Ronald Nilsson, general manager of the soon-to-open Swissotel Kolkata, tells Punam Mohandas he is experiencing and enjoying the city’s many facets thoroughly.
What are your main responsibilities in this position, considering this is the first hotel for the group in India?
As the first Swissôtel property in India, we will have the opportunity to introduce the brand with our unique attributes, to the country. Our credo is ‘A Passion for Perfection’ and I am looking forward to sharing this passion with our guests in our service delivery, diversity in design, culinary creativity and excellence, and especially, our key Swiss attributes of quality, reliability, and hospitality.
What was your job profile before this? How will it change in this role?
I came to Kolkata from Swissôtel Düsseldorf, Germany, where also I held the position of general manager, so my responsibilities and job function remain pretty much the same. However, out there I spearheaded a major 14-month renovation programme for the entire property that successfully repositioned it in Germany and Europe.
This involved a completely new design and introduction of new food and beverage concepts. Of course working in India is different to Germany but at the end of the day, my ultimate responsibility is still to ensure that our guests fully enjoy the Swissôtel experience and all that the brand has to offer.
Did you watch ‘City of Joy’ before you accepted this offer?
No I haven’t seen the movie. Watching ‘City of Joy’ is one of the many things on my ‘To Do’ list that I hope to get to very soon. I jumped at the opportunity to open Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in India and to introduce the Swissôtel experience into this exciting country. I would have been happy if the company had offered me any other city in India too.
Kolkata is a notoriously sluggish city; how do you hope to drive business?
Kolkata, as with many other cities in India, has tremendous potential for development and growth. Indians are becoming increasingly cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and discerning, enjoying the finer things in life.
They work hard and want to play hard, and I have discovered a whole new dimension to celebrations, especially special occasions such as birthdays and weddings in India.
We intend to meet that challenge by introducing great F&B concepts that include a specialty fine dining Indian restaurant, a roof-top bar and lounge that offers great views of Kolkata as well as an impressive canapé menu and cocktail list, and a fabulous bar concept for people who like to party, with great live music and talk-of-the-town DJ’s.
There will also be over 1,200-square metres of meeting and function space where we look forward to hosting events for all occasions and spectacular wedding celebrations. Furthermore, there’s a roof top swimming pool and a fitness centre and spa. All these facilities will be underpinned by our signature service – warm, friendly, attentive and personal.
Where in the world would you like to work the most and why?
I really can’t think of that for now, because all my focus is on Kolkata as we prepare to open. I am thoroughly enjoying it and finding it to be a very exciting and vibrant city, full of new things to be discovered, and I would also like to learn more about the people here. So for now I would say – Kolkata.
Does the frequent political instability in the state unsettle you?
Not at all, I feel very safe and in good hands here.
Kolkata offers both – God fearing nuns, and Bacchus-celebrating citizens. Which one are you?
A bit of both!
Have you been to the famed Howrah Bridge yet?
Yes. It is a great architectural piece of work although I am sure this is not the only one. Kolkata is so rich in heritage and culture and architectural icons like this, and I am certainly looking forward to discovering more.
What has been the most unusual experience of your career so far?
I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet Mikhail Gorbachev – a great man who left an indelible impression on me.
The pace of this city is either going to make you mellow and relaxed, or make you gnash your teeth and tear your hair out. Which is it to be?
From what I have discovered of Kolkata, it does drive you crazy at times but more so in a positive way – teeming with activity, so much to see and do that it leaves you breathless, but a real treat for all your senses.
I have found my moments of respite and relaxation through the cultural offerings and I am really enjoying learning more about the traditions and heritage of this culturally rich and vibrant city.
