Laureates 2009

First place: Simone Hess

Simone Hess had the chance to be exposed to luxury hotel services thanks to her grandparents, both directors at hotels in their time. Driven by a thirst for managerial techniques and international exposure, she decided to undertake a Master of Arts degree specialising in International Relations in Geneva. After taking a Leadership Development course while working in a large blue chip energy company (Shell), she returned to her first love: hospitality. In order to do this, Simone joined the École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) for a one-year Master of Hospitality Management programme. This enabled her to fine-tune the knowledge she had already gained, and realise her dream of working in one of the largest industries in the world, offering many opportunities. Simone has been awarded a trophy created by the French manufacturer of fine crystal glassware, Baccarat, exclusively for this occasion, as well as the chance to fly Business Class, courtesy of United Airlines, to Chicago where Hyatt Hotels Corporation has its head office. She will also travel to Zurich to visit the offices of Hyatt’s division for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, staying one week at Park Hyatt Zurich. Finally, this lucky winner will enjoy a week in Paris, spending time with the general managers of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Hyatt Regency Paris-Madeleine and Hyatt Regency Paris-Charles de Gaulle, as well as a total of €1,000 spending money to cover personal travel expenses.

Simone Hess in Park Hyatt Chicago with General Manager Rick Segal

Simone Hess has received her prize, an original creation of Baccarat, on April 20, 2010 from Gebhard Rainer, Managing Director Hyatt Hotels & Resorts (Europe, Africa, Middle East) sur le campus de l’EHL. From left to right: Michel Rochat, EHL General Director, Simone Hess, Master program student and laureate of The Hyatt Student Prize 2009, Gebhard Rainer, Managing Director Hyatt International Europe, Africa, Middle East, Christina Norton, Master Program Director, and Pascal Gauthier, Human Resources Director, Hyatt International (Europe Africa Middle East) LLC.

From left to right: Michel Jauslin, Area Vice President Hyatt International Hotels & Resorts;

Gebhard Rainer, Managing Director Hyatt International EAME; Laure Brovelli, laureate 2008;

Simone Hess, laureate 2009 and Daniel Picouly, President of Jury.

First place: École hôtelière de Lausanne

When you enter the world of the École hôtelière de Lausanne, you immediately feel the energy and enthusiasm, and a sense of shared purpose. The school is a place where everyone is different, yet everyone feels at home. Walk down the main hallway and you will hear ten different languages being spoken – a microcosm of the hospitality industry itself.

With more than 100 years’ experience teaching hospitality management, we are an institution steeped in traditions that are as rich as those of the most venerable hotels around the world. Yet come and visit us, and you will find a young, dynamic institution with ultra-modern facilities.

The young men and women who make up the student body here are learning not only to be successful managers of tomorrow’s international hospitality industry, but also to transmit the century-old EHL tradition of European hospitality, savoir-faire and savoir vivre.

For more information, visit www.ehl.ch

Second place: Martin Vitte - Vatel International Business School

Third place: Charlotte Pedersen - Paul Bocuse Institute