Mandarin Oriental and Sommet Education have announced a strategic partnership to address talent development in the hospitality sector.
The collaboration, described as long-term, aims to elevate the global hospitality industry by focusing on student training, employee development, and career opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities. It combines Mandarin Oriental’s expertise as a leading operator of luxury hotels with Sommet Education’s global network of hospitality institutions.
The partnership revolves around three primary objectives: providing real-world business exposure for students, developing employees through tailored training programs, and offering career pathways for high-potential individuals from underserved backgrounds.
Sommet Education, which encompasses institutions such as Les Roches, Glion, Ecole Ducasse, and the Indian School of Hospitality, will work with Mandarin Oriental to enhance the educational journey of students. This includes workshops, masterclasses, leadership talks, and on-site visits that integrate academic learning with industry practice.
Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental, highlighted the importance of this alliance:
“We are proud to partner with Sommet Education, whose institutions have already produced many of our top talents. Together, we aim to enhance skills, promote career opportunities, and contribute to the industry’s future.”
Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, echoed the sentiment, emphasising shared values of excellence and inclusivity:
“This partnership goes beyond conventional boundaries, offering young students, employees, and underserved talent invaluable pathways to success. Our collaboration with Mandarin Oriental will help shape the future of hospitality experiences.”
The initiative underscores a commitment to equipping students with job-ready skills in a dynamic industry. With access to Mandarin Oriental’s 41 hotels, 12 residences, and 24 exclusive homes across 26 countries, students will gain unparalleled exposure to luxury hospitality practices.
This blend of academic and practical training is intended to prepare a new generation of hospitality leaders, ensuring they are ready to meet the demands of an evolving sector. The partnership also aims to create a positive social impact, particularly by addressing diversity within the industry.
By leveraging its global reach, which includes campuses in Switzerland, France, South Africa, and India, Sommet Education plans to broaden access to education and employment for individuals from underprivileged communities. The Sommet Education Foundation will play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts.
Mandarin Oriental’s involvement extends to shaping the content of these training initiatives. Its executives will engage with students through talks and hands-on activities, while the company’s network will offer practical training opportunities.
The collaboration reflects both organisations’ commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and innovation in the hospitality sector, setting the stage for a more diverse and capable workforce.
With an industry in constant evolution, this partnership seeks to redefine how educational institutions and businesses collaborate to nurture talent, ensuring the long-term growth and success of hospitality worldwide.
