Lind at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Thomas Lind has been appointed as general manager (GM) of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.
He moves to Riyadh from Four Seasons Mexico City where, as general manager, he oversaw a comprehensive renovation of the Hotel, the only Five Diamond property in the City. Lind comes to the region with a wealth of experience gained from international postings within the hospitality industry over the past 25 years. He has managed some of the world’s finest properties in countries including The Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
Jorgensen takes charge at InterCon Dubai
Jorgen Jorgensen has been appointed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) as GM of the InterContinental Dubai. He was previously GM of the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus. After working with IHG for ten years, Jorgensen is looking forward to taking on his new role at the landmark hotel – it’s the longest serving five-star property in the country.
New faces at Janna Spa & Resort
The newly-renovated Janna Spa & Resort at Ma’in Hot Springs, Jordan, under the Flamingo Hotel Management, has appointed Michel H Mandrea as GM, Ousama Al Deek as director of sales and Josef Knoller as executive chef. Mandrea started his career in the Middle East at the Metropolitan Hotel as assistant food and beverage (F&B) manager and became the F&B manager for their resort in 1996. In 2000, he joined Holiday Inn Bahrain and later moved to Al Khobar Holiday Inn as director of F&B. He was later promoted to the post of executive assistant manager. Al Deek, on the other hand, brings with him over 14 years of experience in the Middle East while Knoller comes with a vast knowledge of the Middle East and Far East markets.
Lots cooking at Arabian Courtyard
Arabian Courtyard Bur Dubai has announced the addition of two new members: Raj Mohan as F&B manager and Gurpreet Singh Mehta as executive sous chef. Mohan brings with him over ten years’ experience, having worked in several key cities in both America and Europe, while Chef Singh comes with 11 years’ experience, which has taken him from India to Kuwait to Egypt. He has worked for the Oberoi Group of hotels and was also chef consultant for Savoy Hotels in Madeira, Portugal.
Talip moves to Taj Palace, Dubai
Quanita Talip has joined Taj Palace Hotel, Dubai, as the new recreation and spa manager. Quanita is a qualified beauty therapist with over six years of spa and beauty industry experience. She, who was previously team leader and beauty therapist at the Six Senses Spa in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, has also worked at the five-star Sanctuary Spa, 12 Apostles Hotel, and at the Bellisima House Beauty Clinic in South Africa.
Isaacs joins InterFitness gym
Rodney Isaacs has joined InterFitness gym at the InterContinental Dubai as the new recreation manager. Isaacs, who began his career as a personal trainer for Loots Health Club in Cape Town, previously worked with Planet Fitness. A qualified personal trainer, he holds a diploma in Gym Management from Pretoria University.
Morin at Novotel Centre Abu Dhabi
Novotel Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi has appointed Marilyne Morin as public relations and marketing manager. Maroin is a fresh graduate from International Business School in France, majoring in marketing and communication. She has served as interns of PR and communication departments for hospitality companies and advertising agencies.
Ulbrand joins JW Marriott, Dubai
Rebecca Ulbrand has joined the JW Marriott, Dubai, team as a hygiene officer. With 12 years’ experience, she brings with her a wealth of experience in setting hygiene standards that fit both the Marriott International and Dubai Municipality guidelines.
BCEB welcomes Standford
Bahrain Convention & Exhibition Bureau (BCEB) has appointed Debbie Stanford as their new projects manager for destination marketing, conventions and exhibitions. Stanford, who has 17 years’ experience, was sales director for MICE events at EIBTM, managing the EIBTM, AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, Melbourne, Australia, and International Congress and Convention Association. She was on the board of SITE Great Britain and Ireland Chapter and was president for two years. She has also worked closely with the Caribbean Hotel Association at CHA Marketplace. Following her career with Reed Travel Exhibitions, Debbie helped launch IMEX Frankfurt, first as sales director and later as vice-president of global sales.
Pechstein at Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has appointed Eric Pechstein as vice-president, North America. The position, based in New Jersey, US, will involve the overseeing of all Qatar Airways’ operations in North America. Pechstein has previously held positions at US Airways as director of international and leisure sales – passenger sales and director of global cargo sales and marketing. At Delta Airlines, he was manager of international tour and consolidator sales. He has also worked for American Airlines and Lufthansa Airlines. Prior to taking up his position with Qatar Airways, Pechstein was director of supplier relations for Radius Travel.