After evaluating more than 4,000 applicants, Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Dubai-based global developer Emaar Properties, has announced the winner of its first-of-a- kind global initiative to scout for 'The World's Greatest Hospitality Talent.'Gabrielle Nicholson, 22, from the United Kingdom, secured the coveted position after the exhaustive process that saw applicants from 66 countries apply to win a senior level position with Emaar Hospitality Group. The comprehensive three-year all-expenses paid nurturing programme will result in a corporate directorship or General Manager position for Gabrielle at one of Emaar Hospitality Group's distinctive branded hotels.The final of the competition took place at Armani Hotel Dubai where the last eight contestants took part in a series of exercises in front of five judges including Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group; Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group; and Aseem Kapoor, Corporate Director of Human Resources; and a packed audience who cheered on the young contestants in what proved to be a nail-biting affair.
Open for all young talents below the age of 26 years from anywhere in the world, Emaar Hospitality Group's international talent scouting competition set out to identify and nurture the most talented individual for a senior level position in the hotel industry.Young men and women with a passion for the industry applied for the coveted opportunity online through the submission of a personal video. Eight candidates were short-listed and invited to Dubai for a one-week casting that combined traditional and innovative selection techniques, such as a performance at Dubai Opera and team-based business simulations.Gabrielle's programme will consist of working across the diverse aspects of hospitality – at the corporate level by shadowing the Chief Executive Officer and senior managers – as well as with leaders of all other operations. Specific projects will be assigned to her and she will be part of a dedicated task force to undertake various projects. The training programme will include online modules, offline courses, and the opportunity to be part of hotel openings and other related activities.
