Interview: Gert Kopera Executive Vice President of GLOBAL RESTAURANTS at HAKKASAN GROUP

Gert Kopera joins Hakkasan Group as a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry. With extensive global experience, Kopera most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for D.ream, an international restaurant group with 54 brands in its portfolio including Zuma and Coya. Prior to that, Kopera was the Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage for Jumeirah Group, based in Dubai, UAE.

Before he joined Jumeirah Group, Kopera spent 15 years with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts serving in both on-property and corporate based positions. In his roles as Director of Operations and Managing Director, he was integral in the development of food and beverage offerings in its hotels across the globe. He then moved to the company's corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas serving as Vice President of Food & Beverage, where he was responsible for the success of all restaurant and bar operations in the company's entire global portfolio. In 1985, Kopera joined Hilton International where he spent 12 years setting the base for his career in food and beverage with roles in Austria, UK, UAE, Madagascar, Kenya and Greece.

Kopera joined Hakkasan Group in 2017 as the Executive Vice President of Global Restaurants where he oversees concept development and operations of Hakkasan Group's continuously growing restaurant collection. His extensive background in hospitality makes him a visionary for the future of the global hospitality organization. Emphasizing the importance of incessantly building a family-like culture, Kopera's strong focus on career building and employee development, he believes success starts with the company's greatest asset - its people.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Gert Kopera about his career and the future of Hakkasan Group.

When did you first become interested in hospitality as a career?

The urge to see and experience the world came naturally, as my father inspired me with his passion for other cultures. I wanted to experience the same passion through physical and culinary travel, art, music and languages and simply embrace the incredible variety and beauty of lifestyles around the world. I chose hospitality as the vehicle, made it my career when I was 18, and have actively lived it ever since.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in your profession?

Take hospitality as a lifestyle, not a job. Live it and love it. The profession is incredibly stimulating and rewarding. Build a large knowledge base, learn from it, soak it in, and embrace it. There are many rewards to be found in any hospitality job in any part of the world.

What challenges have you faced with the expansion of the Hakkasan Group?

As a truly international business with locations in China, India, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and USA, Hakkasan combines culture through our assets and teams, and we share our experiences with our clients. Time zones, physical distance, and language barriers are overcome by our dedication to Hakkasan Group. Our employees are extremely committed, determined, and positive. That is the basis for Hakkasan's continued growth as we nurture a global following of passionate guests.

Tell us about some of the rewards of your position.

I work with great talent and can positively influence careers. I have the opportunity share my passion with like-minded people all over the world. Through my career, I can explore trends, visit amazing places, work with visionaries, and of course, I have the privilege to enjoy "art on a plate" around the world.

Why do you feel that the Hakkasan Group is such a standout in the industry?

We have a deep-rooted passion for delivering a Hakkasan experience that extends beyond culinary treats-we focus on stimulating all senses. Our commitment to our global team to offer unique careers and our bold leadership are all ingredients that make Hakkasan Group a truly special place to experience on both sides of the coin: as a guest and as a member of the team.

This passion can be felt in our restaurants, clubs, and bars around the world. It is not written in a handbook, nor is it communicated through policies or procedures. Our passion and drive for success is an innate part of the Hakkasan Group! Being part of Hakkasan Group is ever so rewarding, and because we as team members can enjoy our venues so much, we extend the same love towards our guests.

For the future of the Hakkasan Group?

Very bright - we have truly exciting plans ahead of us. Hakkasan Group is the market leader in creative hospitality, and we're going to turn up the music even louder!

About Hakkasan Group

Hakkasan Group is a worldwide hospitality company with establishments across North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Its namesake is taken from its Michelin star restaurant that set the high-level standard for the group's collection of diverse brands. Its 'brand first' philosophy builds restaurants, nightlife, daylife and soon-to-open hotels, resorts and residences into world-class hospitality brands, all with a focus on service, design, innovation and experience.

Its restaurant portfolio includes Hakkasan, with 11 locations worldwide, Ling, Yauatcha, HKK, Sake no Hana, Herringbone, Searsucker and Ivory on Sunset. Under the nightlife/daylife umbrella of brands are Hakkasan Nightclub, Wet Republic, OMNIA and JEWEL Nightclub.

For more information on the Hakkasan Group restaurants, luxury daylife and nightlife, visit: https://hakkasangroup.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gert Kopera

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