The Radisson Academy birthed live in Lagos, Nigeria on Monday, April 14, 2025 as dignitaries, top executives of Radisson Hotels Group, tourism enthusiasts, writers as well as tutors and the trainees of Radisson Academy gathered at the Radisson Academy Live launch in Nigeria, West Africa.
The colorful ceremony was marked by colourful display by a cultural troupe even as the who is who in Radisson group welcome guests and partners even as the trainees were unveiled with pomp and pageantry.
A good number of Radisson Academy trainees were also at the event held at the Executive Lounge of Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA.
Radisson Hotels Group, Managing Director, Africa, Sandra Khebhueler, announced that the hospitality company prides itself in developing the people that work for Radisson across all cadres as this is intrinsic in its operations. “At Radisson Hotel Group, we believe that ‘We grow talent, and talent grows us.’ This principle is the foundation of our culture, driving our commitment to developing our Moment Makers. People are its greatest asset and to grow the asset- human resources, the best thing to do is to invest in it,” she said.
The RHG Head in Africa, Kneubuhler stated at the Academy Live launch that Radisson Academy has a highly interactive portal that offers both online and face to face courses that are designed to create impactful learning experiences, and the participants and staff members that were impacted via the Academy are growing, in 2024 over 80,000+ learning hours were completed across Radisson hotels, and a growing number in 2025 Academy trainings.
“One of our core beliefs as a company is that, ‘We grow talent and talent grows us.’ This is the 6th year that Radisson Academy has been in place and during this time 517 000 courses have been completed, and the online portal offers more than 2500 courses available to all team members of Radisson Hotel Group. This is a highly interactive portal that offers both online and face to face courses that are designed to create impactful learning experiences.
In 2024, over 80,000+ learning hours were completed across our hotels and across multiple learning platforms of on-the-job training, in-person sessions, and structured Radisson Academy modules.
“On average, our Nigerian colleagues have completed approximately 14.7 courses per person, reflecting a vibrant learning culture and strong employee buy-in. Programs delivered via Radisson Academy have received an average satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5, reflecting their practical relevance and employee appreciation in-country. With regards to our Career Progression Initiatives, the launch of Project Accelerate in 2022 marked a strategic move to groom future General Managers from within. Several Nigerian team members have been identified in succession plans, a result of this initiative. These outcomes affirm Radisson Academy’s role as a catalyst for personal development and organizational growth.
“Above all, my key message tonight is to you – our colleagues who are participating in Radisson Academy Live this week. Please take the most from this opportunity and share your learnings – share them with your colleagues. Ensure that every lesson you learn is like a ripple effect as you inspire and educate your fellow team members. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world”.
“So please, be our next world changers and moment makers. My thanks also to our learners for their commitment, passion and desire to grow. Enormous thanks you to our trainers, who have flown from across the world to support our team members on their learning journeys,” says Sandra.
Sandra who commended her top executives for organising the ceremony, while answering questions from journalists, stated that the Radisson Academy was looking at extending the rich resourceful trainings to young leaders and future leaders in the hospitality sector.
“We are looking at extending the traininigs of Radisson Academy to outsiders and future leaders in the hospitality sector. I and my executives are pondering on this, so lets look ahead as the people and their development remains our central focus. I want to thank all who put this together. Ali put together the programs, organised all the trainers and I am deeply grateful that you brought this vision to life. Please accept these small gifts of our appreciation,” Sandra Kneubuhler remarked.
Ali Hassan, Head of Learning and Development for Middle East and Africa, speaking on significance of using pineapple as the logo and symbol said it is generic and there is a rich story to it as it symbolizes hope and productivity.
One of the trainees of Radisson Academy, Chidi Okocha, Head of Sales & Marketing, Radisson Blue, expressed his delight on the value of the training he and his colleagues received at the academy. Chidi appreciated the tutors and the management as he learnt things that he had not considered feasible, adding that the training was very pragmatic.
