Senior Director Information Resources Field Operations, Marriott Hotels
Kate Roberts was awarded IT Professional of the Year, at the HOSPA Awards Lunch in December of last year. Kate has worked her way up within Marriot, and is now responsible for IT within the whole of Europe. We caught up with Kate to hear more about her time in the hospitality industry, and stand out trends for 2013.
What is your area of expertise within the hospitality industry?
I am a hospitality IT and business leader, which requires me to be involved in influencing and shaping of the technology direction for my organization.
How long have you worked in the hospitality industry? What has changed the most in the hospitality world since you started?
I have worked in the hospitality industry for 26 years.
The technology revolution has changed not only the hospitality world but all aspects of life, in 1987 there was no iPad , smart phone, or the internet and now today we all rely on them so much.
How and why did you first get into the industry?
Whilst at school I worked in a restaurant, I liked the excitement and the sense of achievement in providing an outstanding experience for the customer and I enjoyed the social environment of the restaurant business. I started with the aspiration of being a chef.
How does it feel to be receive a HOSPA professional award? What does this accolade mean to you?
It’s an honor to receive the award, there are so many talented IT people in the industry who are deserving of this award.
What trends will you be looking out for in the hospitality industry for 2013?
Mobility is a huge trend for the hospitality industry, and this is big area of focus for me currently.
Do you use social media at work, or at home, and do you think the hospitality industry should adopt it?
Yes I use social media both at home and work, and it is already impacting the hospitality industry. Hoteliers are already making use of social media and looking at emerging applications.
If you could invent one thing to revolutionise the job you do, what would it be?
I would re-invent the telephone.. people should talk more.