A cluster role, managing two different hotel concepts under one roof and during a pandemic was always sure to be challenging in many ways. The HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Kelapa Gading and POP! Hotel Kelapa Gading are strategically located in the middle of North Jakarta’s golden triangle of businesses and shopping centres with direct access to the Summarecon Mall Kelapa Gading, and only a short drive to Mall of Indonesia and the Mall Artha Gading.
With his strong professional background and a team spirit forged in hotels, Julien is successfully managing a leading four-star hotel to its best performance and revenue (including pre-Covid figures) alongside the POP! two-star hotel. Recent increases in occupancy began to show soon after Idul Fitri 2022, along with the opportunity to increase the average room rate and some new market segments due to convenient access and strategic location in the North of Jakarta. Julien explains, “When the pandemic hit, businesses were closed everywhere. We renovated, adapted some spaces to new requirements, optimized and multitasked where we could but without risking the quality of service, and at the same time consistently maintained a good relationship with clients to ensure repeat business”
“Other improvements have followed the recovery in the economy, as shown by growing number of visitors to the malls. A demand for offline events and the euphoria of the 2022 World Cup coincided with our new outdoor venues that have catered to guests who wish to watch the games”, he added.
“Luckily, in 2020, the owning company decided to do a full renovation meaning we now have new products: 307 rooms to accommodate business and leisure travellers, 11 meeting rooms occupying 2000 sqm that cater to MICE guests. While in POP! we touched up areas to refresh the mood and to better serve our guests.”
A mixed Swiss Italian, Julian was born in Colmar, France. After leaving school, he went to The Basel School of Business, then pursued a degree in EHL Hospitality in Lausanne. His passion for the hospitality industry stemmed from a desire to travel, not wanting to have a regular office job. With a Room Division background, he took the opportunities to grow his career worldwide. “As long as it is a step to grow, I will take it. Up to now, I’ve lived and worked in 9 different countries during my career”, he stated. “This is my second time in Indonesia, the first one being in Bali 14 years ago for the pre-opening of the Pullman Legian Nirwana. Each position and country that I’ve worked, each came with uniqueness, in terms of challenges, and have nurtured me with extensive experience”, added the husband and father of one son, who loves water sports and snowboarding.
Julian’s last two positions were as Hotel Manager for Pullman Baku in Azerbaijan from 2017 to 2019 and a cluster role for Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel & Grand Hotel de Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo as Director of Reception from 2015 to 2017.
Nothing lasts except change! has been his motto in life. “We encourage ourselves to improve. By questioning to accept change, the outcome will not be good because we’re fighting against it. Being adaptable to change is something I picked up from this ancient Buddhist saying, which has a deep meaning and can be applied to all aspects in life, including the process of running a business”. said by
