Latest news with #peoplefirst
Travel Daily News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Vision Hospitality Group promotes O'Mally Foster
Vision Hospitality Group promotes O'Mally Foster to chief people officer, reinforcing its people-first strategy, cultural transformation, and purpose-driven hospitality leadership. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. – Officials of Vision Hospitality Group, Inc., a Chattanooga-based hotel development and management company, announced the promotion of O'Mally Foster to chief people officer. In his new role, O'Mally will continue to uphold the organization's core values; lead cultural transformations during periods of growth or change; reinforce Vision's shared purpose; promote internal career advancement to cultivate talent from within; leverage people analytics to track engagement, retention and cultural progress; and align HR policies to actively advance the organization's mission of environmental stewardship, community service and cultural respect through its people practices. 'Since he joined Vision in 2017, O'Mally has been integral to our growth, most recently serving as our senior vice president of human resources,' said Mitch Patel, founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group. 'O'Mally's promotion marks a pivotal moment in our five-year strategic plan, underscoring Vision's unwavering commitment to our purpose-driven mission: to be the best, most respected hotel company in America by putting people first, leading with a purpose and delivering exceptional performance.' With over 30 years of hospitality experience, Foster joined Vision Hospitality Group from The Chattanoogan Hotel, where he served as director of human resources. He previously held similar leadership roles with respected hotel companies such as Noble Investment Group and Benchmark Hospitality. Foster exemplifies the company's mission of service to the communities through his volunteer work with United Way, the American Heart Association and Chattanooga Cares, as well as through his service on the Chattanooga Downtown Council. 'It has been my mission to consistently champion a workplace environment rooted in respect, inclusivity and purpose, and that remains my focus moving forward,' Foster said. 'Our people are our greatest asset. When they thrive, so does our company. As we look ahead, our strategy focuses on enhancing lives—not only for our associates and guests, but also for our investors and communities. By prioritizing people-centric leadership and aligning our culture with operational excellence, we are poised to continue to elevate guest satisfaction, achieve market share leadership, and deliver strong financial returns.' 'O'Mally's unwavering dedication to Vision Hospitality Group's culture and people has been nothing short of exemplary,' Patel added. 'Throughout his tenure, he has consistently championed a workplace environment rooted in respect, inclusivity and purpose. His people-first mindset has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives that have empowered associates at all levels to grow, contribute and thrive. By fostering open communication, cultivating leadership and reinforcing Vision's core values, O'Mally has not only strengthened the organizational culture but has also deepened the company's commitment to enhancing lives. His leadership continues to inspire a collective pursuit of excellence that resonates across every corner of the organization.' Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Vision Hospitality Group was founded in 1997 by Mitch Patel. With a diverse portfolio encompassing over 40 hotels affiliated with esteemed brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and InterContinental, Vision Hospitality Group continues to push the boundaries of hospitality excellence.
Gulf Business
11-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
How people-centric businesses are winning in the Middle East and beyond
Image: Supplied Companies that prioritise people — whether employees, customers, or other stakeholders — are positioned to outperform their competitors in nearly every aspect. Investing in a people-first approach strengthens creativity, enhances loyalty, and drives long-term success. Fostering an environment where employees feel empowered and motivated leads to innovation, lowers turnover, and improves customer experiences. When companies empower their teams to take ownership and pursue innovative ideas, they gain a significant advantage. Microsoft and Google have built cultures where employees are encouraged to experiment and contribute new ideas. Creating an environment where employees have the freedom to innovate allow these companies to consistently lead in product development and industry trends. Employees who are trusted to take risks and think creatively push the boundaries of what's possible, enabling businesses to stay ahead in competitive markets. In the Middle East, Emirates Airlines demonstrates the power of investing in people. The company's commitment to employee wellbeing has fostered a strong culture of trust and support, which in turn fuels its reputation for exceptional service. Such investment in people contributes to Emirates' ongoing success, helping the airline remain a global leader despite an intensely competitive industry. The culture of employee empowerment at the airline plays a key role in the airline's ability to innovate and maintain a strong presence in international markets. Creating loyalty through a supportive work environment for people Employee retention is one of the most significant benefits of a people-focused culture. High turnover is expensive and disruptive, draining valuable resources. Companies that create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged see reduced turnover rates and greater overall stability. A people-powered approach strengthens loyalty, ensuring that employees remain committed to the company's long-term goals. Almarai, a leading food and beverage company, demonstrates the benefits of prioritizing employee engagement. The company's commitment to developing its workforce through training, leadership programs, and a supportive work environment has created a loyal and motivated team. Almarai's commitment to reducing turnover has helped the company grow while maintaining strong, long-term relationships with its employees, ultimately contributing to its success as a regional leader. Internal culture strengthens brand reputation A human-centred approach impacts more than internal operations — it shapes the company's external reputation as well. Employees who are engaged and motivated become natural ambassadors for the brand. Their enthusiasm and dedication often translate into better customer service, which strengthens customer loyalty and reinforces the company's brand values. Emaar Properties in Dubai has similarly benefited from a strong internal culture. The company invests in employee development and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. This focus on internal culture has contributed to the company's reputation for excellence, particularly in the real estate sector. Emaar's employees take pride in delivering high-quality developments, and this passion is evident in the brand's ongoing success in the global market. Employee engagement boosts financial performance Research has consistently shown that companies with high employee engagement perform better financially. Businesses that invest in their people enjoy higher productivity, better customer satisfaction, and stronger profitability. According to a 2024 McKinsey report, companies that prioritise their employees' performance are 4.2 times more likely to surpass their competitors, achieving an average revenue growth that is 30 per cent higher and experiencing 5 per cent lower turnover. Businesses that prioritise employee engagement are also more resilient and adaptable, with a workforce that is motivated to contribute to the company's success. In Saudi Arabia, organisations aligning with Vision 2030 are increasingly recognising that the key to long-term success lies in developing human capital. Focusing on employee well-being and professional growth, these businesses set themselves up for sustainable growth and greater competitiveness in the global market. Leadership plays a critical role in employee empowerment Effective leadership is essential in creating and maintaining a human capital strategy. Leaders must act as mentors, providing guidance and support while empowering their teams to succeed. Transparent and inclusive leadership fosters an environment where employees feel confident in contributing their ideas and working collaboratively. This kind of leadership encourages adaptability and drives innovation, which is crucial for business growth. Mohammed Alabbar, founder of Alabbar's leadership style encourages creativity and collaboration, empowering employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the company's growth. Investing in people isn't just a strategy — it's the strategy that will drive long-term success. The future of business lies in leadership that places a strong emphasis on human capital, creating supportive and inclusive cultures where employees are motivated to contribute to the company's overall trajectory. The writer is the CEO and founder of CLAN Investment.
