DANIEL BAERNREUTHER GENERAL MANAGER GLENEAGLES HOTEL

What has been your career path to date?

I have always wanted to work in hotels for as long as I can remember. I started with an apprenticeship at The Intercontinental, in my hometown, Berlin.

I have been at Gleneagles for almost five years now, initially as Executive Assistant Manager in charge of F&B, then as Hotel Manager and now as GM. Prior to that, I spent 15 years in London at Claridge’s, The Savoy and at The Berkeley as Director of F&B.

Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges at the moment. What measures have you introduced. We have worked hard to create a compelling employer brand and we’ve seen some of these initiatives really starting to move the dial. Under the leadership of Emma Simpson, our Director of People & Culture, we have been able to weather the storm and actively introduce initiatives to reflect the importance we place on our people.” diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease was heartbreaking. I was fully responsible for her ongoing care and despite the harsh reality of it all, we were able to reconnect and have the loveliest relationship before she died.

What do you do in your spare time?

There is not much time for my hobbies with two kids under 10, but the majority of my free time is spent exploring the beautiful Scottish countryside on long walks with our cocker spaniel. I also love woodworking and have a workshop at home where I build wooden furniture.

We recently ‘bagged’ our first munro - Ben Lawers as a family. My wife’s family has a small cottage on the Isle of Skye, where we got married, so that is our favourite place to spend time away from home.

What has been your biggest challange?

Having left Germany over twenty years ago, being away from ageing parents in times of need, particularly during Covid times was tough, so I am glad that we are able to visit regularly again.

Your proudest moment?

Having grown up in a deprived council estate in the south side of Glasgow, in a broken family and part of a strict religious sect, there was no clear career path. So breaking that cycle of poverty, and being the first in my family to attend university followed by a diverse and rewarding career have contributed hugely to who I am.

What are your plans for the hotel?

We are in the first phase of a complete kitchen redevelopment and extension which marks a significant investment in the business by our owners..

What does the future hold?

We are always looking at being, ’best in class’ in whatever we create for our guests and colleagues here at the Glen, and hope that can continue for years to come.

The HIT Annual Golf Day took place at Cameron House on 24th April. It was the ladies that took the honours with the Extraodinary Swingers aka Jane Rennie, Lisa Rogers, Livvy Forrester and Debbie Fellows winning the team competition. Runners up were Alan Bulloch, James Lee, Jamie Stevens and Tony McAlister with 3rd place going to Gary Silcock, Andy Clarke, Kenneth Arnott, and Colin Horsburgh. Derek Mill achieved the Gents Longest Drive while Lisa Rogers won the Lades Longest Drive. Kenneth Arnott was nearest the pin, and Cameron Bruce managed to Beat the pro. Steven Todd won the Chipping Competition.