and team cohesion are, for me, the foremost ingredients of successful service.
© Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza
Hilton Sherman (References Hoteliers Magazine):
You have an impressive career, punctuated by successfully met challenges. Can you tell us more?
Hector de la Rosa:
Of course! After my studies at the hotel school – El Centro Superior de Hostelería de Galicia (CSHG) in Spain, I started in Belgium, where I notably participated in the opening of the Thon Hotel EU in Brussels. One of my biggest challenges was the opening of the first Hard Rock Hotel in Europe, in Ibiza, where I managed ten sales points, helping to lay the foundations for the brand’s reputation. I then continued with the opening of another establishment Hard Rock in Tenerife. Later, as Corporate F&B Manager at Be Live Hotels by Globalia, I supervised the F&B operations of 32 luxury hotels spread across the Caribbean, Morocco, Portugal, as well as the Canaries and Balearic Islands. My experience with Unico Hotels, a collection of luxury boutique hotels focused on gastronomy, allowed me to collaborate with Michelin-starred and Sol Repsol chefs. This stage strengthened my commitment to high-end gastronomy while helping me refine team management to keep them united, even under pressure.
Hilton Sherman (References Hoteliers Magazine):
What crucial role does Corporate F&B play in optimizing client experience and product quality offered in the hotel?
Hector de la Rosa:
Corporate F&B is essential in the hotel’s strategy to offer a unique experience. Beyond designing memorable moments, we ensure the quality of the products served, whether it be food, drinks, or other F&B offerings. We choose each ingredient and product with care to ensure that everything, from morning coffee to evening cocktails, meets the highest standards of freshness and authenticity. This attention to quality, combined with human team management, ensures that our clients enjoy exceptional service, made possible by motivated and fulfilled teams.
Hilton Sherman (References Hoteliers Magazine): What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
Hector de la Rosa:
I have recently received many very interesting proposals that open up new perspectives. My goal is to continue innovating, motivating my teams, and taking on challenges that push the boundaries of the F&B experience. I love going further and, as I like to say, Sky is the limit!
Hilton Sherman (References Hoteliers Magazine):
Thank you very much, Hector, and again our congratulations!
Hector de la Rosa:
Thank you! It was a pleasure to share my journey and vision.
Hector de la Rosa © D. Bottlaender
Tags: Corporate F&B Manager of the Year, team engagement, European Hotel Awards 2024, client experience, Food & Beverage, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, Hector de la Rosa interview, luxury hospitality, F&B innovation, Interview Hector de la Rosa, human management, international career, Radisson Collection Royal Copenhagen, Unico Hotels
