We recently had the opportunity to speak with Michel Wichman, a seasoned professional and entrepreneur in the hospitality sector. With a strong academic foundation, including a degree in Hotel Management from Eindhoven, he has developed his current leadership approach in the industry. Currently, as the Owner and Host at Hotel Spitzhorn Saanen, Michel leads with a strategic vision and a mission to empower everyone in the process. Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit, Michel Wichman is a literary expert eagerly awaiting the release of his book, which shares valuable insights on authenticity, perseverance, and personal growth.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Could you share a bit about your early background, education, and the key experiences that shaped your career journey?”
Michel Wichman shared, “I was born in the Netherlands as the son of a travel-agency entrepreneur, so hospitality and service have always been a part of my environment. I attended the Hotel School in Heerlen and later completed a higher education program in Hotel Management in Eindhoven.
After relocating to Switzerland early in my career, I worked in various roles within the hotel industry, including Maître d’Hôtel at Hotel Cabana in Saanen, Chef de Rang and Assistant General Manager at Hotel Le Grand Chalet in Gstaad, and later Restaurant Manager at Hotel Delfino in Lugano. I also gained international experience as F&B Manager and Maître d’Hôtel at the Holiday Inn City Center in Rotterdam.
I returned permanently to Gstaad in 1997. Over the years, I progressed from Vice Director and F&B Manager at the Grand Hotel Bellevue Gstaad (2002–2004) to becoming the youngest General Manager in Switzerland’s 5-star hotel category, leading the Grand Hotel Bellevue from 2004 to 2011. During that period, I also completed an MBA at the European Business School in Switzerland.
These experiences—working in diverse luxury environments, leading teams, and managing complex hospitality operations—shaped my entrepreneurial mindset and laid the foundation for my later ventures.”
Evolution of Wichman Horeca AG over the Years
We then asked, “How has your company evolved since its inception?”
Michel Wichman mentioned, “I founded Wichman Horeca AG in 2010, marking the start of my independent business journey. The company became the operating company behind Hotel Spitzhorn Saanen-Gstaad and has since grown steadily through management mandates, consulting projects, and development partnerships.
In 2015, I co-founded the ‘Best 3 Star Hotels of Switzerland,’ a national hotel association where I served as president for over five years. Later in 2020, I entered a consulting joint venture with InterGlobe Enterprises, a global company based in New Delhi with a strong presence in hospitality and aviation. Through this collaboration, I also became a shareholder of InterGlobe (Switzerland) Gstaad AG.
Together, we developed ‘The Mansard,’ a new 30-room boutique hotel with an exclusive rooftop terrace in the center of Gstaad. The company continues to expand and is actively exploring new hotel opportunities.”
Impact on the Regional Business Ecosystem
Intrigued to learn more about the contribution of Michel Wichman’s projects to the ecosystem in his region, we asked him to share the same.
“Our activities support the regional hospitality landscape by creating new hotel concepts, enhancing quality standards, and driving innovation. Through projects such as Hotel Spitzhorn and The Mansard, we bring long-term value to Gstaad by creating jobs, improving guest offerings, and fostering sustainable tourism growth.
Additionally, my involvement with hotel associations and consulting initiatives helps strengthen collaboration within the Swiss hospitality sector,” Michel explained.
What Defines Success
Michel Wichman understand Michel Wichman’s idea on success in the hospitality sector, we asked, “What three qualities do you believe are critical for success in your industry?”
Michel Wichman reflected, “Leadership with empathy is paramount as hospitality is a people-driven industry; strong teams require trust and humanity. Additionally, guests expect consistency, precision, and high-quality service, so leaders must be adept at operational excellence.
And lastly, the industry evolves rapidly, and long-term success requires innovative thinking and the courage to develop new concepts.”
Embracing Technological Advancements
Innovation is the key to success for any business. So, we asked, “How has your organization adapted to technological changes? Share a key innovation you’ve implemented.”
“Hospitality is becoming increasingly digital, and we continuously integrate modern systems for efficiency and guest satisfaction.
A key innovation has been the adoption of centralized digital platforms that streamline operations, reservations, communication, and financial management. These tools not only enhance the guest experience but also provide more precise data for strategic decisions, particularly during hotel development projects like The Mansard,” Michel mentioned.
Navigating through Challenges
Lastly, we asked, “How would you guide someone to navigate the key challenges you faced when establishing yourself in this industry?”
Michel Wichman shared, “I would advise anyone entering the industry to invest early in education, practical experience, and strong professional networks. Hospitality is demanding, and resilience is essential—especially when taking on leadership roles at a young age.
Staying curious, maintaining high standards, and embracing innovation have helped me navigate challenges throughout my career. Most importantly, success comes from a genuine passion for the industry and the people you serve.”
Connect with Michel Wichman on LinkedIn to gain industry insights.
Find Hotel Spitzhorn on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.spitzhorn.ch/en
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