We are delighted to announce the appointment of Katariina Reissaar MIH as the new Director of Operations at the Royal Air Force Club. Katariina officially stepped into this role on Monday 12th August 2024.

Katariina has extensive experience in hospitality, having worked in the USA, Malaysia, and Birmingham with Leonardo Hotels before joining the Club. When she joined the Club as our Front Office Manager, she led her team from strength to strength, including winning the Department of the Quarter award for Q1. Katariina herself has also received the prestigious ‘Acorn Award’, recognizing her as one of the top 30 hospitality professionals under the age of 30.

Katariina serves as Chair of the Youth Council and joint regional secretary for the Institute of Hospitality's London Committee, reflecting her passion for promoting careers in the industry.

In this interview, Katariina shares insights into her career, her vision for the Club, and advice for young professionals entering the hospitality industry.

 

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality?

 

I began working at a young age, assisting my mum with the events managed by her catering company. It started with selling ice cream at outdoor events, and eventually, I moved on to assisting in wider capacity at these events, ensuring their success. The vibrancy and varying dynamics of each event energised me, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of them. Later, I gained experience working in restaurants and bars.

While exploring the world as an au pair, followed by a university work placement in reinsurance broking, I realised that hospitality was the industry I truly belonged to. I successfully secured a place on the graduate programme with Leonardo Hotels, and from there, my career has steadily progressed to my current role as Director of Operations at the RAF Club.

 

 

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working around the world?

 

Through experiencing different cultures and environments, I have learned that communication and resilience are the key pillars that have contributed to my success. In the hospitality industry, particularly where many hotels operate around the clock, 365 days a year, it is crucial for teams to communicate effectively and share information. Without this, both service and the working environment can suffer.

It is equally important to remain open-minded and recognise that there is no such thing as "my way or the highway." Everyone has their own way of working, and each individual brings something unique to the team. While shared values, a clear mission, and established standards are essential for team success, business achievements are made by working together, not individually.

That said, while you are ultimately responsible for your own success, it is important to recognise that success is never achieved alone. Staying true to yourself and ensuring that you are in the right environment play a crucial role in your personal and professional growth.

 

 

What are you most excited about in your new role as Director of Operations?

 

The Royal Air Force Club truly is a special place to be at. I am deeply committed to upholding the Club's values and providing a supportive environment for our dedicated team members. There are various things I am equally excited about - I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue providing the Club with my expertise and leadership, whilst growing together with the team. I am looking forward to the opportunity to drive the overall strategic direction and operational excellence of the Club. I am excited to collaborating with various teams to enhance our services and ensure that we continue to deliver exceptional experiences to our members and their guests. The ability to influence positive change, streamline processes, and support staff development is something I am particularly passionate about. Therefore, I am eager to build on the Club’s already strong foundation and contribute to its continued success and reputation as a premier institution.

 

 

What have you enjoyed about working at the RAF Club so far?

 

The Royal Air Force Club is a home away from home to our members, and has become one for me. Equally, it holds significant value for our dedicated team members, providing a supportive environment where they can thrive. Having joined the RAF Club and now been here for almost 1.5 years, I am confident that this is a place where true hospitality is genuinely embodied. The Club’s rich history and commitment to providing outstanding service align perfectly with my own passion for creating memorable experiences.

 

 

How do you unwind after a busy day at the Club?

 

How I unwind after a busy day at the Club largely depends on the season and the nature of the day. I find physical activity to be a great way to relax, so I often go for runs or swim to use my body and give a break to my mind from the mental demands of the day. Additionally, I enjoy exploring hospitality venues in London. Over time, I have discovered some remarkable places where one can momentarily escape from the everyday hustle and truly appreciate the ambience and experience of the venue.

 

 

What advice would you give to young professionals entering the hospitality industry?  

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Having been extensively involved with the Institute of Hospitality as Chair of the Youth Council, this has been a recurring question on my mind for the past three years. The hospitality industry offers something for everyone, whether one prefers front-of-house or back-of-house roles. There is significant potential for advancement if one is dedicated and willing to start from the ground up.

Embracing continuous learning and beginning at entry-level positions is crucial for future success. It is important to seek and act upon feedback, and to build resilience through experiences. Additionally, adaptability and a strong network are vital to succeed in this industry. One must be prepared for the unexpected, as each new day can present unforeseen challenges. I have always believed that every problem has a solution and that there are positive aspects to every situation. I very strongly believe, that having that mindset has helped me come all the way where I am today.