Zabulan’s Rowald Kresfelder killed in car smash
April 26th, 2011 by Andrew Moth | Categories: hotels, industry, people, tourism
Rowald Kresfelder (above left), the chief executive officer of Zabulan Hospitality, a niche hotel consulting, management and marketing company, was killed in a motor accident this past weekend.
The name Zabulan means “dwelling of honour” and reflects the integrity and passion with which Rowald and his team approached every new project.
The Cape Town-based company focused on Africa, with its flagship project the $25-million refurbished Mount Meru Hotel in Tanzania.
The news came as a shock to colleagues and employees at Mount Meru Hotel.
Wallace Chege, Mount Meru’s conference and banqueting manager, said: “Mr Kresfelder embodied a larger-than-life spirit, with fire and zeal to achieve. He was a walking success and would somehow make challenges seem like a walk in the park. Mount Meru team will dearly miss the maverick. We will, however, keep our circle, the teachings that for any investment, the most important element is the staff. He walked that talk and it is our collective challenge to fit into those large boots. Rest in peace Rowald, we will dearly miss you.”
Anton Perold (above right), executive director of Zabulan, said while Kresfelder’s death was a tragedy, the company’s strength was in its depth of management, which would enable it to absorb the tragic loss and ensure business continues. Perold takes over all executive decision-making for Zabulan and related contracts with immediate effect.
Kresfelder obtained a National Diploma in Hotel Management and held two further certificates in Hotel Retail and Hotel Control Systems. His employment history included Grande Roche Hotel (5 star), Paarl and Lanzerac Manor and Winery (5 star), Stellenbosch. During 2000 to 2007 he was operations manager and later managing director at Gatsby International Hotels. He managed South African food and wine festivals in Mauritius, international shows at WTM-London, ITB-Berlin, road shows in North America and shows in Los Angeles. He was in charge of restructuring and revamping of 19 hotels and lodges.
Perold said the company and the industry had lost a great friend and colleague.
He is survived by his parents, Herman and Sarie, his daughter Kiera, brother and two sisters.
