Being a Hyatt veteran, Christian Wurm has been posted in the group’s various properties all around the world, before finally appointed as the new general manager of Park Hyatt Jakarta. Born in Berlin and worked his way up the ranks through many exotic resorts, Christian brings his decades-long experience into Jakarta’s latest landmark.
Q: Can you summarise your journey so far in the hospitality industry?
A: After graduating with a Hotel Administration and Management degree from the Hotel Management School Berlin in 1990, I commenced my hospitality career as an assistant controller in the accounting department of Blue Band Management in Berlin. I progressed in rooms and management roles in a few hotels in the city, before leaving overseas to work in the Maldives. After that, I worked all around the world, from Puerto Rico and a couple of properties in Riyadh, to the Grenadines and in Dubai. In 2008, I joined the Hyatt family as executive assistant manager of rooms at Park Hyatt Sydney. Five years later, I advanced to my inaugural general manager role at Park Hyatt Chennai in eastern India, followed by a move to Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and THE BARAI in Thailand – both as general manager. Now, I am in Indonesia, as the general manager of Park Hyatt Jakarta.
Q: Most of your career were spent across many locations in Asia. Do you have one favourite location and position, and can you tell us why?
A: All locations spent accross Asia were unique and special due to its various cultures and people. Probably the most impressive were my almost three years in India, a country with more than 2 million temples and over a billion people. This was also my first assignment as general manager at the beautiful Park Hyatt Chennai.
Q: You have been with Hyatt for about 15 years now. What made you stay that long, and do you have more goals to achieve with the group?
A: As you know Hyatt is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. What made me stay for the past 15 years is Hyatt’s World of Care, a commitment to caring for the planet, people and responsible business across the communities we serve.
Q: A big portion of your journey were spent being part of resort properties. Can you tell us what attracts you to join Park Hyatt Jakarta – which is now one of the most recognisable city hotels in Indonesia?
A: Park Hyatt Jakarta for me is the ultra-luxury residence nestled in the heart of the vibrant Menteng urban area where guests discover a serene oasis amid the bustling city. With its exceptional interpretation of space, occupying individual floors for unparalleled indoor and outdoor wellness, event as well as food and beverage experiences, this hotel is indeed unique.
Q: Continuing the previous question, can you tell us what’s the biggest difference between managing a resort and a city hotel?
A: I truly enjoyed managing both resort and city properties throughout my career. Both have its challenges and opportunities. The beauty of a resort is that due to a longer average length of stay and the nature of a resort, a general manager has more opportunities engaging with guests. However, city hotels enjoy a constant flow of residents, patrons and event guests in the heart of bustling cities like Jakarta.
Q: Following your assignment in Park Hyatt Jakarta, what excites you most about living in Jakarta?
A: The most exciting aspect for me of living in Jakarta is the people. They are so welcoming, polite and kind. I’ve never felt uncomfortable or intimidated. This definitely put me at ease when I first moved here in May. Indonesia, especially Jakarta, is developing fast. There’s a lot of new, impressive architecture surrounded by older buildings in a city bustling with so much going on.
Q: Can we expect exciting new developments in the near future for the hotel?
A: It gives me great pleasure to officially announce that a brand-new facility will soon join Park Hyatt Jakarta portfolio: The Royal Glasshouse – an expansive venue designed for large-scale events that can comfortably cater for upwards of 1,200 guests for reception. With a ballroom covering 1,650sqm and with a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, this new facility will embody everything that Park Hyatt Jakarta stands for: elegant surroundings, imaginative events and exceptional catering, supported by impeccable service.
Asia Dreams Volume 48
Park Hyatt Jakarta
Jalan Kebon Sirih
Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
T: (+62) 2131111234
W: parkhyattjakarta.com
IG: @parkhyatt_jakarta
