Saad Issa Audeh, the chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels and the founding member & managing director of Audeh Group of companies is under the spotlight this month.
What is the best thing about your job?
The variety. I love design and get excited about creating something slightly different. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I am able to realise my vision and that I have a good team around me to help me in my endeavours
What made you choose this role?
I felt I could use my experience to make a difference in an industry that should be lead by good service and design
What do you do when you’re not working?
Spend time with my family, go on long dog walks and in the evening, when the children are in bed, putting my feet up and enjoying a great movie.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever received in the workplace?
Always believe in yourself, do unto others as your would have them do unto you and always appreciate life
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still embracing new ideas and developing the Campbell Gray Hotel brand.
Tell us something that none of your colleagues know about you?
Sometimes I like to put honey in my espresso coffee.
If you could stay in any hotel in the world right now, where would you go?
That’s easy, it has to be La Colombe D’Or, Saint Paul in France. A tucked away tranquil space with an interesting history where, in the calm and fragrant surroundings, it is difficult not to relax.
Can you tell us why you wanted to join this industry?
A chance meeting with Gordon Campbell Gray prompted a discussion about an exciting future, the rest as they say, is history.
What would you say to anyone who is starting out in your sector?
Be confident in what you believe, appreciate others and always listen to new ideas
What’s the worst thing about your job?
The challenges that take very long to overcome.
What’s your favourite book?
Old Man of the Sea: Ernest Hemingway. It is beautifully written using simple language, with powerful symbolism, that expresses relentless hope and courage despite setbacks, bringing personal achievement even after loss.
If you invited guests round for dinner what would you make?
I would enjoy sharing a perfectly baked salt-crusted sea bass cooked in the clay oven in our kitchen garden.
