It is a full schedule that requires him to be on call all the time but passion for the job and industry keeps the 42-year-old German going

As hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Mr Fritz, who accepted the position last August, is responsible for all the operational aspects on the property.

He also has a hand in maintaining the service standards among more than 900 ladies and gentlemen - as all staff are referred to - as well as charting the direction of the hotel.

A different path
Two and a half years of mechanical engineering studies in the university served to bolster Mr Fritz's passion for a different field.

Convinced that his people-oriented personality and eye for detail would be put to better use elsewhere, he dived into a two-and-a-half year hospitality apprenticeship.

"I am a classic example of how to work your way up in a business," he says.

As an apprentice, he was exposed to all aspects of hotel operations, which gave him a solid understanding of what it takes to keep things running smoothly in a hotel.

Been around the world
Over 18 years, eight of which have been spent within The Ritz-Carlton organisation, Mr Fritz has worked in the food and beverage, front office, rooms and operations departments of several hotels.

Before packing his bags for Singapore, he was general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Country Club in Seoul. Prior to that, his job took him to Japan, Jamaica, Thailand and various parts of Germany.

On the sunny island, the well-travelled hotelier says: "Singapore is a busy city, with a lot of interesting events on its calendar. With all the plans for the Marina Bay area, it is really exciting for the hotel to be right in the middle of the action."

Key to success
Within hotel grounds, Mr Fritz is in the thick of the action. "For me, it is much more important to spend time with our guests, and with the ladies and gentlemen of the hotel, to figure out how we can work together to improve the guest experience," he says.

He also makes sure that he passes on what he has learnt to others. He notes: "At Ritz-Carlton, training is one of the main pillars of our success."

From daily briefings to trips to train new employees in overseas locations, he has a hand in shaping Ritz-Carlton's international profile.

With so many projects on his plate, a dedicated, capable team is a must.

"My other projects sometimes take me away from the daily operations at the hotel," he says. "But I am able to do all of it with a great team. The key is in selecting the right people to take on the tasks."

Would-be hoteliers should have an outgoing personality and an adventurous streak, he notes.

On other challenges, he adds: "Working in a busy hotel with such a high occupancy year round, every problem must be resolved right away. Quick decisions have to be made so that we can remain focused on the guest experience."

Despite the gruelling schedule, he retains an unflinching dedication to giving guests the very best.

"In this job, I am called upon to be a host, entertainer, manager, leader, mentor, trainer, colleague and friend. The greatest thrill is working around people, creating excellence for our guests and achieving it with our ladies and gentlemen," he says.

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