Executive Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage at AYANA Midplaza JAKARTA
E: Describe your typical day in a sentence.
Denny: I wake up around 5.30AM and start my day with a quick jog at the gym, if my schedule allows it. Next, I do my daily rounds of the hotel to chat with my team to check on work and the guests to ensure we are doing all we can to make their stay wonderful.
E: So how did you come to be the executive assistant manager – F&B for AYANA Midplaza JAKARTA?
D: I used to work for a large restaurant operator before moving on to work for InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel as a restaurant manager. I worked my way up to be the assistant director of F&B before being transferred to the InterContinental Tokyo, where I was director of F&B. From there, I worked in InterContinental Regency Bahrain Hotel, Crowne Plaza Dubai and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa before I became executive assistant manager – F&B at AYANA Midplaza JAKARTA.
E: What’s the toughest part of your job?
D: Nothing is tough but I wish I had another 12 hours every day so I could spend more time with the team and guests!
E: And what makes you smile at work?
D: When my colleagues interact with the guests and I see smiles all around, I’m always happy to see our guests’ appreciation of our team’s efforts to provide the best service for them.
E: What motivates you?
D: I’m always excited when there are a lot of things on my to-do list. Of course I’m also motivated by the milestones we achieve in working towards building the AYANA brand in Jakarta!
E: Would things fall apart if you weren’t around?
D: No, definitely not. Our team is full of capable and qualified individuals. My job is to support them and to facilitate them to do their jobs the best they can.
E: Who in your team deserves more recognition and why?
D: We work together as a team, so every single person deserves credit. What I’m amazed by is the warmth and welcoming nature of the Indonesian people. Full credit to my team’s great attitude, which makes our guests feel welcome and comfortable.
E: Why should people choose AYANA Midplaza JAKARTA to dine?
D: We have a lovely award-winning Italian restaurant Scusa Trattoria & Grill where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine or premium steaks. If you’re after beautiful European and Asian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with Rasa restaurant, where you can enjoy contemporary open market-style dining by the swimming pool. For those looking for casual drinks in a chic venue, our JimBARan Lounge allows guest to enjoy delectable Mexican cuisine amongst lush surroundings. If you’re after a quick after-work drink, do check out Bacchus Bar.
E: Away from work, what’s your favourite place to eat?
D: I’m Japanese, so my go-to comfort food is Japanese. I’ve just arrived in Jakarta recently, so I’m actually still looking for good Japanese restaurants!
E: How do you unwind?
D: I like outdoor activities like jogging, fishing or playing golf. I’ve had the chance to join in the car-free day as well, the roads open up and it’s pretty amazing!
E: Finally, any advice for those looking to break into the industry?
D: Working in a hotel, you’ll meet a lot of people. You’ll meet families, friends and people from all walks of life. If you love meeting new people, every day is full of excitement. This is a very interesting industry to work in. If you’re passionate about hospitality, you’ll have a great time.
