HOGAPAGE is now a well-established name in the industry. How did the platform originally come about, what was the idea behind it – and which developmental steps or milestones have had a particularly significant impact on HOGAPAGE since then?

Markus Hildebrecht: It all began with the hospitality recruitment agency set up more than 35 years ago by Charlotte and Hermann Buhl. This idea has grown into a company that now comprises 26 branches and employs around 2,000 staff. As recruitment played a key role within the group from an early stage, the idea arose to set up our own job board. In 2009–2010, the foundations for today’s platform were laid. Later, the magazine and various news formats were added, from which further products gradually developed. Today, HOGAPAGE operates externally as part of the BUHL Group.

HOGAPAGE combines a job board, a magazine and a news portal. What makes this combination of recruitment, specialist information and industry news particularly valuable to the target audience?

Markus Hildebrecht: With HOGAPAGE, we offer added value that goes far beyond that of an established and multi-award-winning* job board. Our strength lies in combining different cross-media formats: a popular magazine, up-to-date online news and social media marketing with a wide reach. This enables us to cover a broad spectrum of topics, target groups and communication channels – and to pass on this added value to our clients in a targeted manner.

The HOGAPAGE job board has already won several awards*. What makes it so successful compared to other platforms?

Markus Hildebrecht: At HOGAPAGE, we pursue a consistent multi-channel strategy. Unlike traditional job boards, we generate visibility across various channels. This enables us to reach not only those actively seeking work, but also professionals who are passively open to a career move, at various touchpoints. Our service is complemented by personalised customer support, with dedicated contacts who have in-depth knowledge of the industry and our clients’ requirements. We have specialised in the hospitality and catering sectors since 2010 and, as a result, have a strong, relevant network of candidates, enabling us to target them effectively.

What role does sustainability play within the group of companies?

Markus Hildebrecht: For us, sustainability is a key component of responsible business practice. We focus on resource-efficient processes, make informed decisions throughout our value chain and are constantly working to reduce our carbon footprint. As the BUHL Group, we combine environmental responsibility with fair working conditions, respectful collaboration and social responsibility. This philosophy shapes both our corporate culture and our day-to-day operations.

Why should media platforms such as HOGAPAGE actively tackle sustainability issues?

Markus Hildebrecht: Because, as a media platform, we have a wide reach and therefore a responsibility. Sustainability is a key issue for the future of the hotel and catering industry, one that we can highlight through our channels and bring to the attention of the sector. At the same time, we are also strengthening the BUHL Group’s positioning and helping to further embed awareness of sustainable practices.

*Ranked 1st in the list of specialist job boards for the hotel and catering industry in the quality analysis carried out by jobboersencheck.de – as voted for by employers and employees between 2019 and 2026.