In Profile - Rachid "Ben" Bengougam

This month's mover & shaker interviewee is Rachid "Ben" Bengougam, the new Vice President of Human Resources for Europe at Hilton Worldwide.

What has been your greatest HR challenge?
Previous to my current role, the biggest challenge was working in the Middle East in a large cross-cultural environment.  uy-in from the organisation as a whole, including the owner and Chief Executive, enabled me to define what the organisation stood for.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Midway through my career, a former Chief Executive based in the USA, told me once to keep things simple, avoid jargon, accept leadership responsibility and accountability, speak the language of the business, and show you care.

What motivates you to do your job?
Having started my career in hospitality more than 20 years ago, I have always had a passion for the hotel industry. However, it is making a small contribution to the success of the individual which motivates me the most, probably because I know at a fundamental level that achieving success across the organisation starts with people achieving their own career goals.

Who inspires you the most?
Nelson Mandela for his selfless and enlightened leadership, Bill Gates for his extraordinary philanthropy, and my wife.