Marcus Sutton

Marcus Sutton, an ICMS graduate from 2002, is now working as a general manager of the Crown Plaza Abu Dubai, making him one of the youngest to achieve such a title in the region. He shares with us his many achievements since his time at ICMS.

What did you study at ICMS?

I graduated with a Swiss Diploma in Hotel Management in 1997, after completing my first two trimesters and industry placement in Australia, and then completed my studies in César Ritz Le Bouveret Switzerland. I later returned to ICMS and graduated with a Bachelor of Business, Hospitality and Tourism in 2002.

You are currently the general manager of The Crowne Plaza Abu Dubai. How did your experience help you get where you are today?

After working in Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, United Kingdom, Jordan and the U.A.E. and gaining exposure in Singapore and Japan, I learnt to manage and lead teams of different nationalities and adapt to different ways of working. In addition, I’ve had exposure in a variety of leadership positions with international companies such as Hilton, Starwood, Kempinski, Firmdale and IHG in flagship properties. All of this helped me to develop a strong understanding of the ingredients needed to drive great results.

What career achievements are you especially proud of?

I am proud of all my career achievements as they have all contributed to me being one of the youngest General Managers in IHG and in the region. Most importantly I am proud of the way I have achieved success as it required commitment, passion and integrity.

How has your ICMS degree contributed to achieving your professional goals?

It gave me strong theoretical and practical knowledge in all areas of hospitality and tourism and exposure to working/studying with a diverse mix of nationalities.

What were the highlights during your time at ICMS?

• Being in the third batch of students to start the diploma program and having only around 60 students in the college. Things have changed a little since then.
• Meeting and marrying the girl of my dreams at college while completing my bachelor degree.
• Establishing strong international friendships that remain today.

What are your top 3 tips to ICMS students to help them land their dream job?

1. Be open to travel and become a citizen of the world. The more open you are to travel the more opportunities that will be available to you.
2. Be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices to progress knowing that, in the end, your efforts will be rewarded.
3. Respect others and they will respect you.

What’s next for you? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I plan to continue to develop myself as a leader and general manager and push myself by taking on more complex roles in different properties and countries. In five years’ time I would like to be in an area/regional role.