In our latest inCROWD interview, we catch up with Shigeki Urier, Cluster Director of Sales at 7Pines Kempinski, about his passion for travel and events, 7Pines own unique brand of luxury and why he loves being an inVOYAGER.

Half-Japanese, half-French and born in Singapore, with parents that travelled more than an airline pilot, he says it’s no wonder he ended-up in hospitality business. His ten-year career has taken him from guest relations to reception and housekeeping before finding his true passion in sales.

“I got my hospitality “birth certificate” at the university of Glion. I was then raised by Four Seasons, adopted by Kempinski before rising with 7Pines. I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to join a new five-star luxury lifestyle start-up – 7Pines – which I pre-opened in Ibiza. I recently moved to a Cluster position for Ibiza as well as for our future project in Sardinia and one more not yet official,” he says.

My favourite #inVOYAGEMoment is… the last morning on the transfer to the airport. Some might find it sad because it’s the end. But this is usually when I look back at the past few days and compare the difference to the transfer to the hotel on arrival day. People are much quieter, perhaps because of the flight that we just took, but also because even if you are a social person – not everyone is ready to speak yet.

On the last day, all the attendees have different flights, but you see so many in the lobby to say a last goodbye, a last laugh or a last drink perhaps? Once in the bus, everyone is remembering the different events that we attended, from the comfortable lounge meeting format, to the outdoor activities and of course… the food! But also sharing their schedule for the coming days, with their families, with their kids, with their friends. That’s the achievement, we are no longer hoteliers and buyers – we are all suddenly inVOYAGERs

That’s why for every inVOYAGE I have attended, the last ride is my favourite moment.

The thing I most love about working in events is… how creatively crazy the next client and event might be. You think you saw it all… but then comes the new enquiry!

The moment when the guests arrive to the event is an incredible moment. In your head you have this excited voice saying: “Show Time!”. Providing happiness and memorable moments is so satisfying.

Looking at everything we are going through around the world right now, I guess we have all realised how precious these moments are and we can’t wait to have them back.

Luxury to me means… People usually say that Luxury is “exclusive”. 7Pines re-interpretation of luxury makes it convivial and emotional. It’s about what you see, smell and feel, and being surrounded by approachable and charming staff.. 7Pines luxury is “inclusive”. It’s about sharing.

My earliest travel memory is… when we moved from France to Japan for my father’s work in 1996. I didn’t want to go. Now I never want to settle!

City slicker or beach bum?
Holidays should be at the beach, with drinks and friends!

If you could get on a plane right now, where would you fly and why… right now, I would actually go to Paris and see my family and have a long overdue gathering.

Suitcase essentials? My music, running gears, the laptop and always candies. You never know when you will have time to eat!

Your favourite hidden gem?
Not hidden, but the museum of Le Louvre in Abu Dhabi is an architectural masterpiece.

If you want something a little more chill, La Huerta in Ibiza used to be a large orange field with live musicians and local farmers selling their goods. There are sun loungers, hammocks and chairs all over the field for you to just sit and enjoy the sun and the music.

Do you have a mantra you live and work by?
When I was accepted into what is one of the best hospitality management schools in the world (GLION Institute), the CEO at the time (Christian Beek) said: “Congratulations you made it until here, but remember you are no-one yet and you have everything to prove”.

On the day of graduation, guess what he said: “Congratulations you made it until here, but remember you are no-one yet and have everything to prove.”

At each new achievement, in career and love, I have now this quote in my head:

 “Congratulations you made it until here, but remember you are no-one yet and have everything to prove.”

When I’m not working, I’m most likely to be… on the tennis court, on a golf course, having a few drinks or walking the dog.

When the pandemic is over, I am most looking forward to… shaking hands, hugging everyone, and simply enjoying some good food surrounded by friends and family. I also can’t wait to dance to live music surrounded by thousands of people!