In 2000 he became manager of the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, and most recently held the positions of General Manager of the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski Dar es Salaam and Regional Director Tanzania. His prior experience includes management positions with several international hotel chains including Radisson, InterContinental and Sheraton.

He holds a university degree in French from the University of Nice and an MBA from the Reims Management School, and supplemented his professional studies at the Centre International de Glion Hotel School in Switzerland. A native of Veldhoven, The Netherlands, Mr. van der Wal spent his early years in Brazil and Germany and speaks Dutch, English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
My family and I arrived in August of 2006 and were welcomed by the heavy storm, which almost blew my kids of the roof of the Hotel and a bit later by the demonstrations in town. Great start! Kempinski had asked me to take over this great Hotel and I felt very privileged.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Always been an Expat! Hungary, Tanzania, China, Germany, Austria, Brazil, Venezuela, Switzerland...

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The high education of the Hungarian people!

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
First thing is to take the tourist bus around town! You need to do this to find your points of interest.

5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
Not too sure! I have never eaten something I didn't like. Budapest is a special town, the amount of bars and restaurants are scary for a Hotel person.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A cold beer and food for my two sons, who are always hungry...

7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
Hungarian is the most difficult language we ever encountered. My wife even learned Chinese, but we are far away to say that we understand "anything". Embarrassing, but true!

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Home for us is where we live. So, we don't miss anything! Budapest is home and we love it!

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
No dream! I do what I like best!

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
No job that has to do with monotone procedures! I my job there are always new challenges and problems. You never get bored!

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Turkey! But to be honest, not in a Kempinski Hotel! During our holidays I need to switch off and within the company that doesn't work.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Excellent question... My wife would like to travel to Italy and see Rome. I would be happy if I could see the final of the rugby world championship without interruption on TV.

13. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
"Star wars" - film, "Queen" - band, "Tae-Kwon-Do" - hobby

14. What can't you resist?
The eyes of my wife.

15. Red wine or white?
Red

16. Book or movie?
Movie

17. Morning person or night person?
Morning

18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Happiness is a state of mind! Most of the people only look back to find out what it felt like!