Gábor’s story: What it takes to thrive as a General Manager at Accor

At Accor, we believe every career has the potential to transform lives—both for our guests and our team members. 

For Gábor Ulkei, now a General Manager at Hotel Nemzeti Budapest - MGallery, the hospitality industry became a stage for professional growth, personal connections, and meaningful impact. 

From starting at reception to leading teams and driving global projects, Gábor’s journey highlights the exciting possibilities that come with a career at Accor. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality and ultimately become a General Manager?

“I didn’t know what sector of hospitality interested me at first, so I started working in reception at Hilton. Over time, my confidence grew, and I got curious about other departments. 

I moved into reservations, where I refined processes and learned so much, which inspired me to keep progressing. Later, I transitioned to Sofitel Budapest as a Sales Manager, where I finally felt I could be myself and truly grow.”

What has been your most rewarding experience as a General Manager at Accor?

“Of all my accomplishments, being a Heartist® supertransformer stands out the most. It was an amazing journey where I met colleagues from across the globe—South America, Africa, Asia—and we bonded over five emotional days together. I still have friends from this experience, spanning cities like Moscow, Miami, and London.

Another highlight was leading the transformation project in Hungary. I collaborated with other Heartist® transformers and General Managers during seven training sessions. This opportunity to inspire and engage with colleagues at such a personal level was deeply fulfilling.” 

Can you share a memorable project as a General Manager that shaped your career?

“One of my most impactful projects was working on Accor’s online platform, Alfred. For seven months, I was part of a diverse team of professionals from Dubai, France, and Spain. 

We worked at Accor’s Paris headquarters to create and launch a platform connecting independent hotels with both B2B and B2C audiences. The challenge was to improve the product and ensure its success within Accor and externally.

The collaboration, innovation, and international scope of this project truly expanded my horizons and gave me invaluable insights into the hospitality industry.” 

What qualities do you think are essential for a career as a General Manager? 

“Hospitality is about developing the right skills—being open, loving people, and embracing challenges.

 Each day is unpredictable, and you need to be ready to adapt and solve problems on the spot. Diving in head first to challenges and being people-oriented are key to thriving in this environment.

What I love most is working as part of a team and meeting people from all walks of life. Even decisions made at reception or as a Restaurant Supervisor can help you grow as a person and build the confidence to lead.” 

Why is hospitality such a rewarding career path?

“Hospitality is perfect for someone who loves variety, teamwork, and connection. It’s a career that teaches you adaptability, decision-making, and empathy—all of which help you grow both personally and professionally. 

For me, it’s about the joy of creating memorable guest experiences and learning something new every day.”

Ready to take the next step in your hospitality journey?

Gábor’s story showcases the incredible potential of a career in hospitality and the meaningful connections you can forge along the way. At Accor, we’re proud to empower individuals like Gábor to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

Ready to start your journey? Explore Executive and Hotel Management jobs with Accor today, and unleash your potential in a world of hospitality.