Rezidor appoints new area VP
Marko Hytonen takes charge as vice president, Middle East and Egypt for the Rezidor Hotel Group, and replaces Jean-Marc Busato, who has been appointed president and MD, Asia Pacific for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. Hytonen joined Rezidor in 1991 and has since held general manager’s positions in Norway, Russia, Oman and South Africa.
Raffles Hotels appoints new GM
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has appointed John Pelling as general manager of Raffles Dubai. Prior to his new role, Pelling was regional vice president China, for Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts where he overlooked the group’s portfolio and new developments. He also has experience in Dubai.
Rubod appointed at Ritz-Carlton, Doha
Philippe Rubod has been appointed hotel manager for the Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Prior to coming to the Middle East, Rubod was the general manager of Burgenstock Hotels & Resort, located in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. He held his first general manager role with the Hotel D’ Angleterre in Switzerland.
New role for Biju
Towers Rotana Dubai recently welcomed Deepika Biju as the new business development manager. Biju brings with her 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, previously working with the Taj Group of Hotels in India. In her new role, Biju will focus on expanding and maximising business.
Cooking up a storm at Media Rotana
Chef Mauro Cereda has been appointed as chef de cuisine at Prego’s at the newly opened Media Rotana Dubai. Prior joining Media Rotana Dubai, Mauro held the position of executive chef in one of the international restaurant chains in the United States. Chef Mauro studied Hotel Management in Italy.
Stapel joins Coral Hotels & Resorts
Pieter Stapel has been appointed as vice president of Coral Hotels & Resorts and general manager of Coral Deira, Dubai. He has worked in nine countries and has therefore gained much experience, working in leading hotel chains such as the Hilton and Le Meridien. His appointment will take his career to new heights.
New faces at Ibis Al Barsha
Phillipe Montaubin (right) has been appointed as general manager of Ibis – Novotel Al Barsha Hotels in Dubai. Prior to this, he held the helm at the Sofitel City Centre. Sarah Brooks joins as director of human resources. Brooks brings with her seven years of international experience in HR.
Kempinski MOE appoints Koroglu
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has appointed Fuat Kِro?lu as the new executive assistant manager. began his career with Swissotel Hotel group and moved to the ا¦ra?an Palace Kempinski Istanbul in 1992 as banqueting service manager. He was recently director of F&B.
Adding flavour to InterContinental Mzaar
Chucri Nemnoum has been appointed at InterContinental Mzaar as the new food and beverage manager. His career has included working in some of US’s most famous landmark restaurants, such as Einstein Bagles, Dave&Busters and hotels including the Westin Hotel (Starwood).
Etihad appoints environmental manager
Etihad Airways has appointed Linden Coppell, an environ-mental and corporate social responsibility specialist, as its first manager for environ-mental affairs. Coppell has more than 18 years experience in the industry and joins Etihad from Cathay Pacific Airways.
Sheraton Dubai Creek welcomes Grub
The Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers welcomes Heinz F Grub as general manager. Grub is also acting area manager of Dubai for the group and oversees the operations of all the seven Starwood properties in Dubai. He brings with him extensive US and international experience.
Khoury moves to Fujairah
Rotana Hotels has appointed Mrad El Khoury as general manager of the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa. Khoury joined Rotana Hotels in 2003 as the area director of sales and marketing for Dubai and Northern Emirates and was promoted to his first general manager’s position with Burjuman Rotana in 2006.
Dowidar promoted at InterCon Riyadh
Tariq Dowidar has been promoted to the position of resident manager of the InterContinental Riyadh. He joined IHG in 1996 at Inter-Continental Riyadh and worked with the company till 2002. Prior to his new role, he was area director of finance and business support for government hotels.
Banna directing sales for Marriott
The Marriott general sales office has appointed Bassam Banna as director of market sales in Jordan and North Africa. Bassam opened Marriott’s first international sales network in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, moving along to operations as director of sales and marketing in Jeddah.
Amadeus appoints Hussein
Amadeus has appointed Hazem Hussein as AACO (Arab Airline Carriers Organisation) project director. Hussein will lead the Amadeus Airline Business Group team in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Syria, Egypt and Libya. He had many previous positions within Amadeus.
Hilton appoints new team
Hilton Hotels has appointed Elie Younes (right) as vice president of development, and Carlos Khneisser as director of development for the ME. Younes joins Hilton from Starwood, where he was senior director for acquisition and development. He was previously with Nuran Serviced Residence.
New GM at Grand Hyatt Muscat
Grand Hyatt Muscat has announced Christoph Franzen as the new general manager. Franzen has also worked with the Grand Hyatt Dubai, Park Hyatt Moscow and Hyatt Regency Dubai. In 2008 Franzen was previously appointed as executive assistant manager at Grand Hyatt Dubai.
Zahid’s new role for Habtoor Grand
Hind Zahid, formerly the business development director for Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, has been newly appointed as deputy general manager of the hotel. Her key role is to create a dynamic strategy and oversee new hotel management structure for the organisation.
Fresh face at Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha
Madhu Dasgupta has joined Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha as director of sales and marketing. Madhu has been associated with leading industry players and brands in the UAE as well as in India, such as 'Leela' Kempinski, Ajman Kempinski Hotel & Beach Resort, Le Royal Meridien and Novotel.
Reda appointed at Dollar Egypt
Dollar Rent a Car announced the appointment of Enas Reda as general manager of the Dollar Rent a Car franchise in Egypt, New Shahd Limousine. Reda will be responsible for overseeing the operations of four counters in Egypt as well as identifying new business opportunities.