Business News

60 seconds with: Blaise Montandon

By Business & Finance
13 March 2017
Blaise Montandon

General manager at Four Seasons Marrakech Blaise Montandon takes the Business & Finance 60-second challenge.


Q. What was your first job?

My first job was assisting my parents in the family printing company. Back in that time, the technology was slightly different and printing a newspaper was a little slower!

Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?

Professionally, the opening of a new property is always a great feeling – there is such a unique excitement and ownership among the opening team of a new hotel. You get the chance to lead a project and write the next chapter of an establishment. After all the hard work, there is a very special shared pride of creating a new vision together.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Just be yourself. 

Q. If you could step into the shoes of one businessperson for the day, who would it be and why?

I am honestly quite inspired by the talent, the humility and the way Roger Federer built his reputation. He is a true example of great accomplishments while continuing to respect life values.

Q. In three words or less, how do you define success? 

The real success is when you see others empowered.

Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff?

I am truly passionate by the hospitality world.

I care for people. Today I lead a team of more than 300 employees and I do not want to let anybody down.

It is very important for me to give each and every employee a sense of fulfilment.

Q. How do you relax?

Classical music helps me relax at home. I also try to play sport regularly. Having just moved to Marrakech, I am also taking advantage of the frenetic old town and the beautiful scenery.

Q. What’s your motto?

I have many, but, I must say the golden rule of Four Seasons is one of my favourites: the simple idea that if you treat people well – the way you would like to be treated – they will do the same.

Q. What are your aspirations for the future of your business?

The hotel has been opened for more than five years and I believe there are opportunities to be more innovative and creative.

At Four Seasons, our dedication to perfect the travel experience of our guests will never change.

The real success is when you see others empowered

SEASONED STALWART


A Swiss national, Blaise has been working for over two decades across Singapore, Japan, China, Thailand, India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Blaise is a specialist in luxury hotels and resorts, having work for companies such as Amanresorts, Beaufort, Raffles and Swissotel.

All of this experience has laid the foundation for a competitive career with a strong focus on service and a passion for creating environments and launching new projects that motivate people to perform at their best.

Blaise Montandon joined Four Seasons Resort as general manager at Marrakech in September 2016.