From intern to general manager, and many positions in between. Maikel has been working at Aeon Plaza Hotels for 22 years. He enjoyed growing up within the company – or, as he puts it so beautifully himself, grew up. Maikel: “22 years ago I started as a finance intern, and as a side job next to my studies I was a doorman. I grew up to become a logistics employee, I was responsible for purchasing supplies, later worked as an administrative employee, grew up to Financial Controller and later Director of Finance. Since January 2016 I am General Manager of Aeon Plaza Hotels. Colleagues often seek their growth elsewhere, that's how it works in the hotel industry. Yet you see a lot of people come back to us. Because, as was the case with me, there is always room to grow. Because I myself have known so many different positions within Aeon Plaza Hotels, I don't think I am a typical leader. I always try to stand between people and keep the distance small. I like to have lunch with various departments, also to tell my story and hopefully inspire employees”.