Ross Evans, 33, is the Group Operations Director of Hemingways Collection which includes luxury hotels. He talks about family, wanderlust, love and excellence.
How would you describe yourself?
Well, I usually don’t but let’s give it a go. I’m 33, Kenyan. I also have a wife and a 9-month-old son. I went to school here until I was 13 and then I went to boarding school in the UK, and also went to university in the UK. Worked overseas for about ten years and then came back to Kenya two years ago to join Hemingways.
Being only 33 and at the helm of a successful brand is impressive. How did that happen?
I worked in finance for 10 years then came back to work in the family business which is Hemingways. So I can’t really say that I worked my way up. But my father, who runs and manages the company as the Executive Chairman with his senior team were comfortable enough to bring me in. So my route is not the typical one for everyone and I grabbed an opportunity. I am two years in and I am not doing a bad job. But you would have to ask my father…he may have his doubts (laughs).
What have you accomplished so far?
The company is performing well. We are transitioning from a small, private business and we now have some external investors and shareholders and the company is growing. We have three hotels now, a big travel company and a tour operation. Not too shabby.
So is this a family obligation or would you choose an alternative path?
My mum tells me that when I was younger, she would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up and I would always tell her that I wanted to be just like dad. She would then ask me what dad did and I would say that he sits by the telephone all day long. That was my perception of a businessman growing up.
What is your weakness?
I am terrible at remembering names, so I try and attach the name to something so that I can remember it in future. I am quite a shy person, so when I meet new people I am more worried about myself and what personality I am projecting than what I am thinking about the other person. I am also a very poor actor.
Being a white man in Kenya, your childhood may be different from, say mine, whose early memories include climbing up trees. What are yours?
We lived in Kitisuru before moving to Karen. One of our family traditions was Sunday lunch at the Carnivore. We also had holidays in Watamu and Naivasha because my father was involved in Homegrown, a horticulture company. So, my memories, like yours were of days outdoors doing some fishing, riding motorbikes and getting into trouble.
Talking of family, what is marriage life like?
I got married in 2014, in Singapore, where I was living at the time. It feels like I have been married for long. I didn’t jump into marriage. I had known my wife for nine years before we got married. I met my wife in Europe and we lived together in London and then we moved to Singapore where we worked out that we were happy living together, so we got married. My advice is, don’t rush into things. Both parties have to look after the marriage, make sure it’s working.
What is your wife like?
Beautiful, smart and attentive. We met 10 years ago on St Patrick’s Day in France through a mutual friend. Interestingly her father spent a lot of his early childhood in Kenya. She is a lawyer, is extremely diligent and definitely smarter. But I’m the more decisive one. And we do make a great team.
How does working in Kenya compare to other parts of the world?
Time-keeping is definitely a bit of a challenge. It takes a little bit of time to get things done. Then Kenyans are pretty hard-working. It’s a good place to work.
Do you think you are in Kenya for the long haul?
Kenya is good but I don’t think we can plant our roots here! There are many equally good places. The world is much smaller now with internet. People can live and work generally from anywhere, so why not find the place you feel happiest at?
As an employer and an employee, what advice do you have for young folk?
You obviously have to work hard and be realistically ambitious. Understand and really think about what you want in your career and make sure you set your goals accordingly. I think you need to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
Simple advice, but predominantly, work hard and pay attention to detail. There are certain things that an employer might not particularly like when they meet you, like being a person who has moved around a lot of jobs. If you can achieve longevity with a particular company, that’s good. It shows loyalty and integrity.
What advice would you give your son?
That life is short and that he has only one life. So he shouldn’t take it too seriously and find ways to enjoy it.
Have you watched Black Panther?
What’s that? If it is a movie, I haven’t been to the cinema in years. I watch Netflix and movies on planes once in a while. But I love golf though I am terrible at the moment. I used to be better. Our baby is taking all my attention but we still like to travel as much as we can. We have a good group of friends here with whom we socialise. Also, I am a big sports fan, so I watch baseball.
