Getting to know Johan Cronje, cluster general manager for the Marriott Melrose Arch Collection
Q. Where do you see the meetings and events industry currently?
A. We are now finally starting to see a strong recovery in local meetings and event. Due to the longer lead time generally associated with international, incentive as well as association events and conventions, I think that this segment will still take a little time to recover. It is however really reassuring and exciting to see business pipeline building up in 2023 and beyond.
Q. Where would you like to see the industry in the next five to ten years?
A. I think it is fair to say that globally we are still in a stage of economic recovery. Some markets seem to be recovering faster than others but I do believe the further we move away from the pandemic the better the meeting and events industry will continue to do.
“I think that to some extent 2023 will still be a year of recovery in the corporate segment but I’m confident that we will see phenomenal growth for a number of years beyond that.”
I still think that there is a lot of pent up demand out there. I think that to some extent 2023 will still be a year of recovery in the corporate segment but I’m confident that we will see phenomenal growth for a number of years beyond that. South Africa continues to be a very attractive both in terms of destination and price. We should continue to see our fair share of business as the industry recovers and grow beyond what we experienced in 2019.
Q. What role or influence do you believe your organisation plays in the industry?
A. With the addition of the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments Melrose Arch, we now have a total 705 bedrooms within the confines of the Melrose Arch precinct. We have in excess of 24 venues consisting of large ballrooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms across the precinct hotels. I think that we will continue to expand our role in the MICE industry and take our place as the safe and premium meetings and events destination in Johannesburg.
“We have in excess of 24 venues consisting of large ballrooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms across the precinct hotels.“
Q. What is the most challenging aspect of what you do?
A. We operate four of the 31 different brand offerings within the Marriott portfolio within the precinct. They are The Autograph Collection, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Marriott Executive Apartments. It is very important that we deliver on each one of those unique brand promises. It is sometimes difficult keeping these ‘swim lanes’ clear. I feel like I have split personality disorder sometimes, but I believe we get it right most of the time…
Q. What do you enjoy the most about what you do?
A. I would definitely say the people management aspect of things. I really enjoy seeing our associates grow and develop. It is a real privilege to play a small role in getting people to where they want to be in life.
Q. What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
A. Someone once told me that whenever you start a new job you should spend the first 60 days only taking notes and marking down questions. If you still want to make all the changes you originally had in mind, only do so after these 60 days. I’ve found that to be very sound advice.
About Johan
Johan Cronje has a long history with Marriott Hotels. He joined Protea Hotel Fire and Ice by Marriott Cape Town in 2010, and in 2012 his dedication to his role was recognised with the prestigious Protea Hotel General Manager of the Year award. From then on he continued to work his way up the ladder, being appointed General Manager of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Menlyn in 2015, taking on the role of Regional Manager for Protea Hotels in 2017, opening the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and Marriott Executive Apartments as General Manager in 2020, and most recently taking on the role of Cluster General Manager for the four hotels in the Melrose Arch precinct in 2021.
