When determination pays off

Hotel Manager, 25hours Hotel, Copenhagen

David Schad describes himself as an empathetic, pragmatic and honest person. We take the liberty of throwing 'determined' into the equation here. After all, at a very young age, David can already look back on a remarkable career.

After completing his apprenticeship as a chef, international internships in Reykjavik and Tallinn, and graduating from SHL in April 2017, he started out as an Assistant General Manager at Fidelity Hotels & Resorts. He then took on the position of Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Grand Hyatt Berlin. In 2021, he was given the opportunity to join 25hours Hotels as Operations Manager, for which he is now responsible as Hotel Manager for 25hours Indre By, in Copenhagen.

But it's not just these positions that are impressive: in 2023, David won the race for the German Hotel Young Talent Award 2023 - we were almost bursting with pride when we heard about it! Even though David has already achieved a lot, he isn’t resting on his laurels.

His ambition is to be part of a more respectful image of the hospitality industry and to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals. This includes SHL, which he describes as a wonderful place to be challenged and encouraged: "What do I miss most about studying at SHL? Being a student. And of course, my fellow students. It was just a fabulous time.

Keyword Interview

  • SHL

    First SHL day
    It went straight to the sink - if I remember correctly 

    The SHL is
    A wonderful place to be challenged and encouraged 

    Most beautiful moment
    When I was told I had passed my studies  

    I will never forget it!
    Going swimming in the lake in my uniform after passing the second semester 

    What I miss
    Being a student and of course my fellow students - it was just a great time

  • Life

    As a resident of Zurich, I
    Munich is a very vibrant city - culinary delights, greenery, culture; I'm curious to see what Copenhagen has to offer now 

    Always in the fridge
    Jalapenos & Tabasco 

    Relaxing after a busy day
    When I come home and can already smell that dinner is ready 

    When I'm not working
    Spending time with friends and family, going to restaurants and bars & clubs and doing sports 

    Me in three adjectives
    Empathetic, pragmatic, honest 

  • Career

    Milestone(s)

    Winning the German Hotel Young Talent Award 2023 

    My job in three words
    Exciting, diverse, dynamic 

    Daily routine
    Overview, morning meeting, drama, deflate, drama, interviews, hand-on help in daily operations, more drama, analysis, mails, jour fixe 

    Current projects
    My move as Operations Manager in Munich to Copenhagen as Hotel Manager 

    Still want to achieve
    Contributing to a more respectful image of our industry and inspiring young talent 

  • Hospitality

    Favourite Restaurant
    The vine arbors at the Stuttgart wine village 

    Favourite Hotel
    Depends on the occasion 

    Me as a guest
    Personal service 

    I appreciate
    Personal service

    No-go to
    Air conditioning in hotel rooms which is too loud or cannot be turned off

    This should change
    Less bureaucracy 

  • Inspiration

    Makes me laugh
    Works by Jan Böhmermann 

    This person I admire
    Cesar Ritz 

    Last holiday destination
    South America 

    Dream Holiday Destination
    Scotland 

    Catchy Tune
    Marteria - Kids 

    Discovery
    Fresh ceviche at the fish market by the sea in Chile 

    I wish I could
    To be more patient from time to time 

Impressions