Karan is very passionate about his work and is a professional high hotel industry. He is well versed in all operations and functions related to hotel management, with over 19 years of management experience at top hotel brands in India and now here in Indonesia.
Meet Karan Berry
Let's start with a little history; how was your trip far now as general manager at the JW Marriott Jakarta?
I am general manager of JW Marriott Jakarta since December 2011. I was at Courtyard by Marriott in Chennai, India from 2008-2011 and Trident Hilton Jaipur 2007-2008.
I have always been drawn to various aspects of the hotel industry and after a business degree, I entered the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development to complete post-graduation Hotel management. It was an intense selection process of written tests and interviews to finally meet Mr. Oberoi, when selected. The course has transformed me from a boy to a man.
I started with practical training at Trident Hilton, a property of 1000 with kitchen stewarding - probably the real test and an intrinsic part of my experience. This was the first time I had also left home when I was a second son pampered in a very united family. I learned the dignity of work, flayed my feet and garbage even cleaned.
How do you like Jakarta and what is your favorite thing about the city?
I found Indonesia is a wonderful country with so much diversity in cultures and natural attributes. The people in Jakarta have a natural, inherent warmth about them that has installed in much easier for me and my family.
To adapt to different cities was exciting for you? What was the hardest part in the transition to Jakarta
In addition to Jakarta, I went to several cities in India ?; Chennai, Jaipur, Shimla, Kolkata and Agra. Adjustment and transition to different cities (including Jakarta) are not a problem because I keep always try to explore different cultures and diverse workplaces. Coming to Indonesia, I kept an open mind and I knew what I wanted to do at the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta.
What are the hardest parts of your job, and how do you overcome them? What are the most enjoyable?
The most difficult part of the job is to manage attrition and hiring the right person for the right job. It is important to identify and develop talent. I personally think that the skill sets can be adjusted over time through training but hiring a person with the right attitude is more important.
The most enjoyable part of my job in the hospitality industry is that it is a very exciting company - it is a fun and great company. It is a fast moving industry and develops. It is mainly a labor industry. I therefore human trafficking rather than machines or equipment.
Do you have a memorable experience in the hotel industry you would like to share with us?
After evacuating the guests at a nearby property, I set about the task of restoring the hotel facilities. The most thankless job was to inform Mr. Oberoi magnitude of the problem, especially as he considered this property to be "her baby." I must say that my staff was wonderful and covered all eventualities, including the security perimeter that the property was no electricity and one of its regular security services. We were able to restore all facilities and services for the operational property again in what must have been considered a record time.
"Indonesian hospitality" was considered one of the most distinct features of the country. If so, do you think it was a factor in the hotel industry in Indonesia?
I agree. Indonesians are humble and flexible people, and the concept of "serve and smile" is rooted in the culture. Hospitality requires pleasing personality, positive attitude and healthy work ethics, and "Indonesian hospitality" corresponds very well to these requirements.
There are many small hotels in Jakarta grow slowly but surely. What is your opinion about the new trend?
Basically, Jakarta and other cities across Indonesia have a promising perspective on the industry of the hotel, as occupancy rates rise significantly due to the stable economy. many hotels of all levels have experienced positive growth in terms of average daily rates and revenue per available room. positive signs are obvious to even the hotels 3 stars. If we focus on Jakarta alone, MICE is increasing with more and more visitors involved in various trade shows, seminars and conventions in the city. He has built a reputation of a future business destination.
Did your family move to Jakarta with you too? How did they feel about the move? Are there plans for another move in the future?
Yes, my wife and I have a daughter 10 years. In fact, they shared my enthusiasm and look forward motion. My daughter is no stranger to changing schools because of my many trips to India, and was perfectly adapted to its new environment at ACG International.
With the heavy workload at your job, how do you relax in Jakarta?
The weekends are dedicated to the family, with Saturday spent entirely with my daughter and her extracurricular activities that include swimming and football with league Coca Cola, and even piano lessons . My family and moviegoers tend to watch movies regularly. I also enjoy cricket, cricket and assimilate with life as it taught me the importance of teamwork, which is essential to achieving our potential targets.
I am in several organizations, including Jakarta International Hotels Association, American Chamber and Forum of Indian Affairs.
Do you like a bit of traveling around Indonesia?
I went to Bali, Lombok, Bandung and Bogor. Travel, culture and shopping are top fun activities for my family together.
Finally, what is the driving force behind your work?
Family values ​​are the building blocks of my management philosophy. A good family life percolates my works. My father is my role model and instilled values ​​such as honesty, mutual respect and empathy, and the importance of the balance between family and work. The philosophy I am is very simple; to be fair, truthful and transparent in my personal and professional relationships.
M .. Marriott and Mr. Oberoi are my mentors work ethic. I work by the motto of Mr. Marriott 'success is never final "and the philosophy of Mr. Oberoi' the devil is in the details."