PHAN puts the spotlight on Catherine Barbeoch – Executive Housekeeper, Sofitel Wentworth

In 2005 Catherine entered Hospitality Management in her native France.  She was studying for her MBA with an internship requirement and she gained a traineeship at Four Seasons in Paris. At her interview she cited her ambitions in Rooms Division.  The General Manager had a background herself in Housekeeping and looking at Catherine’s experience to date in Front Office  – suggested a good stint in housekeeping was just what was needed to balance her experience to become a great Rooms Division Manager.

It was not love at first encounter – Catherine very frankly laughs and tells us she “hated” housekeeping to start.  But over the 2 years of her traineeship experience, her appreciation of housekeeping services expanded and her confidence grew and she now speaks of the wonderful diversity of Housekeeping professionally and the opportunity it presents to contribute widely to efficient and effective rooms management.

 

Catherine is a fast track lady – following her internship in Paris, she landed a job as No. 2 in Housekeeping for a new opening at Shangri La in Singapore.  Another 2 years there and a door opened to Sydney, her desired work location. Her mother saw the position at Sofitel Sydney on the internet , Catherine made a pitch for it and won the posting. Catherine came to Sydney in 2010 to take up this key position.

Catherine is enjoying her time in Sydney and is looking forward to a visit from her mother this year.

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth commenced life back in 1966 as Wentworth Hotel.  It was always a grand hotel where many important and lavish events were held in the ballroom and the 436 guest rooms were the toast of the town

Now after all those years Catherine is master at managing a refurbishment programme of the 154 Classic Rooms, an amazing feat (including cutting into walls) to add 2 square meters to each room.  The upgrade will focus on the carpets, lighting, curtains – as well as some furniture.  She has devised a tight 8-week turnaround to do all the work required and return the rooms to inventory.  She will have her hands full keeping to the schedule.

PHAN members are looking forward to a special viewing of the 1966 iconic rooms with a new look.

For more information about PHAN (Professional Housekeepers Association of NSW) contact Mavis Hedrik email: mavis007@tpg.com.au