Jo Gowie at Mellow Mood

2007-10-25

Jo Gowie has left the Corinthia Aquincum Hotel this summer, after having worked there for three and a half years. Soon after his departure, he took the position of Director, Hotel Development at Mellow Mood Group and has since taken charge of the development projects. 

Your parting was fast and unexpected, what was the reason behind such decision?

To be honest, after such a long time, I did not encounter enough challenges. While I was here, I accomplished many things with Aquincum: besides its location, quite far from the city center, we were able to put the hotel on the map of the five star accommodations. We received numerous positive reviews from the guests, that satisfies me, but I think it’s time for a change.

It’s not usual that a foreign expert stays after a change…

I’ve been working in the industry for 20 years, and I spent 11 years far from my home. I worked in Amsterdam, Cairo, Dubai and Prague, but I don’t want to go back tot he West. This region –  despite of the recent downfall – holds great potential. I know what it feels like to start fresh in a new city, thats why I decided to move to Budapest. I can harness all of my connections here.

How did you find each other with the Mellow Mood Group?

I know the owners of the company from a long time ago, and I can admit that I admire them for the successes they reached in the last decade. I was happy to join them, because I agree with their development strategy.

What do you do at the Mellow Mood Group?

I supervise the works of the new buildings and the opening of new buildings. It’s an interesting responsibility, because the new five hotels – the five star Klotild Palace, the three star Promenade City Hotel, the four star exclusive boutique hotel in the Castle District and the corporate Expo hotel are all exciting projects.I can be there from the very start and can help everyone with my point of view. I can use my creativity and experience as well.