Five Questions for Le Méridien’s Zonia Batres

M&R continues to make promoting from within a high priority as a way of motivating associates to go “the extra mile,” and in the process build a career in hospitality. Zonia Batres joined the company in 2017 and is an excellent example of an employee who benefitted from the promote-from-within strategy.

Hired initially as a sales manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square South, Zonia then was appointed director of sales at the TownePlace Suites Times Square, giving her valuable experience at a second global hotel brand.

Proving herself in that position, Zonia next was named area director of sales responsible for both the TownePlace Suites and M&R’s new SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Park Avenue, her first experience with an all-suites hotel. With those successes to recommend her, Zonia this year was named director of sales and marketing for M&R’s soon-to-open Le Méridien New York, Fifth Avenue, one of Marriott’s premium brands.

M&R Team News recently asked Zonia to share her thoughts on the strategy of promoting from within:

• Q: Why do you think this is a good policy?
  

A: It shows that I have been seen and valued for the work I do and, hopefully, for the contribution I make.

• Q: Do you think it helps motivate people to do a good job in their present position?
  

A: Absolutely. When you feel supported by your managers, it makes you want to keep pushing past your comfort zone and excel at what you’re doing.

• Q: Have you learned new skills in each of your positions?
  

A: Each brand has its own profile and history. Each targets a different type of traveler. Learning to apply this from a sales and marketing perspective has made me more effective in my job.

• Q: Has moving from select-service to extended-stay to full-service been an education in itself?
  

A: Definitely. But it’s always important to remember that the brand standards may be different, but the underlying commitment to provide excellent guest service doesn’t change.

• Q: Someone will now be replacing you in your former position, an opportunity for that person. Is that another reason to encourage internal promotions?
  

A: Of course. You always pave the way for your successor. You want that person to have the same opportunity you’ve had.