Conrad Hotels has announced the promotion of Mark Elawadi as the new area vice president, Egypt and general manager Cairo.

Elawadi was the area general manager for Conrad Egypt Hotel and Resorts before his promotion.

In his new position, Elawadi will be responsible for ongoing expansion of the Conrad brand throughout the region, the alliance relationship with Hilton International, as well as the three existing Conrad hotels in Egypt, said Conrad Hotels president Clem Barter.

Conrad Hotels are keen to expand in the Middle East. "Our future growth in the region is a reflection of the success of our Egyptian operation," said Elawadi.

He is a hospitality veteran with more than 20 years international experience in the US, Europe, Africa, and Middle East.

A Cairo-born, US citizen, Elawadi holds a Bachelors degree. A certified hotel administrator by the AHMA, he has successfully completed executive education and development program at Cornell and George Washington Universities in the US.