One of South Africa’s most respected and sought-after hoteliers, Boris Bornman (45), has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the prestigious Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence in Cape Town. Bornman boasts an impressive award-winning career stretching multiple years at some of the most luxurious destinations on the African continent, including Managing Director of the Pezula Hospitality Group and Director of Operations at the Sun City Resort and Casino.
Commenting on the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence, he says that the hotel is a stunning product and he believes it has all the makings to be one of the greatest hotels in the world.
It was during a casual conversation with Cape Royale’s Chairman Paschal Phelan, that similar synergies were identified which ultimately led to his decision to join the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence.
Bornman’s personal vision for the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence is for it to be the number one destination address in Cape Town. “Our people will be the reason that everyone’s first choice will be the Cape Royale. It’s going to be the leader in the industry, creating above average returns to all its stakeholders, including customers, owners and staff,” he says.
Commenting on whether he will be making any changes as the new Managing Director of the luxury hotel, he says that change is inevitable. He however points out that changes should not be made just for the sake of change, as he does not believe in reinventing the wheel but rather in enhancing it. In his opinion a great MD is someone with the ability to effectively communicate at all levels, who also enjoy a detailed understanding of all the disciplines under his or her control, and someone who is passionate to be the best.
Bornman says he welcomes all his challenges as the new Managing Director as it is the only way to continuously grow. “My biggest challenges are the inability of people to realise their true potential and not to live an ordinary life. People’s natures are to be successful. Often it is an outside belief from another person that brings out the best in them. The number of people a person manages is really immaterial as the rules are the same; ensure everybody knows what is expected of them and insist that they deliver accordingly. In essence communication is key for success.”
It was after Bornman spent five years in the South African Police force that he joined Sun City as a security officer. “This was the first time that I was exposed to the hospitality industry. A couple of years later the opportunity presented itself to become part of the industry and I made the decision to do so. I started working in housekeeping, cleaning rooms, and worked my way up from there,” he says. Bornman studied various hospitality and management disciplines, and continues to do so to this day.
