Avatar of Richard Leuenberger.
Richard Leuenberger
Managing Director
Profile
Posts
0Connections
Print
Avatar of the user.

Richard Leuenberger

Managing Director
Leading people and organizations to achieve better customer service. Developing people to lead and inspire excellence. Motivating people to win. Planning and executing world-class hospitality experiences in F&B and Rooms. Being a great host. Being an expert in all things ‘hospitality’ & ‘luxury’. Delivering focus and success to the team and results to the company.
Logo of the organization.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Moritz
Logo of the organization.
Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne
Saint Moritz, Switzerland

Professional Background

  • Current status
    Employed
  • Profession
    Other
  • Fields
    Hotel
  • Work experience
    More than 15 years (More than 15 years relevant)
  • Management
  • Skills
    Friendly
    Compiling
    Caring
    Customer Service. Developing People
    Implementation
    Accountability
    Responsible
    Scheduling
    Engagement
    Motivating
    Leadership + Management
    Asset Management
    Performance Management
    strong communicator
    Language Skills
    Regional Development
    Food & Beverage
    Rooms Division Management
    Operational Excellence
    Team Management
    Visionary
  • Languages
    German
    Native or Bilingual
    French
    Professional
    English
    Professional
    Italian
    Beginner
  • Highest level of education
    Bachelor

Job search preferences

  • Desired job type
    Full-time
    Not interested in working remotely
  • Desired positions
    Managing Director
  • Desired work locations
    Puerto Rico
    New York, NY, USA
    London, UK
    Miami, FL, USA
    Dallas, TX, USA
    California, USA
    Canada
  • Freelance
    Non-freelancer

Work Experience

Logo of the organization.

Managing Director

Oct 2016 - Present
Responsible for the Operation, Strategy and Leadership of the legendary and independant Badrutt's Palace Hotel. Commanding the highest average Rate in the country. With a 157 key Luxury Hotel operation, including extensive Wellness Facilities (incl. Treatment, Hair, Kids Club and Skating facilites), 13 food & beverage outlets and large retail operations (33 tenants). With high seasonality responsible for a team of 540 employees, executive team as well as an off-site Sales Office in Zürich. -Consecutive Record Financial Results, Increase GOP by 38% -Achieved highest ADR in Europe -Forbes 5 Star Award obtained -Trip Advisor Nr. 1 Hotel Luxury Hotel in Switzerland -Established First Commercial Jet Flight London- St.Moritz -First Hotel using 5G technology in Europe
Logo of the organization.

Area Director of Operations Asia Pacific

Aug 2014 - Oct 2016
2 yrs 3 mos
Leading the operational efforts for 25 operating Hotels in Asia Pacific for the Ritz Carlton, Bulgari Hotels, Edition Hotels pre-opening . Developing and positioning leadership talent in operations for Asia Pacific. Driving financial results and holding accountability for F and B, Rooms, SPA operations revenues. Executing worldwide company initiatives and creating and implementing regional initiatives in all disciplines. Conducting regular Area Visits in all AP hotel s and managing performance against goals. Accomplishments . Implemented 3 Key Guest Experience initiatives to elevate the service and premium rate yield for Club Guest, Children and Family Segments resulting in increased levels of guest satisfaction and avg. spend. . Drive regional efforts to increased Guest Engagement scores from being last to being #1 worldwide in Ritz - Carlton Hotel Company . Lead operations Social Media Engagement efforts through implementing Social F and B Marketing Plans, Review Ranking Strategies in AP Hotels . Opened 3 Ritz Carlton Hotels by successfully, compiling and leading opening taskforce teams up to 90 managers each through a 10 day countdown process
Logo of the organization.

General Manager

Feb 2013 - Aug 2014
1 yr 7 mos
The Aberdeen Marina Club is a unique private community where members and their families enjoy superb facilities, outstanding restaurants and an impeccable level of service. Covering an area of more than 550, 000 square feet, the Club operates six restaurants and ten banqueting venues, with an unparalleled range of sporting and family oriented facilities. World-class Shangri-La service is the distinguishing feature, and caring, friendly employees strive to ensure that each experience exceeds all expectations. Accomplishments . Setting the property strategy and goals for the executive team . Leading change for excellence, appointing new executive team 7 executive disciplines . Establishing direction for a team of 368 employees, 98 coaches . Driving the construction and renovation process of 4 new F and B Outlets, all new elevator Systems, new back of house facilities . Directly presenting and reporting to owners and senior representatives of Shangri-La Asia, including the chairman
Logo of the organization.

Executive Assistant Manager

Oct 2011 - Feb 2013
1 yr 5 mos
Providing leadership for the Food and Beverage, Divison of the club on a daily basis. Operating 9 departments with 150 employees. Responsible for the entire club operation in absence of the General Manager Accomplishments . Managing project, critical path and opening of multiple new Outlets for Shangri-La Hotels within the Club . Managing project, critical path and opening of 8 new banquet rooms within the Club . Restructuring F and B Divisional organization chart, procedures and reporting lines . Overall implementation of new cross promotional activities with sister hotel s, wine auctions
Logo of the organization.

Director of Food and Beverage

Dec 2008 - Oct 2011
2 yrs 11 mos
Executive Committee Member Responsible for the operation of the Food and Beverage Division consisting of 15 outlets, including 3 bars, 1 night club, 3 Hotel restaurants, 1 wellness restaurant, 1 franchised operation NOBU, 3 restaurants outside the Hotel property, in-room dining, off-premise catering, banquets. Providing leadership, developing department heads. Preparing Budgets, Forecasts and Capex for the owners and board of directors. Prepare mid and long term strategy for the division and effectively communicate to the organization. Accomplishments . Successfully conducted 3 winter/sommer seasons . Critical Path planning for re-opening OF Wellness Restaurant . Created new highlight events : chocolatier classes, culinary promotions guest chefs, chocolate cult, egg hunt . Hosted Gourmet Festival and High Media impact Food and Beverage events
Logo of the organization.

Assistant Director Food and Beverage

May 2007 - Nov 2008
1 yr 7 mos
In conjunction with the Director of Food and Beverage manage 10 F and B Departments. Responsible for overseeing all operational aspects and budgetary tasks for the division. Accomplishments . F and B Pre-Opening Assistance Four Seasons Hotel Seattle . Reopening of a signature Steakhouse September 2008 . Wine Members Club Monthly Activities . Implement new local/organic Bistro Concept to revive local guest market
Logo of the organization.

Food and Beverage Manager

Apr 2004 - May 2007
3 yrs 2 mos
Successfully opened and managed one of the highest rated restaurants in New York City Hiring, Training and developed a team of 30 staff and 3 managers. Responsible for financial results, guest satisfaction and talent development. Accomplishments . Established proper Identity for different Meal Periods in order to capture local demand and achieved record results . Achieved 100% D. Richey and Company Spotter Result . Successfully re-bid Union schedules and developed 2 new managers Assistant F and B Manager The Four Seasons Hotel New York Manage one of the most successful Breakfast, Lunch and Brunch operations in NYC Scheduling, Payroll, Hiring Disciplinary action Accomplishments . Increased overall Average Check by 8% . Achieved 94% Richey Report Score Assistant Executive Steward
Logo of the organization.

Assistant Manager F & B and Housekeeping

Oct 2002 - Apr 2004
1 yr 7 mos
Positions as Banquet Manager and Housekeeping Floor Supervisor
Logo of the organization.

Assistant Manager Banquets Internship

Jul 2000 - Jan 2001
7 mos

Education

Logo of the organization.
Bachelor of Science (BS)
B.S. International Hospitality Management
1998 - 2002
Activities and societies
Graduated with Honors Dissertation “Electronic Customer Service in international upscale Hotel chains” Received Best working paper award 2003 from IFITT, Helsinki (www.ifitt.org)