Martin Hueber: “Hotelis is the bridge between professionals” 

Since June 2025, Martin Hueber has been leading Hotelis in German-speaking Switzerland. With a dual background in hospitality and recruitment, he shares insights into his career, the challenges of the German-speaking market, and Hotelis’ strategic priorities, particularly in training and digitalisation. 

Mr. Hueber, you recently joined Hotelis as Director for German-speaking Switzerland. What convinced you to take on this role with a company specialised in hospitality and catering? 
After more than 17 years in the same company, I felt the need for a professional change. I took some time off and then completed a certified program at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, in order to align my career goals with my personal aspirations. When I was approached by Interiman Group’s CEO, Raphael Schmid, and Hotelis Director, Lionel Fontaine, I was immediately drawn to the project. Hotelis is a company driven not only by a genuine passion for the industry but also by strong human values. I quickly realised that I could invest myself in a fresh and stimulating environment, while building on my previous experience. The combination of my background in hospitality and in human resources perfectly matched the profile they were looking for. 

Your career is indeed marked by a dual expertise. How does this represent an advantage? 
I come from the field. My professional journey started with an apprenticeship as a cook, followed by studies at the Swiss Hotel Management School in Lucerne (SHL). Later, I moved into permanent and temporary staff placement, taking on leadership and strategic development roles. Today, this career path allows me to fully understand both the operational realities of hospitality jobs and the dynamics of the labour market. The real benefit of this broad perspective is being able to grasp and balance the needs of both businesses and candidates.

What is the current situation of the market in German-speaking Switzerland? 
It’s no secret that hospitality in Switzerland is struggling with a shortage of qualified staff. This is a major challenge, which we are addressing together with numerous partners in the industry. Among them is Eldora, a company specialised in collective catering, which we support in its growth, and which represents an exciting opportunity for us as well.

How well known is Hotelis in the region? 
The situation is different compared to French-speaking Switzerland, where the brand already enjoys widespread recognition in the industry. In German-speaking Switzerland, while we are firmly established in Bern and Zurich, there is still significant room for growth. Competition is tough, and practices differ somewhat in this side of the Röstigraben. For example, the market here is more digitalised, and certain sectors such as housekeeping, which works very well in Romandy, have not yet fully developed in this region.

What are your strategic priorities to strengthen the brand’s presence? 
Our top priority is clearly to increase visibility and market share. Achieving this will require a targeted presence strategy combined with the modernization of our tools. I am thinking in particular of a more systematic use of digital recruitment channels, especially for temporary placement, where speed is essential. In this context, our Hotelis app will play an important role, acting as the key link between our teams and our clients. And of course, we must not forget our human capital. Retaining our internal staff will be crucial, as their expertise is our greatest strength.

In recent years, candidates’ expectations have changed significantly. Do you see this shift as a challenge or an opportunity? 
I clearly see it as an opportunity. The search for meaning, the focus on flexibility, and the desire for a better work-life balance all play in favour of our industry. Our jobs offer a wealth of varied experiences, within teams and environments that are constantly changing. Young people don’t always enjoy routine; hospitality therefore represents a dynamic sector with plenty of opportunities. Thanks to Hotelis Academy, we are also able to offer tailored training paths for all profiles. This is ideal for supporting career transitions and developing skills, while strengthening the attractiveness of the industry.

Where does Hotelis Academy stand in its development in German-speaking Switzerland? 
We launched our first training program in Zurich in July 2025. Additional modules will follow this autumn, with the ambition of eventually offering a wide range of courses for both our employees and our clients. Training is a crucial lever for retaining talent and enhancing the industry as a whole through continuous development.

Executive recruitment is already well established in French-speaking Switzerland. Will this segment also be developed in the German-speaking part of the country? 
Absolutely. Internally, we have many experienced colleagues with a background in hospitality who understand the challenges of the sector and can speak on equal terms with decision-makers. It is important to highlight this expertise and respond to the growing demand for executive profiles. German-speaking Switzerland, with our presence in Bern and Zurich – and eventually in other major cities – offers significant growth potential in this field.

Finally, on a more personal note: what do you enjoy doing once you step out of your director’s role? 
I am passionate about sports and nature. Long runs or hikes in the mountains are a unique way for me to recharge. And of course, I devote a lot of time to my family. The balance between professional and personal life is something I also try to embody in my everyday life.