Hong Kong- – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, synonymous with legendary service and exceptional experiences, is proud to announce an innovative partnership with Sommet Education, a global leader in hospitality management education. This collaboration signals a shared commitment to advancing the hospitality profession by nurturing future talent, championing diversity and delivering innovative learning and development programmes.
Building on Mandarin Oriental’s unparalleled reputation for excellence and Sommet Education’s pioneering educational approach, the partnership is focused on three pivotal goals: providing immersive real-world learning opportunities for students, enhancing the skills of Mandarin Oriental colleagues through bespoke training programmes and opening career pathways for high-potential individuals.
This forward-thinking alliance will draw on Sommet Education’s network of globally recognised institutions—Les Roches, Glion, École Ducasse, Invictus Education, Indian School of Hospitality as well as Sommet Education Foundation—alongside Mandarin Oriental’s unmatched reputation for delivering luxury experiences.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental, remarked: “At Mandarin Oriental we believe that human talent is the base of exceptional experience. This is why we are proud to be partnering with Sommet Education which has produced many of our top talents across their various educational institutions already today and is developing the talent of tomorrow. Together we will foster exceptional learning, to promote career opportunities in our profession.”
Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Mandarin Oriental, sharing the value of hospitality excellence and aligning on a people-centric vision. This collaboration extends beyond traditional boundaries, offering invaluable career and learning pathways in hospitality for young students, colleagues and underserved talented individuals. Together, we aim to foster a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of hospitality experiences.”
In a dynamic hospitality landscape, Mandarin Oriental and Sommet Education are combining forces to shape the next generation of industry leaders while empowering current talent to thrive. By integrating the Mandarin Oriental world-class industry expertise into Sommet Education academic programmes through workshops, leadership talks, and exclusive on-site visits, students will gain invaluable practical experience. Simultaneously, bespoke training initiatives tailored to Mandarin Oriental’s people-centric ethos will enhance the skills of its colleagues—the custodians of its exceptional guest experience—ensuring they are equipped to deliver legendary service at every level.
Amanda Hyndman, Chief Operating Officer & Chief People & Culture Officer at Mandarin Oriental stated: “Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do at Mandarin Oriental, thus, truly defining the essence of our brand. In light of our growth trajectory, we are privileged to partner with Sommet Education in nurturing future leaders and shaping their careers in the luxury hospitality profession. Together, we look forward to growing a safe, respectful and inclusive community of aspiring talent who will elevate the art of luxury hospitality and become Fans of the Exceptional, Every Day, Everywhere.”
Mandarin Oriental and Sommet Education are equally committed to fostering inclusivity within the hospitality industry. Scholarships, mentorship programmes and tailored initiatives will be offered to talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring they have access to worldclass education and career opportunities.
Through these efforts, the partnership will contribute to a more diverse and equitable industry, creating pathways for all to succeed and thrive in luxury hospitality.
