Vincent Ramos's Journey of Excellence

Interviewed by Nolan Mascarenhas    Photograph courtesy Taj Exotica, Goa

As one sits on the lush green lawns of the Taj Exotica, looking at the person who manages the hustle and bustle of the marque property, one notices his calm. As we are poured another cup of tea, the gent in front of us, dressed to the nines in a two-piece suit, donning a crisp, white shirt and a power tie, is ready for a t&eacutete-u00e1-t&eacutete about his journey spanning decades with the organisation. Vincent Ramos, Area Director, Taj Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, is in every sense of the word a Goan at heart. With roots deeply placed in the small island of Chorao up north, he completed his education at Monte De Guirim boarding school and later completed his degree at the Institute of Hotel Management Goa.

He has received his Masters in Business Administration from S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research in Bombay, and elucidates his journey interestingly, "My journey with the Taj family began in November, 1999 when I joined the group as Senior Restaurant Manager, part of the Taj Exotica, Goau00b4s pre-opening team. My first tenure with the Taj Exotica, Goa witnessed my career progression over seven years, which were very special to me as I progressed from Senior Restaurant Manager to Assistant F&B Manager to F&B Manager to EAM, Accommodations and then to Resident Manager in May 2007. This career growth was a hard-core learning experience for me and I believe the roots that made me the person that I am today took their hold here with the Taj Exotica, Goa."

In July, 2008, Ramos became the General Manager at Vivanta by Taj, Kumarakom in Kerala where he spent a year and a half striving to turn around the hotel from a loss-making venture into a profitable one. He recollects, "The hotel had virtually no funds. I involved myself in crafting a turnaround of the Taj Kumarakom property back in 2009. As I understood the local culture better, I thought of giving our hotel guests an experience of the same. For this, we developed paddy-farming, fish-farming and vegetable-farming alongside canals to create excitement and attract more guests." Efforts rarely go unnoticed and rightly, he was moved to a larger assignment at the flagship property of Kerala as the General Manager of Taj Malabar, Cochin in 2010. It was during this phase that Taj, in Kerala became more popular with tourists. This was a result of several new changes that Vincent brought about, which resulted in both the properties being awarded with various accolades, including Taj Malabar, Cochin winning the prestigious Taj Hotel of the Year award in 2013.

The pursuit of excellence went on beyond his journey with Taj Malabar, as Vincent was rewarded with a new role in the land of the Maharajas– Rajasthan. His new assignment as General Manager, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, a luxury property of The Taj group of hotels came about in 2013. He reminisces his younger days when he used to work with the philosophy, "Hard work always begets success," and he follows this till date. Credit goes to his perseverance that Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur is considered one of the best hotels in the world, bringing accolades to the Taj Group and pride to India.

For a man on the move with time pressing every moment of his schedule, does he ever take a moment to breathe? "On my days off, I visit my parents on the island of Chorao. I spend some time gardening, cleaning or even visiting an old-age home– small social gestures to contribute to the society in my own way. My wife, Deena and son Reuben love to travel, so we take several trips. Travelling has made me realise that it is our own country India that offers the best hotel services, where guests are welcomed from the bottom of our hearts. Reuben has recently completed his graduation in Hotel Management, so we look forward to the legacy being carried on to the next generation," he says excitedly.

Talking about his interests, he also loves to paint and engages in horticulture. We couldn't help but wonder if his hobbies have something to do with the lush gardens right in front of us at Taj Exotica. "Yes," he exclaimed. "I personally look into the maintenance and at times also envisage the outcome of the gardening and landscaping in all the hotels under my watch. It's my pet project and brings me solace. Had I not been a hotelier, I would have taken up painting or become a landscape artist and studied architecture. It fascinates me."

A people's person, he is often seen interacting with guests and his staff. After all, the best outcome garnered is from the workforce that makes hospitality shine- a legacy Taj is known for.

"I firmly believe that one always achieves what is destined," he believes and surely, destiny came calling. The long and enriching journey that began with Taj Exotica, Goa saw him return to the very same property as General Manager in November 2016. Currently serving as Area Director, Taj Goa he has the mammoth task of fostering a culture of excellence in all the six Goa properties under his leadership.

But Vincent does not stop here. We are keenly waiting to see what's next for him, as here's a man whose ambition comes across in his motto that excellence is a journey, not a destination and his sincerity shines in the way he works ever so humbly.