Fairmont Southampton's new director of food and beverage Leetroy Walker is aiming to groom locals for success at one of the Island's premier luxury hotels.

Mr. Walker has more than 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry, working for a diverse range of hotels, resorts and convention centres in the US and Europe.

He feels that Bermudians must have the necessary qualifications, experience and training to gain executive positions in the industry.

In mid-August the assistant chief concierge at the Fairmont Southampton Resort was suspended, one day after she and four colleagues staged a temporary walk-out to protest a managerial appointment.

The suspension decision called for a "time-out" to cool the controversy following the appointment of an American as royal service and concierge manager rather than promote the hotel's top concierge Debbie Forde.

Ms Forde claimed she had been by passed over for promotion to the managerial role despite her seven years' service as concierge with the two Fairmont hotels. She said she had the necessary experience and qualifications.

Mr. Walker's appointment suggests senior management at Fairmont are willing to recognise top talent and appoint Bermudians to executive positions at the resort.

Norman Mastalir, managing director of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Bermuda, said: "It is exciting to be able to offer such a senior position to a well qualified Bermudian.

"Leetroy's impressive international accomplishments have given him the skills needed to take on this demanding and challenging role."

"We are delighted to have someone with his qualifications join Fairmont. Leetroy has spent many years abroad gaining experience at some of the world's leading hotels and resorts."

"We're looking forward to having Leetroy join our Fairmont management team and help shape the policies of this organisation.

"He is a role model to our young Bermudian employees who aspire to management positions within the hotel."

"I am excited to be back home, I have family here so its good to reconnect with family and have my family get to know my immediate family members in Bermuda," Mr. Walker said.

"On a professional side when I was at Castle Harbour 12 years ago, Bermuda was always known for its hospitality and as leaders in that field but we have slipped a bit."

"I have an opportunity to train and teach managers and supervisors in what I have learned from aboard.

"My personal experience of training was limited here. When I was abroad I had a chance to get the full training, learn succession planning and a commitment towards training and development."

"I want to attract young locals to the industry and train them into the art of service and get an appreciation of service and help them to become supervisors, assistant managers and maitre d's, and get them thinking about succession planning and executive roles."

He also encourages non-Bermudians to enter the hospitality industry who are committed to the Island and to the guest properties or hotels they are working in.

Mr. Walker will be responsible for the overall operation of all nine bars and restaurants at the resort and 450 employees.

He will also oversee banquets, catering and conference organisation, kitchen stewarding, stores and regional warehouse and all services and processes associated with food and beverage sales within the hotel and he will be a member of the hotel's executive committee.

"I want to grow within as the Fairmont Southampton is the Island's premier luxury resort and at one of the world's leading hotel groups.

"I want to build a strong team and a core staff of both local and international that we can rely on year round.

"To be a great director you have to work through the ranks. I take great pride that I have been a manager or assistant manager of every department in food and beverage and have room's experience.

"I have a passion for the business and you must have a knowledge of what's new in the field and understanding how every department works."

Mr. Walker completed the Marriott Corporate Training Programme in 1989 and holds the Marriott Management Training Certificate.

In 1985, he was certified by the American Sanitation Institute. Prior to joining Marriott, he attended Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee and attended Robert Crawford School from 1977 until 1979.