The new general manager of the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman says he feels he has come home.
Marc Langevin served as resort manager of the property during and immediately after its construction, having “built it twice” due to Hurricane Ivan, which struck only a few months prior to the resort’s scheduled opening.
“It was a challenge and a crisis but made me understand my role better and how neighbourhoods supported each other here in Cayman. I remember loading the evacuation plane with Michael Ryan, the developer.
“Our chefs were serving rice and beans to the workers – it was critical to remoblilise staff and reconstruct,” said Mr. Langevin.
In 2006 he stepped up to general manager of the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas and became involved in the community, in training and development.
“Managers went into schools to talk about their jobs, whether IT, engineers, carpenters, retail – [a hotel] is its own little town. We also brought kids in to show them the front and back of house operations, such as the laundry.
“For the 15- to 17-year-olds we had internships. Not everybody was made for the hospitality industry. Of 20, you may find two or three with natural talent. We need to create a foundation at a young age and select based on natural talent, then nurture and grow them,” he said. Such community involvement will be a feature of his tenure at the Ritz-Carlton,Grand Cayman, he said.
Returning to Cayman
After four-and-a-half years at St. Thomas, Mr. Langevin returned to Cayman.
“Depending on the season, this is one of the top three revenue-earners in the company, so it is very important. I have knowledge of the resort, share the vision since Day One and know the value of the ladies and gentlemen [staff] here.
“I am arriving at an interesting moment in time; the resort went through stabilisation following the economic crisis. 2011 is a time to re-energise – there are new rules of engagement. I have travelled a lot and the Ritz-Carlton is the best resort in the Caribbean. My mission is to move from excellence to iconic. We have everything in the hotel and the destination to elevate ourselves,” he said, adding that increased operational and particularly energy costs present a challenge.
“But I will keep on pushing; I will go and travel and tell people that the Ritz-Carlton is the best hotel in the Caribbean and you need to pay for it – I have a business to run.
“With the quality of the beach and the island, I am confident.”
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