Interview with Christophe Hobeika (IMHI 2012), Executive Director - Living Division of Sunset Hospitality. Christophe is as well one of the amazing AAIMHI Ambassadors in UAE.

AAIMHI: How did you end up working in Hospitality?

Christophe: I grew up spending more time observing what was happening in our kitchen than anything else. I have always been so drawn to food and having guests over at our house always sparked joy. I never would want to have our guests leave as it would make me so happy seeing them enjoying the food we’d cook for them. I grew up in France after coming from Lebanon when I was very young and my maternal grandmother was very present. She was an outstanding cook. One of those that never has a recipe to share and measures everything in pinches and handfuls. Thanks to that upbringing, I was attracted to Hospitality and from a very young age knew that’s where I’d make a career. I went onto hospitality school right after high school and ended up taking on roles in the field of Marketing after a short stunt in Operation. I thought to myself, when you have so much passion, what better department than Marketing to talk about it to the world and spread the love? I have since then never left the industry and don’t see myself doing anything else. 

AAIMHI: Tell us about your journey after IMHI?

Christophe: I was lucky to have a solid experience before doing IMHI as I studied/worked 3 years prior in apprenticeship and also had a year abroad to get some international exposure which was critical to my success in entering the program, not only from a language point of view but also from and open-mindness. I chose Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as my destination post IMHI and I’ve been here for 10 years with no intention to leave. I had a great 7 years working for Jumeirah Group from very junior Marketing positions all the way to Senior Leader in a team of over 30 people. A fantastic journey alongside great mentors that have thought me a lot and allowed me to shine. 3.5 years ago, I joined Sunset Hospitality Group, a hospitality management and investment group based in Dubai who is known for curating lifestyle F&B experiences across the globe. I joined the team to put together a new 5-star lifestyle hotel brand called METT Social Living which opened its doors for the first time in 2021 in Bodrum, Turkey and is now opening in Marbella, Barcelona and other fantastic locations both in key cities and stunning Resort destinations. I am now the Executive Director for the Living Division of the group and oversee the commercial, brand & guest experience side of the business. 

AAIMHI: What lesson did you take from your experience at IMHI? 

Christophe: IMHI was an eye opener in terms of the way we got told how to think. There is so much beyond the books and the academic knowledge. Nowadays we have never ending access to information and knowledge sources on the internet, making the theories easy to learn from the comfort of your couch. However, in my opinion, the most successful people and those that have the most fun working are the ones that know how to solve so called problems. The famous Survive, Adapt, Overcome from Professor Peter O’Connor will always stick with me and I have used that mindset my entire career to my advantage. 99% of the time, there is a solution. And if there is no solution, there is still a solution. 

AAIMHI: What would be your recommendations to the new students joining the program?

Christophe: It’s a fantastic school with fantastic professors. Use the connections you will make during your years at IMHI to open up your mind to different ways of thinking which will become critical to how you navigate your way through both the corporate or entrepreneurial world. You have an opportunity to be exposed to like minded people with diverse backgrounds that will enrich your experience and your soul. Take part in as many activities as you can and be always open to offer help to those that need it, knowing that they have something you don’t and make sure to have fun along the way

AAIMHI: Thank you Christophe for you amazing engagement and for sharing your story!