Mark Winterton, area general manager for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Singapore, has taken on the additional role of general manager for the soon-to-open InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay
You have launched new properties and re-positioned brands throughout your career. What about these projects excites you most?
The process of creating teams of inspiring individuals and then working together to bring a project to life is where I find the excitement lies.
It’s that moment of seeing creative ideas and plans turn into reality that makes me appreciate how privileged I am to be in this role. I get a kick out of seeing a project through from the planning stage of working with architects and interior designers right through to welcoming our first guest!
You are also area general manager for IHG Singapore. How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I am fortunate to have a great team that allows me to (have a work-life balance), although in the run up to opening a hotel, (that) balance can change quite dramatically!
Ultimately, it’s important to be able to trust your team and depend on them to lead their own teams. Success is never a one-man show, and when we all pull our own weight it allows time for each individual to maintain a fair work-life balance.
I believe maintaining (that) balance is key to success. I allocate time to do the things I need to in order to sustain the quality of my personal life. But, in the same vein, if I’m away on holiday and have work that needs (attention), I’ll set aside a fixed amount of time to complete what I need to.
How are you psyching up your team for the hotel’s September opening?
The team is starting to see the fruits of their labour as the hotel takes shape and comes alive, so that in itself has got us all really excited.
As a management team we have been engaging with all employees to provide constant updates on the development progress.
We’ve made it our mission to ensure each employee feels involved and shares in the (excitement). We’ve also conducted role play activities and team bonding exercises to familiarise ourselves with each other and make sure we’re fully prepared to work together to create a flawless guest experience come opening day.
