CAREER - INTERVIEW WITH GERALD CHEVASSON, GENERAL MANAGER OF INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA (Qatar)
The international career of this man from the south of France has recently brought him back to Qatar to take up a new challenge - that of making the resort an integral part of the country's "forward thinking" tourism development plans.
CAREER - INTERVIEW WITH GERALD CHEVASSON, GENERAL MANAGER OF INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA (Qatar)
The international career of this man from the south of France has recently brought him back to Qatar to take up a new challenge - that of making the resort an integral part of the country's "forward thinking" tourism development plans.
Born in Paris, Gerald Chevasson describes himself above all as “Mediterranean”. This citizen of the world has an English wife, and their two daughters were born in Dubai. The man who left France has some 30 years' experience in the Middle East having lived in Riyadh, Muscat, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi and who now thrives in Qatar.
Having spent most of his career with Le Meridien and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, he is now embarking on a new adventure with IHG Hotels & Resorts. In addition to his international experience, the group appreciates his expertise in the F&B area. Appointed General Manager of the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, one of the first hotels to be built in the Qatari capital, Gerald is brimming with ideas for projects to make this property a prestigious, one-of-kind destination in Qatar.
In an interview with Journal des Palaces, the GM talks about his passion for his chosen career and the challenges of succeeding in the international luxury hotel industry.
Journal des Palaces: When did you set your sights on a career in the luxury hotel industry and abroad, and what were your motivations?
Gerald Chevasson: My interest in the luxury hotel industry began when I started my career as a Commis Waiter and met the General Manager, inspiring me to pursue a career in hospitality. Luxury hotels are about altruistic values. You work to create experiences and memories. For me, luxury is about being passionate about what you do. A general manager of a luxury hotel is the host of the house, with extremely varied daily activities. Every detail counts, and that's what attracted me to this particular industry.
Working abroad came naturally, as I aimed to broaden my horizons and immerse myself in diverse cultures. As a result of this decision, I have grown both professionally and personally, and it has enabled me to make a positive contribution to the global hospitality landscape.
What were you not prepared for? Is there anything you would have liked to have known before you went abroad?
I wasn't prepared for the possibility of leaving France permanently when I left in 1993 with just one suitcase. Years later, I met and married my wonderful wife, and we had two beautiful daughters.
Now, when we visit France, I still travel with just one suitcase for myself, but travel with a dozen suitcases for my girls. Being an expat has brought me immense happiness, and I've never looked back since.
What do you see as the benefits, and possibly the challenges, of international experience?
Stepping out of my comfort zone was essential. It expanded my learning and development, particularly in terms of flexibility and the need to understand people. This has allowed me to look at my own country via a different and broader lens.
However, challenges like cultural adaptation, language barriers, and being away from family can be challenging and requires a proactive and positive approach. You learn to adapt quickly and to develop humbleness, and to remember that people think differently according to the culture and mores they have grown up in. You must never underestimate the people you meet, and never be condescending.
Why did you decide to return to Qatar?
It is a country that is moving forward in a measured way – it is luxurious yet enjoys simple, healthy living, such as good food, sports and exercise, art and culture. Here, we enjoy a high quality of life, without excess, and development is thought-out on a human scale, and for the long term. We have some very fine, world-class museums and galleries and have hosted major events, such as the 2022 football World Cup as well as the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, both of which generate a great deal of excitement.
What's more, there is a kind of French inspiration in Qatar's development. The country works more on the quality of its achievements than on their quantity, which creates a real competitive advantage in the Middle East. We're still in the early days of the destination, which is relatively young in terms of tourism, and that makes me feel like I'm one of the pioneers in the development of the leisure tourism industry here.
Is the French community in Doha active? Is it easy to integrate locally?
Yes, the French community in Doha is very active. You'll find numerous French brands and products here, including luxury fashion outlets including Galeries Lafayette, a technological and bookstore chain known as FNAC, and Place Vendôme shopping mall, which draws inspiration from French architecture. We also boast a variety of French cuisine options such as La Petite Maison. Additionally, there are several hotels with French touches.
When I'm feeling nostalgic for France, I visit Monoprix to get a taste of home and to stock up on French produce. On my way there, I always make sure to have Oryx FM radio playing in my car, which enhances the experience even more.
What do you enjoy most about life in Doha, both professionally and personally?
I enjoy visiting the museums, art exhibitions, and events. One of the highlights was Andrea Bocelli's show on May 13th, 2024. The event was well-organized and easy to attend, even though it was packed. Large events are managed skilfully and easily in Doha, and you don’t feel overwhelmed by the crowd. Due to the weather, which is glorious for a large part of the year, it is easy to achieve a good work / life, indoor / outdoor balance.
In professional terms, the country is developing rapidly, which is very exciting. The tourist population is multicultural, as are the teams, which makes the work more rewarding. At InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, we are working on a destination. The hotel is already 24 years old, and we have used the time since the opening to refine our food and beverage offering and to create an ambiance which is both chic and comfortable, friendly but respectful. I'm working on medium- to long-term projects, to renovate the rooms thereby creating a 'resort effect'. We're also redoing the restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, and redesigning our conference room to develop the MICE business… Here, we can achieve a great deal in ten years.
What advice would you give to luxury hotel professionals who want to work abroad? And to young people just starting out in their careers?
For those aspiring to work abroad, mastering English is crucial—it opens many doors, which is why I moved to Chester to improve my English at the start of my career.
Embrace hard work, take risks, and step out of your comfort zone. Always learn from others and set clear goals; without them, it’s hard to navigate your career path. With these principles, you can thrive anywhere.
More generally, what advice would you give to a young person who aims to make a career in the luxury hotel industry?
It's essential to have a clear destination and specific goals in mind. Ask yourself: What are you looking for? What is your purpose? Be humble and learn from both your mistakes and those of others. Always plan ahead and focus on long-term objectives rather than short-term gains. This approach will help you see things from a different perspective.
As a journalist and luxury hotel expert inspired by the men and women who embody it, Vanessa aspires to enhance and sublimate the beauty and elegance of palaces through her writing. "In a palace, simplicity serves the quest for excellence" she admires.
