Employer Serdjan Kose: “Every team member should feel valued”

DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center is a major partner of BKO Caritas Vitania and an employer who repeatedly turns to the Foundation’s Career Center.
We talk to Serjan Kose – General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center, who began his career at the hotel in December 2021. Born in Istanbul, he graduated in Tourism and Hospitality in Antalya and obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration in the USA. His professional experience covers various countries, such as the USA, Australia, Macedonia, Turkey, where he worked for international hotel brands.
Serjan has gained significant experience in hotel management and has proven his ability to successfully lead teams, optimize processes and provide high standards of service.
– Mr. Kose, how many refugees work at the Hilton Hotel through the Caritas Vitania Career Center and what motivates you to give them this opportunity?
Currently, six refugees work in our company. As part of our corporate culture, we focus on underrepresented and underrepresented groups. We strive to create opportunities for social integration and actively contribute to a positive social impact by supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our commitment is to continue supporting these efforts and to stimulate positive change in society.
– Is there a difference in the process of hiring a refugee and how did our organization help you with it?
There are no significant differences in the hiring process for us. However, the initiative of Caritas Vitania to help them collect all the necessary legal documents so that they can be hired is great. This is precisely the benefit – that the team forms everything necessary to start working.
– How do you help refugees integrate better in their workplace? Do they encounter prejudice?
We provide refugees with training, mentoring and career development opportunities. These efforts are part of Hilton’s “Travel With Purpose” strategy, through which the company is committed to creating 5 million learning and professional development opportunities for underrepresented groups, including military veterans and their families, refugees and youth around the world.
– How do they cope with the tasks at hand? Are they quick to adapt, are there any specifics that other employers should also consider?
They are extremely enthusiastic and show a great desire to learn and develop. They are motivated to improve their skills and adapt to new challenges. They are happy to have the opportunity to be part of the team and eagerly strive to contribute to its success. They also enjoy the opportunity to develop their professional abilities and have a positive impact on the work environment.
– Why have you made social inclusion your mission?
We are committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. Our work is driven by a clear purpose and a desire to make a positive impact, while providing the necessary support to empower our employees around the world. Our goal is for every team member to have the opportunity to grow, feel valued and thrive in their work environment every day.
– What do you think the partnership between business and NGOs like Caritas Vitania contributes to?
We are proud to continue our partnership with Caritas Vitania and to hire more refugees in the coming years. This allows us to welcome the contributions of this diverse and qualified talent to our team, while enriching the work environment with new perspectives and skills. We believe that these initiatives will contribute to creating a more just and diverse society, while strengthening our team and its opportunities for growth.
This publication is part of the project activities under the Framework Agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees No. PFA-BGR-23021-263400-00 and Project No. 23021Y24M263400 – and partners “Rousse Catholic Organization – Caritas”, Association “Caritas – Sofia” and Foundation “Charitable Catholic Organization Caritas Vitania”