What is it like to work at RIU Hotels? The story of 5 employees who have enjoyed long careers with us
date_range 16 February, 2023 question_answer 1 CommentWhat is it like to work at RIU Hotels & Resorts? This is a question I, as CEO of the chain, as well as other members of the Riu family and our hundreds of employees in the group are often asked. To help answer this question, we have taken a look at the careers of five employees who have spent almost their entire work life at RIU. They have built successful careers, earning the recognition and affection of their co-workers along the way.
Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts, talks to 5 employees about what it’s like to work at RIU.
Index
1. Ramón Arroyo, Director of Technical Services
Ramón Arroyo, Director of Technical Services at RIU Hotels, shakes hands with CEO Luis Riu.
Ramón Arroyo is the only RIU Hotels & Resorts employee who has reported directly to all three generations of the Riu family. Over the course of 45 years, he has earned the utmost trust of everyone. His work is extremely important, and as Director of Technical Services, he makes sure that the hotels do not lack essential necessities such as running water and electricity or that the sanitation system works properly. His attentive eye and effectiveness in his work, together with the coordination of his team of engineers and specialists, helps facilitate RIU’s expansion in national and international destinations.
2. Rafael Expósito, Operations Manager in Mexico
Rafael Expósito, retired Operations Manager in Mexico for RIU Hotels, in a relaxed moment with Luis Riu, CEO of the group.
Rafael Expósito started as a dishwasher at the Riu San Francisco hotel in Palma, and over the course of more than 45 years worked his way up in the company to his most recent position as Operations Manager in Mexico, where RIU has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. He also led one of the most ambitious international projects in recent years, the opening of Riu Plaza New York Times Square, RIU’s first hotel in New York. He recently retired, and we are sure that he is now enjoying this new phase of his life to the fullest.
3. Naomi Riu, Finance Director
Naomi Riu, Finance Director of RIU Hotels, in a photo with her father and CEO Luis Riu.
Naomi Riu has played a crucial role in her Job as Finance Director, a position she has held for more than five years and from which she has had to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Naomi Riu took over from Joan Trian Riu, a current board member, to strengthen the Riu family’s role in the company’s finance department. Meanwhile, the rapport between father and daughter has been very smooth: “she monitors the cash position while also giving me the flexibility to continue to be creative and entrepreneurial. This way, the economic health of the chain remains in good shape.”
4. Félix Casado, Director of the Atlantic Area
Félix Casado, Director of the Atlantic Area of RIU Hotels, and Luis Riu, CEO, review together some of their plans.
Félix Casado is a walking encyclopedia of the hotel industry. He started as an assistant in reception and today, after 48 years with the company, he is the Director of the Atlantic Area. Many who have come after him now hold positions of great responsibility at RIU Hotels were trained by Félix, including his two sons, who also work at RIU. He is highly appreciated in the Canary Islands and is also responsible for business operations in the Iberian Peninsula, Cape Verde, Morocco, and Senegal.
5. José Manuel Celdrán, Personal Assistant to Luis Riu
Luis Riu in a meeting with his Personal Assistant, José Manuel Celdrán.
José Manuel Celdrán, also affectionately known as “Funsi”, has been my Personal Assistant for more than 20 years. His journey at RIU began in Punta Cana, where he worked in the administrative department for five years before returning to Mallorca. Hardworking, organized, and meticulous, Celdrán is absolutely reliable and has helped Carmen Riu and me tackle the digitalization of the company… because Funsi knows everything and, if he doesn’t, he learns it.
Ramón Arroyo, Rafael Expósito, Naomi Riu, Félix Casado and José Manuel Celdrán have been an integral part of RIU’s history.
Fdo. Luis Riu
1 Comment
Nice to see some faces in the Riu Family. Myself and my husband adore Riu. Since Covid we have paid 4 visits to the Riu Vallarta and have another booked later this year. We love the atmosphere there, the food is wonderful and most of all the staff are a credit to the Riu brand. We have recently visited the Riu Paraiso, having been there some 7 years ago. We were really impressed by the improvements made there, and again the food is wonderful and all the staff are helpful and friendly. We have booked to stay at the Riu Paraiso again in May 2023.