A New Partnership with Mandarin Oriental

César Ritz Colleges Switzerland has announced a strategic partnership with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, strengthening the bridge between Swiss hospitality education and ultra-luxury global hotel leadership.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in hospitality management education, offering students enhanced industry exposure, leadership recognition, and direct career pathways into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands.

Elevating Leadership in Hospitality Education

As part of the agreement, Mandarin Oriental will sponsor the annual Leadership Excellence Award at César Ritz Colleges’ graduation ceremony. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to service — qualities that define both institutions.

Leadership development has long been central to the César Ritz philosophy. By aligning with a globally recognized luxury hotel group, the institution reinforces its commitment to preparing graduates for executive roles in international hospitality.

Exclusive Career Pathways: The Rising Fan MIT Program

A cornerstone of the partnership is the creation of direct career opportunities for graduates.

Each year, Mandarin Oriental will offer two placements in its Rising Fan Manager-in-Training (MIT) Program, a highly competitive leadership development pathway within the group’s global portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts.

Candidates will be jointly selected by Mandarin Oriental and César Ritz Colleges, ensuring strong alignment between academic performance, leadership potential, and brand culture.

For students pursuing careers in luxury hospitality management, this provides:

• Accelerated career progression
• Immersive operational leadership experience
• Exposure to ultra-luxury service standards
• Access to a globally respected hospitality network

Industry Knowledge Exchange and Experiential Learning

Beyond awards and graduate placements, Mandarin Oriental will contribute ongoing industry expertise through knowledge sharing and engagement initiatives.

This collaboration strengthens experiential learning — a hallmark of Swiss hospitality education — by integrating real-world luxury hospitality insights into academic programs.

Dr. Jorge Arnanz, Dean of César Ritz Colleges, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement:

This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering transformative learning experiences. Mandarin Oriental's focus on excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our values and our shared vision for shaping the next generation of global hospitality leaders.

ShaoWei Ong, Chief People and Culture Officer of Mandarin Oriental, highlighted the brand’s long-term talent vision:

The future of luxury hospitality lies in nurturing exceptional talent with a deep sense of purpose and craft. Through recognition and immersive professional opportunities, we are proud to help shape the next generation of leaders in our industry.

Strengthening Swiss Hospitality Education’s Global Impact

César Ritz Colleges Switzerland continues to expand strategic alliances with leading international hospitality brands. Partnerships like this reinforce its position as a top Swiss hospitality management school dedicated to academic excellence, industry relevance, and global career mobility.

By combining Swiss educational heritage with Mandarin Oriental’s ultra-luxury hospitality expertise, this partnership creates a powerful ecosystem for developing future leaders who will shape the evolving global hospitality landscape.