This month, OHLALA spoke to Ekaterina Akatcevich about her role as the new Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, as well as her career and expectations.
“Hospitality is about building connections, and each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference.”
– Ekaterina Akatcevich, Director of Operations, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
OHLALA – Have you always wanted to work in hospitality? How did you start your career in this field?
Ekaterina Akatcevich – Hospitality has always been a passion for me. My journey began in 2001 at the Rocco Forte Astoria Hotel Saint Petersburg, part of the prestigious Rocco Forte Hotels Brand. I started as a trainee in housekeeping while studying tourism and hospitality management and economics at university. From those early days, I was captivated by the energy and opportunities this industry offered to connect with people and create unforgettable experiences. I have been working with the Marriott brand for 10 years, from Moscow, then Qatar and now Bahrain. Every step since has been a deliberate move to deepen my expertise and deliver excellence in luxury service.
OHLALA – If you could highlight one moment in your career, what would it be and why?
Ekaterina – I must highlight, not one, but two major moments in my career – first, when I moved to Doha, as a Director of Operations for The St. Regis Doha, and entered the luxury world within Marriott International. The second amazing step forward was moving to the beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain, as Director of Operations for The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. It’s not only a career milestone but also an opportunity to contribute and work with the values that The Ritz-Carlton carries, something that has inspired me throughout my journey in this industry.
OHLALA – What makes you love what you do?
Ekaterina – It’s the people – both the guests and our Ladies and Gentlemen. I love creating environments where guests feel genuinely cared for and where teams feel empowered to deliver exceptional service. Hospitality is about building connections, and each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in their lives.
OHLALA – You have a Food and Beverage (F&B) background. How does this experience help in your current position?
Ekaterina – My F&B background has been invaluable in shaping my approach to operations. It taught me the importance of attention to detail, creativity and adaptability. These skills are crucial when managing multiple departments and ensuring every touchpoint aligns with our brand promise. F&B is also at the heart of many guest experiences and my background allows me to elevate these moments strategically, you must have high intent, at all times.
OHLALA – The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is an iconic property in the country and recently celebrated 30 years. How do you feel about being a new member of its team?
Ekaterina – It’s an absolute honour to join such a prestigious property with a rich legacy of excellence. As one of the most respected hotels in the region, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has set the benchmark for luxury and exceptional service. I’m especially privileged to work with very professional Ladies and Gentlemen under the leadership of our General Manager, Mr Bernard de Villèle, who has been recognised as General Manager of the year 2023 in the region. His dedication to excellence and vision for the property inspire me every day, and I’m eager to contribute to this extraordinary team.
OHLALA – As the new Director of Operations, what do you expect from this position, and what impact do you want to create?
Ekaterina – I see this role as an opportunity to refine operational excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. My goal is to ensure every guest interaction reflects The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to excellence. I also aim to empower the team to grow professionally and bring forward new ideas that enhance the guest experience.
OHLALA – How do you see the property moving forward in the next few years?
Ekaterina – The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has a strong foundation, and I see its future anchored in continuous innovation and sustainability. With evolving guest preferences, we will enhance our offerings to ensure relevance while maintaining our luxury standards. Strengthening our community presence and embracing cutting-edge hospitality trends will also be key to maintaining its position as one of the most respected hotels in the region. We are constantly innovating and moving forward, with a start-up mind setup.
OHLALA – What has caught your attention the most in the four months you have been living in Bahrain?
Ekaterina – The extraordinary warmth of the people and the rich cultural heritage of Bahrain have been truly remarkable. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, and the sense of community here is heartwarming. I’ve also been impressed by the strong appreciation for hospitality in the region, which aligns perfectly with my passion to really live by Ritz-Carlton’s famous motto, saying that we provide the finest personal service and facilities, we enliven the well-being of each other and create Ritz-Carlton guests for life.