Rooted in a family tradition of service and enriched by diverse international experiences, Lukas has developed a leadership style marked by humility, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As he prepares to help launch an exceptional luxury hospitality project, he brings more than operational expertise, he brings the belief that true luxury lies in authenticity, attention to detail, and shared purpose.
This interview opens the door to a thoughtful and grounded perspective, that of a leader who prefers substance over noise, and whose path continues to be shaped by curiosity, respect, and a quiet strength.
Could you tell us what first inspired you to dive into the demanding yet fascinating world of luxury hospitality?
I’ve always been fascinated by the world of service. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the service industry, values like helping and supporting one another were part of our everyday life. From a young age, I was amazed by how even the smallest interactions; a smile, a warm greeting, a simple thank you at the corner shop, could have a meaningful impact on someone’s day.
Over time, I came to realize that what fuels my passion is the ability to craft personalized, thoughtful experiences that leave a lasting impression. The opportunity to create magical moments, whether for a solo traveler or an entire family, gave me a profound sense of purpose.
What also inspires me deeply is the camaraderie that comes with working in Luxury hospitality. Being part of a team that shares a common vision and moves as one toward creating something extraordinary continues to motivate me every single day. There’s something incredibly powerful about contributing to a collective effort that brings joy to others.
You began your career in the kitchen before rising through the ranks to leadership roles. What valuable lessons have you learned from this upward journey, especially from your early hands-on experiences?
There’s a saying I truly believe in: discipline, consistency and perseverance will take you to places motivation never could. Be curious. Keep asking the questions no one dares to ask. Continuously place yourself in environments of learning and development where you can grow and flourish. And always remember: there is no growth without discomfort.
As easy as all of this may sound, it can be challenging to achieve. But the ups and downs are essential parts of becoming a better person and a stronger leader.
We often talk about respect — and for me, it shouldn't even need to be mentioned, because it is the foundation of everything. That said, it’s important to remember that everyone has a role to play within an organization. There is no service without the kitchen, and no kitchen without stewarding. This applies across all departments.
That’s why it’s essential to include every colleague, ensure they feel valued and create a space where ideas can be shared freely and people feel safe to speak up.
Your career has taken you across several countries, cultures, and diverse establishments. In your view, what human and professional qualities are essential for success in international luxury hospitality?
Success in international luxury hospitality starts with emotional intelligence. Understanding people, reading situations with empathy and adapting your approach across cultures is essential, both with guests and within diverse teams.
Adaptability goes hand in hand with curiosity and humility. Every country, guest and colleague teaches you something new and being open to that is what makes the difference.
Ownership is also key. Taking full responsibility for the guest experience, even beyond your direct role, builds trust, strengthens teams and sets a standard of excellence that defines true luxury service.
You have also shared your knowledge as a lecturer. How has this teaching experience transformed your approach to leadership and team motivation?
Teaching for me is a way of helping future generations strive for what they want in life while also giving back to the next wave of leaders.
Teaching has definitely changed my perspective on leadership and how to motivate a team. Learning from the upcoming generation, especially how they view the balance between professional and personal life, constantly challenges me and pushes me outside my comfort zone.
I believe that leadership should evolve just as your career evolves. I always tell students not to change the way they lead others because that style is part of who they are. However, I also encourage them not to repeat behaviours that once made them feel small or undervalued. As Richard Branson said: “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
You’re about to lead the exciting pre-opening of Four Seasons Red Sea Amaala as a director of operations, where wellness takes center stage. How do you envision creating a truly memorable wellness experience for your guests, and what does wellness personally mean to you in today’s world of luxury hospitality?
For me, wellness is something deeply personal. It’s about finding peace within yourself. That can come through a rejuvenating spa treatment, a powerful workout, a quiet walk in nature, or simply lying on the beach and breathing deeply. It’s not one size fits all; it’s about creating space for guests to reconnect with themselves in whatever way feels most authentic to them.
Being part of this project, which aligns with the ambitious Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia, is truly spectacular. After visiting the site, I can confidently say that what is being built in Amaala at Triple Bay is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s a place where we will be able to craft personalised, meaningful experiences that celebrate the rich origins and cultural depth of the region, all while placing wellness at the heart of the guest journey.
Our vision is to create an environment where every element, from design to service delivery, encourages mindfulness, balance and connection. We aim to inspire our guests not just to relax, but to truly reset through experiences that are both locally grounded and globally elevated.
Dubai, with its international and demanding clientele, is an exceptionally competitive environment. What do you consider the key factors to delivering an outstanding guest experience in such a setting?
From my point of view, what truly matters is understanding your guests as much as possible in order to deliver a service that exceeds their initial expectations through engagement and personalisation. In today’s world, the definition of luxury can vary greatly from one person to another, especially in a diverse setting like Dubai. If you take care of your colleagues, they will take care of the guests and the guests, in turn, will take care of the business. Simple to say, but difficult to do. The key is to always stay one step ahead of your competitors, to truly listen to your customers and to never cut corners when it comes to delivering exceptional, genuine hospitality.
To finish on a personal note, if you were to be:
- A destination: I don't have a specific destination since I'm a nomad, but anywhere I can keep learning about cultures, seeing the beauty of this world, and being surrounded by the people I love — that's what truly matters to me in the end.
- A piece of music: Difficult one, since I can be all over the place with music from the '60s to now, but recently High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco has been giving me the motivation to keep focusing on my goals.
- A book: Setting the table by Danny Meyer. “Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.”
- A quote: “And that’s the dream… that if we slow down, take the time to enjoy one another, great food and great wine then we all move together further as a family” - Lara Gilmore
