Team at the Ketschauer Hof
Who is Who
All our talented minds, creative spirits, hosts and personalities here at a glance.
Hotel
Reception
Fabian Baumann
Reception manager
…has been at the Ketschauer Hof since 2013 and is THE face at the hotel reception.
The Ketschauer Hof is - even in a large radius - a location that is unrivalled. In our private atmosphere, guests are overcome by peace and relaxation as soon as they check in. Simply having a good time with us is what I wish every guest I welcome here.
Monica Walter
Receptionist
After her training with us, her thirst for adventure and made her switch to the catering industry at BASF Ludwigshafen. We are delighted that she has been back with us since July 2023.
Her delicate personality is a bomb for the reception!
She herself loves working at Ketschauer Hof because she feels like she’s on vacation at work. “It’s crazy,” she says with a smile.
History is literally being written here. Not only because of the historic past of our hotel. Our guests tell us the best stories: they get engaged here, they get married here, they celebrate the summer party with us every year...
Karolina Hatzenbühler
Receptionist
…moved to Ketschauer Hof directly after her apprenticeship in September 2023 and describes her arrival in the team as familiar and warm.
In her free time, she has been dancing hip-hop for many years.
The reception stands for the first and last guest contact. Here we welcome you warmly and say goodbye until next time. A special guest contact with an echo.
Ann-Katrin Capilli
Receptionist
… has been a lateral entrant since March 2022
and with her charm has been an integral part of reception ever since.
She is currently working part-time because she also manages the “family” project
with two girls at home after her working hours at Ketschauer Hof.
I particularly enjoy working at Ketschauer Hof because we are a good team. The atmosphere is informal, the work is pleasant and the team spirit is simply friendly.
Karin Eckrich
Receptionist
The former Lufthansa First Class flight attendant moved to reception in September 2022 after initially working in the breakfast team.
With her worldwide travel experience, she knows how to welcome people from all over the world and cultures.
Frau von Welt also takes the cake outside the Ketschauer Hof: her passion is traditional archery.
I am happy when the guest is happy.
Rasamee Seib
deputy. Receptionist (currently mini-job)
The trained hotel manager and hotel business administrator has been part of the team since 2018 and deputy since 2021. Receptionist. With a little daughter, she needs time for the “home” project at the moment. This is why she is currently working part-time with us, mainly looking after our guests at the hotel at weekends.
When our guests thank us on departure for a wonderful stay, that's the best thing for me!
Wolfrad Scheuermann
Chauffeur
…has been part of the team since April 2022. As a retired police officer, he has found his part-time job as a chauffeur for our Hotel Ketschauer Hof and our restaurant L.A.Jordan, where everything fits: he enjoys the shuttle rides, appreciates the flexible working hours and describes the team as “enormously enthusiastic”.
In his free time, he rides his racing bike and
also does voluntary work in the cultural sector.
I think it's great to drive guests home and hear how enthusiastic they were about their evening at L.A. Jordan.
Markus Krämer
Chauffeur
…has been our company chauffeur since February 2023, while at the same time“taming” a 20-strong team in the gardening department at the Hornbach DIY store in Ludwigshafen.
In his free time, he enjoys riding his motorcycle and going to the gym.
As a chauffeur, I get to talk to lots of interesting people. All of them grateful for the service of being driven.
Martin Mitschke
Chauffeur
…has been part of the chauffeur crew since 2022 and has one thing above all else: great fun driving with us. After many years of driving abroad as a soldier, he is a professional behind the wheel. His main job is as sales manager of a marketing company.
The encounters with our hotel boxes are great fun. I look forward to every trip!
Hotel
Housekeeping
Olga Gergely
Housekeeping manager
…has long been part of the inventory, so to speak. She has been lovingly preparing every single room day after day since 2012. Her special eye for detail makes guests feel at home in their room.
In her free time, she loves to travel to her family in Romania, to the beautiful little town of Sighisoara. And going to the movies is a great way to switch off.
It is important to me that our guests feel comfortable, as if they were at home.
Kim Trang Truong
Hotel management trainee
…started her training as a hotel specialist in 2022 and has already worked in several positions in our gastronomic outlets. She is currently supporting the housekeeping team before moving on to
continues with the reception.
I appreciate the working atmosphere and the openness in the college. Here I am allowed to and work independently.
Hotel
Breakfast
Susanne Klohr
Breakfast management
…has been at the Ketschauer Hof since 2022. Since then, we have had the warmest breakfast manager you could wish for.
Every monring i look forward to my job, to our guests and to our familial team. We have a good time togehter - with guests and colleagues alike. Doing that way, everyone is motivaded in my team!
Zahra Hamani
Breakfast lady
…has been an integral part of the breakfast team since 2022 with her lovingly frivolous nature.
Her beak, the way it grew: in the sweetest Palatinate dialect. The heart where it belongs: in the right place.
And always with only one thing in mind:
the well-being of every single guest!
Isch du sooo gärn dohinn schaffe. I love our guests and I make everyone laugh with me! Can you believe it?
Saeko Shimizu
Breakfast lady
…started with us after her parental leave in spring 2023. Always a smile for the guests, discreet, level-headed and charming.
After her job at breakfast, she works as a “full-blooded mom” to two adorable boys.
The working hours at breakfast are ideal for me and my family. I can be there for my boys from midday. The breakfast team made it easy for me to get started here, and our clientele is very pleasant.
Liliane Nightingale
Service temp
…is currently training in media design. Since June 2022, she has been earning some extra money at weekends.
I'm gaining my first work experience at Ketschauer Hof, which is a great opportunity!
Janice Schmidt
Service temp
…is a student in real life and
has also been part of our breakfast team since June 2022. As the young woman’s calendar is always full, she is happy about the flexible working hours with us.
Our team makes friends for life! That's what makes it special for me.
Hanna Grabbe
Service temp
…has been a member of the breakfast team since February 2022. In addition to school, she earns her own little money. The good atmosphere in the team quickly made up for the initially rather daunting early rise at the weekend.
After graduating from high school, a six-month trip is on the agenda before continuing with his studies.
Always a nice daily goal at the weekend: to give everything as a team so that the guests are happy.
Talisha Moemeke
Service temp
…got to know the team through a school internship and has been a student assistant at breakfast since 2023.
Her friendly and open manner makes it easy for her to approach guests.
In her free time she plays tennis and
dances in the carnival club.
I feel comfortable in the team and have great fun at work.
Hotel
Building services
David Thams
House technician
…he has been responsible for the Ketschauer Hof estate since January 2022. That means garden, house and yard with all the trimmings. A highly sought-after man in the house whose phone never stops ringing. Consequently, he is constantly racing to keep everything running.
In the evening, he is greeted at home by two cute girls and his wife.
Running!
I live around the corner and am close to work. As a family man, I have found a secure job at Ketschauer Hof.
Natenael Fesshaye
Gardener
…came to us as a refugee from Eritrea in 2017 and is the gardener of the house, the right hand of the house technician. He takes care of the park, the inner courtyard and the parking spaces.
In short: he is the man who makes everything clear outdoors.
After the job, family comes first. He wants a secure future for his three children and his wife.
The Ketschauer Hof is my first job here in Germany, which means a lot to me. Even in difficult times - when my family was still in Eritrea - I always received support here.
Restaurant L.A. Jordan
Service
Stephan Nitzsche
Head Sommelier
…joined the L.A. Jordan team in 2021 and since then has also been responsible for the overall development of the wine lists in all restaurants belonging to Ketschauer Hof GmbH.
He prefers to spend his days off with his family. His three girls let him switch off quickly. Otherwise, the passionate Eintracht fan can also be found in the Frankfurt soccer stadium, olé olé!
I am not satisfied with "good". I don't want to stop getting even better.
Pascal Bohrer
Sommelier
…has been part of the L.A. Jordan team since July 2024. He sees Stephan Nitzsche as a mentor who will help him in his personal development and is already looking forward to further fine-tuning his own work and creations.
He moved to the Palatinate with his partner for his job and would like to find a new home here with her.
In his free time, he enjoys downhill riding and barbecuing in the garden.
L.A. Jordan with its good reputation was recommended to me. I can develop and grow in my job here. And you can live well in the beautiful Palatinate and with the open Palatinate people anyway!
Yannick Öffler
deputy. Restaurant manager
…has been back at Ketschauer Hof GmbH since July 2023, now as deputy restaurant manager in the L.A. Jordan restaurant. He knows the hotel well, having been Restaurant & Banquet Manager at Restaurant 1718 from 2016 to 2018.
In his free time, the sports enthusiast follows Eintracht soccer matches, preferably on site together with the head sommelier.
I always wanted to be one of the best!
Lena Reichle
Service
…has been part of the team since 2019 and is affectionately known as “temp number 1”. Why? Because she is reliable and always on hand when there’s a fire!
In addition to her work as a firefighter in the service, she studies Travel & Tourism Management full-time.
And when she’s not being called out on duty, the sociable whisk loves to be out and about with friends.
In vino veritas.
Kitchen
Daniel Schimkowitsch
Chef
…has been loyal to his L.A. Jordan and
Ketschauer Hof GmbH since 2014. Values such as quality, success and humility define his work and activities.
Whether for work or leisure, he needs speed – full throttle on the pots and behind the wheel.
I am immensely proud of my entire team! In 2023 a dream has come true: we are the first restaurant on the Wine Route with 2 stars!
Patrick Mairold
Junior Sous Chef
…the Styrian was already part of the kitchen team in 2021. After a brief excursion to Switzerland, he returned to Schimkowitsch in 2022 and joined him on his way to the second star.
He is the poissonier of the kitchen, i.e. the professional when it comes to fish and seafood. Also the right hand (and occasionally the left hand) of the head chef and therefore deeply involved in the development of new recipes.
He clears his head in the fresh air, preferably by fishing (where else if you have a soft spot for fish).
The L.A. Jordan kitchen is outstanding in my eyes. A variety of products and high-end quality that is rarely found in Germany. I appreciate our team spirit of wanting to develop ourselves further - constantly.
Christian Koch
Chef de Partie
…has been part of the team since August 2024 and is responsible for the cold kitchen as a Gardemanger. At L.A. Jordan, she is responsible for the starters, i.e. all the starters and the butter.
When he’s not cooking, he likes to be out and about with friends, rebuilding the garden or riding his MTB.
I've been following L.A. Jordan and its rapid development for some time now. I like the minimalist aesthetic on the plate!
Marco Tardt
Dishwasher
As the team’s head dishwasher, he is not afraid of mountains of porcelain or dishes. A “veteran”, with the company since 2012, and Daniel Schimkowitsch knows that he can rely on him. Every evening.
In addition to the L.A. Jordan, his heart beats for fast roller coasters.
I've been here for a long time, I like being here. There is no reason for me to question that.
Gisela Wollek
Cleaning pearl
…has been part of the GmbH since 2011 and is responsible for order and cleanliness in the L.A. Jordan restaurant. Since then, her “men” have been unable to imagine the kitchen without her, and they all agree: “Only our Gisela is able to wash our aprons so brilliantly white and iron them so neatly. She is a pearl!”
I like the Jordan chefs and they like me! I prepare everything spick and span during the day so that the team can get started in the evening!
Restaurant 1718
Service
Julian Berkhemer
acting restaurant manager
…works as a restaurant manager in the RIVA restaurant and is currently acting head of Service 1718. In addition to his role in operational service, he sees himself as the first point of contact for his team. He coordinates the services, the people and everything around them, preferably after 10 o’clock.
His passion is not his job, but above all his son.
And when he does find time for himself, he likes to play with his blocks, audio books and computer games.
I love my job, the daily challenge and the people in my team.
Julia Badura
second deputy Restaurant manager
Gastronomy is her great passion – and you can feel it. Since September 1, 2024, she has brought a breath of fresh air to the 1718 team. She heard from long-time colleagues how great the working atmosphere is here. So she applied, dropped by and everything fell into place straight away. It can happen that quickly.
She loves the unique atmosphere, the French-inspired cuisine and the generous wine selection at 1718. She personally likes dry wines matured in wood. Her favorite vineyard: Pechstein.
I can already say that I feel really at home here. And the guests notice when we feel good as a team.
Eric Lay
Chef de Rang
…started at Restaurant 1718 in July 2024 and has already actively supported this year’s big summer party at Ketschauer Hof.
He appreciates the upscale and sophisticated standard at 1718. Particularly, he likes the informal atmosphere, which allows him to respond even better to guests.
In addition, h also likes the fact that he can work with the entire 1718 team at celebrations (weddings, birthdays…) in the “Kelterhaus” ballroom and in the garden.
On the first few days, I was personally taken by the hand by the deputy restaurant manager RIVA. The team spirit in the company is remarkable.
Torben Kühn
Chef de Rang
…came to our company via a recommendation and has been with us since November 2023. He currently supports both the RIVA restaurant and the 1718 restaurant. “However, he fell head over heels in love with Restaurant 1718. Why? Because of the French dishes, because of the special interior design…
In his free time, he likes to spend time with his girlfriend and the two of them enjoy ice skating. However, he can also get something good out of cozy evenings with friends while gaming and enjoying a good glass of wine.
I'm excited to see what awaits me here and I'm really looking forward to my job at Restaurant 1718.
Marc Schulz
Temporary service
…has been working at the GmbH for over 3 years as a temporary student assistant and has become indispensable for us during events and bottlenecks in the restaurants.
We are currently looking forward to his cooperation until he starts his studies in the medium term.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling, partying with friends and going out to eat together. Just a man of pleasure! 🙂
Why have I been here for so long? I like the team and the spirit here!
Kitchen
David Hamburger
Executive Chef
…more is coming soon
...more is coming soon
Praphawadee Waffenschmidt
Dishwasher
…the fun-loving Thai has been washing up everything she can get her hands on since 2009.
You can count on her for big celebrations. “Pha is a machine,” her team colleagues in the kitchen say affectionately about her.
She collects her annual vacation and prefers to spend a few weeks at a time in Thailand – a big reunion with family and friends every year!
I've been here for so long. This much is clear: I'm staying here until I retire.
Restaurant Sushi B.
Service
Lea Görlitz
Restaurant manager
…has been part of the team since April 2024 and, with her loving and cheerful nature, Sushi B. would be unthinkable without her.
She loves the modern interior in black and white, which is so wonderfully modern, especially in contrast to the beautiful old winery in which it is located.
She likes to recommend sparkling wine from the Reichsrat von Buhl winery to guests with sushi, especially the sparkling wines from the “Prestige” series.
And when she’s not looking after her guests in the restaurant, she spends her free time on the road with her two English bulldogs or crocheting. Ask her about the crocheted nigiri!
I feel right at home here! Piotr and I are simply a great team!
Almira Fazlii
Service
…has been part of the restaurant team since October 2022 and supports Lea Görlitz with perfect service and food recommendations.
The team quickly recognized her penchant for excellent non-alcoholic drinks. Since then, creating non-alcoholic lemonades has been one of her specialties.
When guests leave the restaurant smiling with satisfaction after their visit, she is delighted that she was able to make the evening a success.
In her free time, she likes to relax in the day spa or meet up with her family.
I put my heart and soul into the restaurant Sushi B. I was hooked from day one. I have the best colleagues you can imagine there, so I can say that it feels a bit like "home" to me.
Kitchen
Piotr Suszek
Chef
…was launched at the GmbH in May 2019, back then with the sushi pop-up restaurant and a handful of tables in the RIVA restaurant. The first few weeks there left all the guests wanting more and the Sushi B story led to an expansion into the newly renovated location at the Reichsrat von Buhl winery. As a creative mind, the chef writes the menu, takes care of the food purchasing and rolls – as his fans rave about – the best sushi in Germany.
What else does he like? Apparently everything beautiful that begins with “R”. Because when he’s not rolling, he’s traveling or in a restaurant meeting friends for dinner.
Simplicity and complexity at the same time - this is Sushi B.
Roland Oniate Catap
Cook
…has been working in the kitchen with Piotr Suszek since May 2023. His part there is all the dishes that are baked in tempura.
He also loves cooking in his private life – preferably for his 6-year-old daughter and his wife.
I get to work with high-quality, top-class food here, which is fun for a chef! I enjoy working with Piotr, and our dishes clearly have our signature style - that makes me immensely proud.
Event
Tina Zitt
Event management
…has been with the company since 2022 and has been head of the event team ever since.
She certainly seems to like hustle and bustle, because when she’s not at Ketschauer Hof, her dog keeps her busy at home.
I love my event team. Everyone has their strengths, and together we are just incredibly good!
Lena Aschenbrenner
Event manager
has been part of the team since 2023 and, together with Cilja Weil, takes care of incoming inquiries regarding “dream weddings”. The initial meeting with our Managing Director and our HR officer gave her a good feeling about starting with us right from the start.
As a “car nut”, she spends a good time with her partner at car meetings at the Hockenheimring. Or you can meet them in the hobby workshop where they beautify their cars.
Breathing is necessary for life. And then there are those intense moments that take our breath away. That's life for me!
Jeannette Klein
Event manager
…has been part of the event office since 2022 and since then has primarily managed large conference events in both buildings.
After 20 years in the job, she feels she has finally “arrived” in her professional life with us, she says. Here she has the opportunity to work part-time and can therefore ideally combine family and career.
That gives her a good feeling.
I enjoy coming to our company every morning. I receive appreciation from all sides here: from colleagues and guests. I am looking forward to the next 20 years in this working atmosphere!
Anna Jedro
Event manager
…has been with us since 2021. Initially as a trainee and since summer 2024 as a fully qualified event manager.
In her free time, she explores the beautiful corners of the Palatinate. Preferably with friends over a glass of wine or on a walk through the vineyards.
Our company is highly regarded throughout the industry. My training was incredibly varied and prepared me perfectly for my job. Here I have a great perspective for further steps in my career.
Administration
Ralf Ole Leidner
Managing Director
…has been Managing Director of Ketschauer Hof GmbH since April 2022.
He sees himself as a host, a troubleshooter, but above all as a philanthropist.
Satisfied employees are his top priority. “Unconventional” say some, “courageous” say others.
He remains true to himself, has been in the business for far too long and knows that it is right to stay the course: “Happy guests come naturally when my employees are satisfied and happy.”
The Ketschauer Hof GmbH is so incredibly exciting and versatile in its overall offer, like no other hotel I know. I also have great employees, and I really enjoy my job here with them!
Tim Reuter
Asst. Hotel Manager
He has been with the company since 2014 and is the point of contact for guests and employees alike. His core areas are Reservations & Room Rates, Revenue & Yield Management, Controlling and IT.
As a native of Speyer, he enjoys jogging and looks forward to welcoming his wife Jenny and cat Tony home after work.
Our two hotels are incredibly versatile and unique. I am currently pushing ahead with digitalization so that guests can experience a modern "guest journey" from the moment they make their reservation until after their departure.
Nicole Hochgesang
Personnel Officer
…the trained automotive saleswoman in the premium segment has been with us since 2022 via lateral entry. The “premium segment” has remained with her – but now in the hotel industry.
Solution-oriented in recruiting, cordial in initial contact, empathetic in all matters concerning employees and trainees. Her role at the hotel is an important piece of the puzzle for establishing and developing a corporate culture that stands for appreciation.
The "Personnel" area is exciting and responsible. I love coming to work every day...it's not difficult with this breathtaking ambience!
Iryna Claude
Head of Accounting
…a numbers man through and through. This is what it takes for a company like Ketschauer Hof GmbH to precisely record the total monetary movements and at the same time forecast further economic development. The trained financial accountant has been part of the team since 2019 and her meticulousness and passion for numbers have made her indispensable.
I am proud of my role at Ketschauer Hof. I really feel at home in this house with its good team spirit!
Susanne Pagel
Accounting currently on parental leave
…has been part of the Ketschauer Hof team since November 2023. She already knows the hospitality industry from her previous career, having worked at the Steigenberger Hotel for a long time. For her, the new start at Ketschauer Hof is a kind of “coming home”, partly because she lives just around the corner. She is responsible for the accounts payable part of the accounting department and supports her colleague Iryna Claude as best she can.
Ketschauer Hof GmbH is a major employer in the region and enjoys an excellent reputation. I'm looking forward to what awaits me here. I still want to learn a lot and gain experience, and the Ketschauer Hof is just right for me.
MARKETING & Beauty
Christine Rubick
Head of Marketing
…after 14 years of publishing as a career changer joined the hotel. With her eye for beautiful detail, she has been responsible for the holistic print and online communication of the GmbH since 2018. She appreciates the good ideas that come from the team and loves to give them form, to visualize them. This requires words that resonate. Colors that work. Pictures that speak. Paper that feels good.
The best ideas come to you in nature, jogging in the Palatinate Forest, on hiking tours with the family…
I see my task as giving space to this wonderful ensemble. He deserves to be seen by the world.
Leonie Becker
Social Media Manager
…has been preparing the Instagram & Facebook channels of the GmbH since April 2023 and ensures an authentic appearance.
The freelancer is easy to recognize: always with her camera, always ready for a good shoot!
I particularly like it here because I can work with so many different people. That is unique!
Birgit Jünger
Press spokeswoman
The owner of juenger_media_ has been working as press spokeswoman for Ketschauer Hof GmbH since January 2023. Thanks to the freelancer, there is a lot to read about us in the print and online press.
The woman of words can also be a woman of action: In her free time, she likes to swap her pen for a paintbrush and co. and takes care of beautifying your home.
The team spirit here is unique - there is simply a great atmosphere for everyone.
Melanie Richter
Floristry & Decoration
…has been with the company since May 2023 and is responsible for everything beautiful on the table, windowsill and co.
in all outlets.
As a trained herbal educator, she feels
feel at home in nature.
It gives me great pleasure to be able to contribute and develop independently here. I leave my "fingerprint" with my floristic pieces, and I am proud of that.