Bright Star at InterContinental Wellington

1 June 2012

Bright Star at InterContinental Wellington

He started as a part-time attendant at InterContinental Wellington some ten years ago while studying law: last night Ben Schmidt was named Hotel Industry Outstanding Young Hotel Executive of the Year.

Currently Director of Rooms, Schmidt has rapidly risen through the ranks of the prestigious hotel after realising hospitality was where his true passion lay.

Apart from two short stints in Australia, Schmidt worked part time with the hotel for six years while studying a double degree in Law and Accounting.

On graduation he pursued a corporate role, working as a business analyst and a tax adviser.

“I knew immediately, however, this wasn’t where my passion lay – everything I did in my chosen profession I compared back to my experiences at InterContinental Wellington,” says Schmidt, who re-entered hospitality in the role of Front Office Manager at InterContinental Wellington in 2010.

Hotel General Manager Scott Hamilton notes it was a situation where both InterContinental Wellington and Schmidt took a chance on each other, but Schmidt’s attitude, determination and work ethic surpassed all expectations.

“He’s one of those exceptional and talented young people who make a considerable impact on the industry in which they work,” said Hamilton.

“Ben has shown exceptional leadership in tough times, and he’s an inspiration to his peers. We see Ben as having senior executive potential – he shows the qualities IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) looks for in our young leaders.”

To this end, Schmidt recently participated in a high-potential development programme at the IHG Global Career Insight Development Centre in Bangkok where he was the only participant from the Australasia region and identified as one of the strongest individuals at the centre.

"It was an honour and a privilege to even be nominated for such an award, and I am very proud to be this year's recipient," Schmidt said.
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