MICHEL COTTRAY PUTS HIS STAMP ON EHMA IN FRANCE AND MONACO
Michel Cottray, European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) national delegate for France and Monaco, talks to Journal des Palaces about his vision of the role of hotel general manager, his responsibilities within the association, and the goals to be pursued. |
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MICHEL COTTRAY PUTS HIS STAMP ON EHMA IN FRANCE AND MONACO
Michel Cottray, European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) national delegate for France and Monaco, talks to Journal des Palaces about his vision of the role of hotel general manager, his responsibilities within the association, and the goals to be pursued. |
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Article written by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2024-03-27
Having joined the EHMA in 2011, Michel Cottray readily expresses his desire to support his peers and to promote best practices in the industry. It is this spirit of transmission and sharing that prompted him to accept this new role as EHMA ambassador for the France and Monaco region last December.
A fast-growing delegation, attracting new members regularly, thanks to a dynamic launched by TomásFeier, Michel Cottray's predecessor: “In barely three months, some twenty new members have joined us, bringing the France & Monaco delegation up to 50 members,” enthuses the new EHMA delegate. The general managers are delighted to be able to get together to discuss the challenges of the business and the best practices of each member.
The evolution of the GM profession at the heart of EHMA's challenges
Since the beginning of his career in 1995, the man who now heads the Hotel Martinez, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt,in Cannes has been able to observe and play his part in the changing role of general manager. “The role has evolved considerably and become more complex”, Michel Cottray points out, even if the stability of the profession remains linked to its human dimension, “it's still a People's business”. The increasing complexity of the business, coupled with the need to adapt to new technologies and trends, and the growing involvement in areas such as CSR, have redefined the role of the CEO.
The general manager must not only remain true to the traditional values of hospitality, but also be a visionary leader capable of navigating a constantly changing environment. “The general manager must remain visible and active on the ground, while defining the strategy, adapting it as necessary and giving the managers the ability to implement it, generating a virtuous circle of service-profit,” points out the national delegate.
“The way we communicate with our employees is no longer the same as it was in the past, and we've broken many codes… but the sincerity must remain the same, and we must be benevolent. We've also become much more creative, agile and global in a world that's constantly changing and moving at a faster pace”. This agility requires GMs to interact closely with their peers.
EHMA, uniting people and promoting the profession
When asked about the importance of professional associations such as the EHMA, Michel Cottray emphasises the opportunity to “broaden your knowledge, meet new people and colleagues, and get away from your daily routine”, adding that “the EHMA federates, and serves to make our voice heard by media, government departments, hotel schools, suppliers, etc”. The association also helps to promote excellence in the industry and its members, “by recognising them through accolades such as General Manager of the Year or by recognising the property with the best environmental and social practices”.
While the first meeting of its delegation was held on the French Riviera, with “more than 20 general managers, representing 4, 5-star or Palace hotels between Monaco and St Tropez”, the general managers welcomed Franck Goldnadel, Director of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur, and discussed the challenges facing the destination. These meetings are intended to be educational and convivial, as was the case at the second meeting held in Paris, attended by Corinne Menegaux, Managing Director of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, who came to talk about the 2024 Olympics.
The momentum is well underway, and the national delegate intends to continue, “at the beginning of May, we'll be back in the south with a speaker representing the luxury business, where we also share the same guests. The aim is to organise three meetings in Paris and three on the French Riviera a year,” he concludes.
The next meeting awaiting all the EHMA delegations will be held in Venice from 12 to 14 April. The members will be celebrating the association's 50th anniversary at what is sure to be a magical and festive AGM.
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