Coffee time quest for new Sofitel London Gatwick boss

By the end of his first month as general manager of the four-star Sofitel London Gatwick Hotel, Globy Ouseph will have drunk 254 cups of coffee.

The moment he took up the top post, he made it his priority to meet and chat with every member of staff individually. So he invited each and every one of the 254-strong team to join him for a mini coffee break – a feat that took him 1275 minutes.

“It has been fascinating to meet everyone. They are a very friendly group and I have learned a lot about the hotel,” says Globy. “I have found out about their hobbies, passions and what they love about the hotel. When I first started in the industry, I never even met the general manager, but I felt it was important that I got to know my team and they could feel I was approachable.”

Globy began his career in India as a hotel management trainee and found himself working in all aspects of the hotel trade. “I have changed beds, checked guests in, been a PA to the general manager, and was once even given the job of separating male and female crabs in a hotel kitchen.” The only department he hasn’t worked in is maintenance, but he admits that DIY is not his strong point.

Globy worked at the Hilton Waldof in central London for more than 10 years and was recently the hotel manager for the 605-room Sofitel London Heathrow.

As well as his coffee time approach at the 518-room Sofitel London Gatwick, Globy has created a giant WhatsApp group for all members of staff so they can share daily highlights and successes.

Next on his agenda will be to oversee a £0.5m refurbishment of the two AA-rosette La Brasserie restaurant and the more informal Le Café, as well as the hotel’s two bars – La Terrasse and Kua bar – plus the executive lounge. The refurbishment will be carried out in stages from the end of this year. Globy is also planning to extend his coffee time invitation to local businesses.

Read PA Life Editor Amelia Walker’s review of Sofitel London Gatwick here.