Elena Popescu

Elena Popescu's story
I started working in hospitality with the idea that it was something temporary, while I was preparing myself to study philosophy…I started as a waitress in Romania being in several restaurants, a hotel and as I gained experience, I discovered that I was passionate about the sector. The deal with people, the dynamic pace and the possibility of learning constantly motivated me to continue training and bet on a career in this area that today has become a way of life.
In 2004 I moved to Spain continuing to work in a restaurant. Two years later I decided to go a step futher and start working at Novotel & Ibis Styles Madrid City las Ventas betting to further develop my career in the world of hospitality.
At Novotel I started as a Welcomer in the restaurant and in 2009 I was promoted to 2nd Maître D’ hotel. In 2013 I was appointed to Restaurant Manager position, adding more responsibilities over the years.
During this stage I acquired a broader vision of the operational and strategic functioning of an establishment and I felt the need to expand my knowledge of hotel management from a more analytical perspective. This led me to give a new spur to my training and in 2019 I obtained a Masters degree in Restaurant Management and Hotel F&B which allowed me to strengthen my management knowledge and acquire a more global vision of management.
My daily role includes working alongside the team to ensure excellent customer service, stock management, orders or follow Accor’s sustainability strategy, with the group’s commitment to fight against food waste.
Throughout my career at Accor, my proudest moments have been promotions because they represent the result of work and determination and of a trajectory where not everything has been easy.
Beyond individual achievements, I am especially proud to be part of a great professional team, where we work with enthusiasm and with the certainty that every detail makes a difference.
Taking into account the values of Accor I believe that professional opportunities are unlimited for people who develop their work with passion and dedication.
To be Heartist® means to love what you do and that it comes from the heart. It is to be part of unforgettable memories: a special dinner, a dreamed trip, an important celebration. It is to make someone feel at home even if they are far away from home.
For the new starters I would say that working in this industry is to grown as a person because you learn to listen, to adapt, to find solutions with a smile and above all to connect with people. It is a demanding and hard environment many times yes, but also dynamic, human and full of opportunities for those who have passion for what they do. Develop a service attitude that accompanies you always, inside and outside of work.
- Elena Popescu
- Restaurant Manager
- Novotel & ibis Styles Madrid City Las Ventas (Spain)