2018 Scholar – Michael Staub
Michael Staub, then Floor Manager at the Rosewood London, was awarded the prestigious prize at Claridge’s in front of a magnitude of key hospitality figures.
New Scholar Michael, is a remarkably genial and focused young man. Aged 25, he has embraced his roles at Rosewood with enthusiasm, professionalism and a determination to develop his hospitality skills. Michael joined the hotel in summer 2016 after a broad starter career path that kicked off as a teenager at burger bar McDonald’s in his native Switzerland. He has come a long way in the intervening years – his next step, in 2011, saw him through various trainee positions, firstly at the Park Hyatt Zurich in Food and Beverage, in preparation for studying for his Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. Throughout his studies he undertook internships at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai in Rooms Division and at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Sales and Marketing. At Rosewood London, Michael has progressed from the management trainee programme, working within the hotel’s varied F&B outlets, such as the Mirror Room and the pop-up GQ Bar, to Floor Manager, where he worked in the Holborn Dining Room. In July 2018, Michael transferred to Rosewood Sand Hill, located in the United States , where he was appointed In Room Dining Manager.
“Our industry needs to nurture the next generation of leaders. The Gold Service Scholarship plays a vital role in that process, and in just six years it has established itself as a prime stepping stone in the career paths for young people.”
Thomas Kochs, Managing Director of Corinthia Hotel London, and Gold Service Scholarship Trustee
Edward Griffiths, Trustee and Chairman of the Judges, proudly revealed the winning candidate and stated “The eight Finalists are all winners – they have shown noteworthy expertise, poise and professionalism throughout the journey from nomination to the rigorous final assessments. Michael Staub is a worthy new Scholar, and together with my fellow Trustees we are thrilled with the remarkable quality of this year’s participants”.
Commenting on Michael Staub’s achievement as the 2018 Gold Service Scholar, Rosewood London’s Managing Director, Michael Bonsor, commented: “The Gold Service Scholarship does an amazing job in helping position our future leaders within the hospitality industry. At Rosewood London, we believe in celebrating our associates’ passion by entering them into programmes and awards, such as the Scholarship. It is a great way to recognise our young talent and assist their growth. The entire team are extremely proud of Michael and his achievement as the 2018 Scholar – he truly deserves it.”
Michael will join the Trustees and his employer at a private lunch at Coutts to plan the coming year of work placements and mentoring sessions. These opportunities range from an invitation to Champagne Laurent-Perrier, a three-day placement at Buckingham Palace during a State Visit, and a two-week WSET wine course, to work placements at The Waterside Inn and/or Le Gavroche restaurants.
Commendations were also made to two of the Finalists who demonstrated notable potential and development throughout the competition:
Sarah May Coward – Royal Household, London
Christian Köhle – Fera at Claridge’s, London
The other fix talented Finalists in this year’s competition were:
Charlotte Davies – The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye
Laudy Gibba-Smith – L’Enclume, Cumbria
Sebastian Koewius – Corinthia Hotel, London
Beatriz Pinto da Silva – The Savoy Hotel, London
Eugenio Simonelli – Le Gavroche, London
