Are We Undervaluing Experience in Hospitality Management? : 4Hoteliers

Yet, when we look at the political landscape, we find that many leaders, including those in the highest offices of governments, are significantly older, with an average age well above 70.

To illustrate this, let’s consider a few prominent leaders:

• Barack Obama (USA) – 63 years old
• Vladimir Putin (Russia) – 72 years old
• Xi Jinping (China) – 71 years old
• Sergio Mattarella (Italy) – 83 years old
• Élisabeth Borne (France) – 63 years old
• Rishi Sunak (UK) – 44 years old
• Donald Trump (USA) – 78 years old

These leaders are entrusted with immense responsibilities, guiding their nations and shaping policies that affect millions of lives. Their combined experience and wisdom are often seen as invaluable assets in governance.

In stark contrast, the hospitality industry frequently looks to minimize the age of its leadership. This raises an important question: If we can trust those over the age of 70 to manage entire countries, why is there hesitancy to hire General Managers who might be perceived as “too old”?

The core of this debate may revolve around societal perceptions of age and capability. Are we succumbing to ageism by favoring younger leaders in hospitality while overlooking the depth of experience that older professionals bring to the table? Experience, after all, often translates into better decision-making, crisis management, and mentorship of younger staff—qualities essential for a successful hotel manager.

It’s essential to recognize that managing a hotel does not differ fundamentally from managing a country; both require strategic thinking, leadership skills, and an understanding of complex systems. As such, should we reconsider our biases against older candidates in the hospitality industry?

The conversation should not be about age alone but rather the value of experience and the insights that come from years of navigating challenges, understanding human behavior, and cultivating relationships. As we move forward, let’s encourage a more inclusive approach that values the rich tapestry of experiences that individuals of all ages can bring to the hospitality sector.

In conclusion, rather than setting arbitrary age limits for leadership roles based on societal norms, we should embrace a more nuanced view—one that appreciates the capabilities of leaders beyond their years. Experience should be valued and leveraged, regardless of age, for the continued success and evolution of the hospitality industry.

Aurelio Giraudo – Follow
“Champion of luxurious guest experiences, harnessing future-focused technologies to deliver service excellence and redefine hotel luxury.”