
About
Our iceberg philosophy
In high-end hospitality specifically, what is visible on the surface is only a fraction of the truth. A resume can list titles, Michelin stars, languages, and managed budgets. It can show the surface—the 10% of the iceberg that sits above the water. But at CourtesyMasters, we know that the remaining 90% below the waterline is what actually defines a remarkable leader.
Why true hospitality cannot be found on a Curriculum Vitae. In high-end hospitality specifically,, what is visible on the surface is only a fraction of the truth. A resume can list titles, Michelin stars, languages, and managed budgets. It can show the surface, the 10% of the iceberg that sits above the water. But at CourtesyMasters, we know that the remaining 90% below the waterline is what actually defines a remarkable leader. It is where character, emotional intelligence, and true hospitality reside. Our Iceberg Philosophy guides how we work, how we listen, and how we connect people, not just profiles.
Above the surface, the 10%
What is seen.
The visible peak of the iceberg represents the hard, quantifiable metrics. While essential, these are merely the baseline requirements for any high-level position.
- The CV & Hard Skills: Experience, education, and career milestones.
- The Track Record: Properties managed, revenue generated, and operational scale.
- The Technical Expertise: Systems proficiency, culinary certifications, and organizational management.
Anyone with an internet connection can find the top 10%. But luxury hospitality is not built on baselines; it is built on what lies beneath.
Below the surface, the 90%
What matters most.
The true strength of a hospitality professional lies deep below the waterline. This is where we focus our search, utilizing our signature Fingerspitzengefühl to uncover the qualities that cannot be automated or summarized in bullet points.
- Cultural Alignment & Values: Does their personal "why" match the soul and heritage of your brand?
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The ability to lead with empathy, read a room instantly, and remain composed under pressure.
- Discretion & Integrity: The quiet professionalism required when serving Royals, UHNWIs, family offices, and world-class luxury brands.
- The Unwritten Traits: Adaptability, genuine warmth, and a natural instinct to serve.
- We speak the language of depth
Because our founders and consultants were born in hospitality, we don't just screen candidates—we have peer-to-peer conversations. We ask the questions that reveal how a candidate thinks, feels, and navigates complex human environments. - Protecting what lies below
For both clients and candidates, the "below-the-surface" details require absolute safety. We operate with discretion as our default. We protect your reputation, your current position, and your strategic growth by keeping our conversations quiet, highly confidential, and deeply personal. - Long-Term Equilibrium
An iceberg only floats gracefully when its underwater mass perfectly balances its peak. We ensure that a candidate's deep-rooted values (the 90%) perfectly balance the operational expectations of the role (the 10%). This is why our placements don't just fill gaps—they build legacies.
Let us find what lies beneath
Whether you are looking to secure a transformative leader for your brand, or you are a professional ready to make a discreet, meaningful career transition, we invite you to look deeper with us.
Let us assist you move forward with clarity, confidence, and the right opportunity.
Larissa Zwart &
Team CourtesyMasters
Team CourtesyMasters
Conosci CourtesyMasters
Storia e Percorso
Da Rotterdam al mondo. Scopri come CourtesyMasters è diventata un'agenzia di reclutamento globale per l'ospitalità, fondata su fiducia ed eccellenza.
Scopri
Visione e Missione
Connettiamo persone, non solo profili. Scopri i valori, la visione e la missione che guidano CourtesyMasters dal 1999.
Scopri
Ragion d'essere
Perché facciamo quello che facciamo? Leggi lo scopo profondo dietro CourtesyMasters, dove il reclutamento nell'ospitalità mette le persone al primo posto per un impatto duraturo.
Scopri

Responsabilità Sociale d'Impresa
Etica, DEI, sostenibilità e impatto sociale. Scopri come CourtesyMasters mette lo scopo al centro del reclutamento nell'ospitalità.
Scopri di più
Vediamo persone, non profili.
Dietro ogni posto vacante o curriculum c'è una persona. Ci connettiamo a livello umano con candidati, clienti e partner.
La discrezione è la nostra impostazione predefinita.
Gestiamo ogni trasferimento di carriera e assunzione con la massima riservatezza. Scelto da leader e datori di lavoro in tutto il mondo.
Guidati dall'eccellenza.
Diamo l'esempio e con integrità, conoscenza del settore e impegno per risultati duraturi per persone e organizzazioni.
Independent.
We lead by example and with integrity, industry insight, and a commitment to lasting results for people and organizations.
Inspirational
We lead by example and with integrity, industry insight, and a commitment to lasting results for people and organizations.
Excellence
We lead by example and with integrity, industry insight, and a commitment to lasting results for people and organizations.
Effective
We lead by example and with integrity, industry insight, and a commitment to lasting results for people and organizations.

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Cosa dicono gli altri
CourtesyMasters è il leader mondiale nella ricerca esecutiva nel settore alberghiero, noto per la sua inclusività e discrezione senza pari. Mettiamo in contatto i migliori talenti con le migliori opportunità in tutto il mondo, offrendo un'esperienza fluida e riservata su misura per ogni fase della carriera.
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The approach of CourtesyMasters is refreshing. Solid. Discreet while transparent. It suits our values and we assure thorough processes in a competitive environment. We reach professionals and talent we normally would not attract.
Managing Director, Investment Management
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Working with CourtesyMasters is a true long term partnership. They fully understand your company, need, culture and always go the extra mile to find the right candidate. Thanks for all you do!
CCO, Hotel Chain, USA
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It's rather simple and complex at the same time. CourtesyMasters delivers. Direct communication. Promise=promise. Long-term.
Director of Human Resources, Hotel Group