This November, we shine a spotlight on Valme Gomez, a Financial Accountant for IBB Hotel Collection Germany. With a dynamic background and a dedication to excellence, Valme brings a wealth of experience and passion for finance, travel, and intercultural connection to her role at IBB.
Valme’s academic journey began with a degree in Business Administration from her hometown of Seville, Spain, followed by a transformative year abroad through the Erasmus program in Stuttgart, Germany. She later earned a Master’s degree in Hotel Management, bringing her closer to the industry that would define her career.
Over the years, Valme has accumulated extensive experience across multiple sectors and geographies. She has worked in hospitality within Guest Experience, Front Office, and Finance in Spain, Germany, and Indonesia, providing support not only onsite in hotels but also at the headquarters level. In addition to her hospitality experience, Valme has explored roles in Audit and Sales, enriching her expertise through diverse perspectives.
At IBB Hotel Collection, Valme is responsible for the accounting functions across all German properties. She initially managed finances for five properties, though the landscape has shifted in 2024 with the closure of three locations. This has added challenges, but Valme has remained resilient, embracing the evolving needs of the business.
What Valme appreciates most about IBB Hotel Collection is the company’s commitment to an international, inclusive environment filled with diverse profiles and perspectives. She is particularly grateful for the emphasis on “people as talent”, with HR and leadership focused on recognizing employees’ unique strengths, fostering growth, and supporting individual development. These values have created an environment where synergy thrives, something Valme finds both inspiring and motivating.
For Valme, IBB Hotel Collection embodies a dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. She values the organization’s focus on pushing boundaries and achieving better results, coupled with a supportive culture that views “failure” as a stepping stone to learning and improvement. This openness to growth and development aligns deeply with her own vision.
Looking ahead, Valme anticipates that 2025-2026 will be a transformative period for IBB Hotel Collection. She is eager to be part of the journey as the company embraces new goals and transitions into an exciting new chapter.
Valme’s primary challenge has been strengthening the bridge between Finance and Operations, ensuring that financial efforts align with the operational needs of each hotel. Recognizing that Finance is a support function, she focuses on understanding and responding to the unique struggles and needs of each property. Her work, she says, is about “pulling in the same direction” as her colleagues in the hotels, a collaborative effort essential to achieving shared success.
Reflecting on changes in the hospitality industry, Valme notes a clear shift toward creating more holistic guest experiences. A hotel stay is no longer simply about providing a bed; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression, beginning from the moment a reservation is made to long after a guest leaves. Every interaction counts, and the margin for error is small in today’s competitive landscape.
She also observes a generational shift among employees, with the industry needing to adapt to a new wave of talented professionals who prioritize work-life balance and are eager for growth opportunities.
Outside of the office, Valme’s love for travel, Asian cuisine, and the great outdoors bring her joy and balance. Whether exploring new places, enjoying a flavorful dish, or immersing herself in nature, she finds fulfillment and renewal in these activities.
Valme Gomez exemplifies the dedication and passion that drive the IBB Hotel Collection forward. Her diverse background and forward-thinking approach to finance and team collaboration make her an invaluable member of the IBB family. We look forward to seeing her continued contributions and the bright future she envisions for IBB Hotel Collection!