On the move

Omran names Wilson as CEO

Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has welcomed James Wilson as its new chief executive officer. With more than 25 years of experience in the tourism, real estate and hotel development sectors, Wilson’s career has seen him work across Europe, the GCC and
Africa.

El Farsi joins Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Said El Farsi from Morocco has joined as Crowne Plaza Bahrain as the new director of sales. El Farsi has over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality sector with various international brands in Saudi Arabia. He started his career with Nayyara Conference, Banqueting & Exhibition Center, Riyadh in 2005.

New residence manager named

Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha has welcomed Mamdouh Salem as its new residence manager. He joins the Doha property from Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Dubai, prior to which he had worked for hotel groups such as the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Raffles, in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE.

New posting at Nassima

ACICO-Hotel Sector has appointed Adib El Khoury as cluster director of sales & marketing for the Nassima Royal Hotel, sister property Nassima Tower and Radisson Blu Resort, Dibba, Fujairah. El Khoury brings with him vast knowledge of the hospitality industry with over 15 years’ experience in several GCC states.

Serhal promoted as cluster GM

Rami Serhal has been appointed as the cluster general manager of IHG’s Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Staybridge Suites Yas Island. Promoted from his previous position as hotel manager at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Serhal brings with him 15 years of experience.

De Beer appointed GM

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation has appointed Marc de Beer as the general manager of its Park Rotana & Park Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi. De Beer joins Rotana with a wealth of experience gained during his 23 years in the hotel business with different international hotel chains.

Malaeb is new director of sales

Al Manshar Rotana Hotel Kuwait has appointed Bahaa Malaeb as the new director of sales. With a proven track record in luxury hotel sales, Malaeb joins the hotel from Jumeirah Group Kuwait. He will be responsible to implement all sales plans activities and maximise the property’s business opportunities.

New GM for Hilton Dead Sea Resort

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa and King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre managed by Hilton have welcomed Elias J. Moukarzel, in the capacity of general manager. Moukarzel brings with him a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa is projected to open in 2016.

Tarabay appointed hotel manager

Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh has appointed Wassim Tarabay as hotel manager. Tarabay has over 17 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. His career has taken him to Dubai, Al Khobar and most recently  Kuwait. In his new role, Wassim will help manage the overall operation of the 294-roomed hotel.

Schukowski promoted

Award-winning hotelier Kai Schukowski has been promoted as the general manager of Kempinski Hotel Ajman from his earlier position as its hotel manager. In his new role, Schukowski will continue to oversee the entire operation of the hotel. The German national joined Kempinski’s head office in Geneva, Switzerland in 2009.

Granet gets new AccorHotels role

AccorHotels has appointed Olivier Granet as its new managing director and chief operating officer for the Middle East. He was previously the senior vice president of development at AccorHotels Middle East.
A 16-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Granet joined AccorHotels in 1999.

New director for CampbellGray

CampbellGray Hotels has appointed Spencer Yeo as operations director. Yeo brings a wealth of experience to the team having recently served as the general ganager for Viceroy Santa Monica, California following his role as pre-opening general manager at Viceroy Hotel, Istanbul. Yeo began his hotel career 22 years ago in the UK.

New GM for The Domain

The Domain Hotel and Spa, Bahrain, has appointed Frank Normann Eikeland as their new general manager. Eikeland, a Norwegian national, brings with him more than 30 years of experience. He has earlier served as the general manager of many renowned hotels in Norway and in the Middle East.

Zuber to develop One&Only brand

Kerzner International Holdings has appointed Philippe Zuber as the president and chief operating officer for One&Only Resorts. In this role, Zuber will lead the strategic development of the One&Only brand.  The company plans to continue further enhancements across existing resorts in the collection.

New team at Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East and Africa

Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East and Africa, has welcomed a new executive leadership team.
François Kassab has been named chief operating officer (COO), assuming responsibility for the strategic development of the group. Bringing 18 years of operational, financial and strategic leadership, Kassab leads Millennium & Copthorne’s corporate strategy and has overall responsibility for the group’s hotel operations across the Middle East and Africa.

David Todd has joined as vice president – operations, Middle East & Africa. He oversees the hotel operations for the region and is responsible for driving operational excellence and profitability, whilst maintaining quality standards across the hotel portfolio. Thomas Grundner has been appointed as vice president – sales and marketing, Middle East & Africa to lead the sales, marketing and revenue function for the region.

Husam Kakish has joined as vice president – human resources. In this position, Kakish is responsible for establishing, implementing and evaluating HR strategies and policies as well as working to expand the Group’s regional talent base.

Kevin Cairns has joined as vice president – technical services. He plays a key role in realising the group’s growth strategy.  The formation of the new team began with Emad Majid joining as chief legal officer early last year. Meanwhile, Shashi Nair will also continue in his role as vice president – finance.