Gang Lin from China - Graduate of The International Butler Academy

The International Butler Academy has successfully completed many projects around the world and in diverse environments ranging from superb hotels to Royal Palaces.

We collected a few case histories to help explain our offerings and how we executed these projects.

 Wen Shan from China - Graduate of The International Butler Academy
 
Han Fang and Robert Wennekes Zhu Jian-hua and Robert Wennekes contract signing Staff at Oriental Royal TIBA Chairman Robert Wennekes with students in China

In October 2007 we began an assignment with the Oriental Royal, the most luxurious Apartment complex in Hangzhou, PR China.  The complex comprises seven luxury condominium apartment buildings.  Our Chairman, Robert Wennekes was invited by Narada Property Management in Hangzhou, China to develop butler services as well as train 60 managers to operate the Butler Departments for over 33 luxury private residence complexes including the exclusive Oriental Royal property in Hangzhou.

Wenya Zhang from China - Graduate of The International Butler Academy

Ms. Wenya Zhang (photo left), one of four students sent to our Academy by Narada Property Management in Hangzhou, China. Ms. Zhang graduated at TIBA on March 7, 2008 at the top of her class of 13 students. Ms. Yao Ni (photo right), from Narada Property Management Company also graduated at TIBA on March 7, 2008.

Photographed above, Mr. Gang Lin and Mr. Wen Shan, also both from Narada Property Management, graduated from The International Butler Academy in 2009.

 Yao Ni from China - Graduate of The International Butler Academy

A huge thank-you to Zhu Jian-hua, General Manager of the Hangzhou Xinsheng Real Estate Co. Ltd. and to Han Fang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the  Zhejang Narada Property Management Co. Ltd for extending such a warm and heartfelt welcome to The International Butler Academy.

The assignment included:

  • A complete assessment of the overall service level throughout the complex,
  • A full report of our findings on the service level within the complex along with our recommendations,
  • Development of a custom training curriculum and training manuals for the Apartments,
  • Several Press conferences where our Chairman, Robert Wennekes, answered questions posed by international media representatives,
  • On-site training a butler department of 60 butlers for the 770 apartments,
  • Training of 4 butler managers at our school in The Netherlands.
 
Queen Mary 2 Queen Mary 2 Queen Mary 2 Queen Mary 2

In January, 2007 The International Guild of Professional Butlers and The International Butler Academy were retained by Cunard Line to work on a nine-month project with the Queen Mary 2.   Queen Mary 2 is the most magnificent ocean liner ever built.  Her every detail harkens to the Golden Age of Ocean Travel, while providing one of the most modern travel experiences on earth.

The assignment included:

  • Reviewing the butler department which was experiencing problems,
  • Making recommendations on what needed to be fixed and rewrite all department policies and procedures,
  • All of our recommendations were approved by both Cunard Head Office and Shipboard operations and implemented,
  • Writing a customized ten-step training program,
  • Introducing a new butler training program and trained 23 butlers,
  • Developed a "Train the Trainer" program so that they could be independent at the end of the process,
  • Rewriting in conjunction with Cunard, all of the new policies and procedures for the top 83 suites and the butler service.

From bow to stern, discover 13 spacious decks on which to relax and unwind; to indulge in pleasures and pursuits you never normally have time for.  Opulent public areas, extravagant dining rooms, ballrooms, theatres, lounges...even the only Planetarium at sea.

 
Four Seasons Shanghai Four Seasons Shanghai Four Seasons Shanghai Four Seasons Shanghai

In the fall of 2007, The International Butler Academy was retained by the Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai, China.  The Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai is an international five star hotel, located just west of the Huangpu River.  The city's business districts, major attractions, entertainment and shopping are on the Hotel's doorstep.  A five-minute walk away is Nanjing Road, one of China's most exciting shopping destinations.

The Hotel's grand combination of 364 guest rooms and 79 suites represents the largest number of suites in any single hotel property in Shanghai.  Configured with only 12 to 16 rooms per floor to create maximum privacy, the suites and guest rooms are luxuriantly spacious and have been stylishly designed with a focus on elegance and warmth.

The hotel provides 24/7 features which include butler and concierge services; valet, laundry and pressing services; exceptional in-room dining; spa treatments; and business services-help.

The International Butler Academy;

  • Reviewed and assessed the presidential Suite of the Hotel; based on our experience, identify its deficiencies,

  • Recommended how to make it the absolute best Presidential Suite in Shanghai,

  • Compiled a basic refresher course for good basic butler skills for the Hotel staff including the Butler Department, Private Check-in, Private Concierge, and the Human Resources Manager,

  • Had the employees practice their skills in case scenarios developed by The International Butler Academy to react to issues and problems,

  • Reviewed the Butler Department’s interaction with the other Hotel departments.