AT HOME IN THE WORLD OF NUMBERS

CFO and Head of Group Office, Giardino Hotel Group

SHL alumnus Lukas Maurer's professional career in the hotel and gastronomy industry began with an apprenticeship as a baker, pastry chef and confectioner. Even before completing his apprenticeship, he knew that «this is not the end of my training!»

So, at the age of 17, he registered at SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern and started his studies in August 2008. «I knew very quickly that I would switch to the field of finance after graduating at SHL. The different practical experiences I gained during my studies made it easier for me to better understand and optimise processes and cost structures,» says Lukas.

In his 10-year career in finance, he worked through various positions in hotel chains and individual hotels. Along the way, he worked on the «Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Corporate Banking & Corporate Finance» at the ZHAW - University of Applied Sciences and proudly received the MAS diploma in 2020.

In the meantime, Lukas has specialised in all areas of financial corporate management and brings his in-depth knowledge to bear as CFO and Head of Group Office at the Giardino Hotel Group. The fact that he is very familiar with all aspects of the hotel and gastronomy industry continues to be an advantage for him and his current employer. This is because the Giardino Hotel Group, with its company «Giardino Services», offers individual consulting in the areas of analysis and strategy planning, hotel construction and renovation, revenue management and distribution, financial management and controlling, marketing and communication as well as graphics and design.

As we all know, you can't just work: Lukas is an adventurer, enjoys outdoor sports and is involved as a volunteer with an integration association as well as volunteering for the Swiss Green Liberal Party.

Keyword Interview

  • SHL

    First SHL day
    Autumn semester 2008

    The SHL is
    ...the foundation stone for versatile and exciting careers

    Most beautiful moment
    Lunch after the wine list check with Mr. Baur

    I will never forget it!
    Preparation of 200 chicken "à l’americaine" during lunch service

    What I miss
    Lunch at SHL

  • Life

    As a resident of Zurich, I
    like the variety; within walking distance of many good restaurants and at the same time within minutes of nature, for example Uetliberg

    Always in the fridge
    Micro Greens from Umami

    Relaxing after a busy day
    A run on Uetliberg

    When I'm not working
    I volunteer for an integration association as well as for the GLP.

    Me in three adjectives
    Curious, conscientious, aficionado

  • Career

    Milestone(s)

    • during the finance internship at the Hotel Renaissance Glattbrugg responsible for the liquidation of the hotel
    • Successful SHL graduation in 2014
    • 1st job after SHL graduation: Assistant Director Finance at Marriott International, Zurich
    • Selected for task force assignment in Paris
    • Promotion to Ad Interim Director Finance at Marriott International, Zurich
    • Transferred to Giardino Hotel Group as Multi Property Director of Finance
    • Promotion to Group CFO and Head of Group Office at Giardino Hotel Group
    • «Master of Advanced Studies (MAS), Corporate Finance & Corporate Banking» from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)

    My job in three words
    Analyse, optimise, control

    Daily routine
    Every day is different, but as an early riser I start work in the office at 6 a.m. at the latest and I use the quiet morning hours for the daily analyses of the hotels.

    This is followed by various meetings with my team, the General Manager of the hotels and the CEO.

    After a short lunch in the Group Office, I take care of contract management, optimisation and digitalisation processes, budget and forecasting in the afternoon.

    After work you can often find me in the badminton hall or on the trails on Uetliberg.

    Current projects
    Development of Giardino Services (consulting for the hotel industry)

    Still want to achieve
    To be CEO of a hotel group and get a political mandate

  • Hospitality

    Favourite Restaurant
    Ristorante Da Angela - the best Italian in Zurich par excellence

    Favourite Hotel
    Hotel Castell in Zuoz (art and nature in beautiful Engadine region)

    Me as a guest
    I am an adventurer and always like to try the most special dishes.

    I appreciate
    Courteous and attentive service

    No-go to
    Long waiting times

    This should change
    More appreciation towards gastronomy and hotel employees.

  • Inspiration

    Makes me laugh
    Good satire

    This person I admire
    Reinhold Messner

    Last holiday destination
    Rwanda & Uganda (Gorilla Trekking and Safari)

    Dream Holiday Destination
    The summit of Piz Palü

    Catchy Tune
    Stephan Eicher - Combien de temps

    Discovery
    Auvernier Pinot Noir

    I wish I could
    ...cook like  Rolf Fliegauf

Impressions