John Veensma – Managing Director
Talent Dynamics profile: Steel/Dynamo Energy – Mechanic
Strengths of this profile: problem solving, fine tuning
Challenge for this profile: easily caught up in details
John first started working in the hospitality industry in 1989 by working in various management positions for international hotel chains such as TUI Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Pestana Hotel Group.
His work in the hotel sector also included time as cruise director for the Star Flyer, general manager for the Luxury Collection Castillo hotel Son Vida in Palma de Mallorca, and director of operations for 36 hotels belonging to the Pestana Hotel Group. Here, John led a team to establish the operational excellence standards for the Pestana CR7 Lifestyle hotels, a joint venture with Cristiano Ronaldo.
John loves to help others, and has been involved in charitable initiatives such as building a school in Sao Tome & Principe, helping the Aldea SOS Children Village and the Maracanã foundation in Cape Verde.
In terms of qualifications, John has completed various business school programmes. The student soon became the teacher, and John started his venture as a mentor as guest lecturer at the Hotelschool The Hague. Today he is still coaching and mentoring young hospitality talents, giving them the tools to become successful and inspirational leaders.
Through all of his life’s work so far, John has maintained the belief that seeking inspiration, motivation and development is one of the key factors to success. Today, John applies and shares this positive notion through his work as managing director for Luxury Hospitality.