MOVEMENT

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
UAE

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah have appointed Mayda Solatre as the Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing. With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Solatre brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and operations. She has previously worked with renowned international brand — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, particularly Ramada by Wyndham and Wyndham Garden.

 

Rotana
Iraq & Turkey

Rotana has appointed Ghassan Dalal as Country General Manager for Iraq & Turkey, in addition to his continuing role as General Manager of Babylon Rotana, Baghdad. With over 27 years of global hospitality experience across the Middle East, Africa, North America, and the GCC, Dalal brings a wealth of expertise in managing diverse hotel categories and navigating complex market environments. His career spans leadership roles in Iraq, Qatar, Sudan, Egypt, Nigeria, Canada, and Lebanon.

 

Fairmont Hotel Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Fairmont Hotel Riyadh has appointed Muhieddine Zok as General Manager. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, including a decade of leadership in Saudi Arabia, Zok is recognised for combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of authentic, locally inspired hospitality. In his new role, he will further strengthen Fairmont Hotel Riyadh’s position as a premier destination for luxury, comfort, and memorable experiences for both business and leisure travellers.

 

Soneva Group 

Dubai

With the launch of their new global headquarters in Dubai, Soneva Group has appointed Joanna Flint as Chief Commercial Officer. Flint brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury hospitality and technology sectors, including notable tenures at Mandarin Oriental and Google. Her expertise in global commercial strategy will enhance Soneva’s presence in existing and new markets.

 Chris Whitehouse joins Soneva as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 20 years of board-level global leadership experience across luxury real estate, student accommodation, investment management, and hospitality. His expertise spans financial strategy, risk management, corporate financing, M&A, fundraising, ERP transformation, and global finance operations across the US, Europe, Dubai, and Asia. At Soneva, he will play a pivotal role in strengthening financial foundations and supporting the company’s sustainable growth and expansion.

Further strengthening its leadership team, Soneva has promoted Abhishek Sharma to the position of Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Maldives, India, Egypt, and Mauritius, Sharma brings a wealth of global expertise to the role. In his previous position as Group General Manager, he successfully oversaw all three Soneva resorts. His background includes pre-opening projects and managing remote locations. He remains focused on achieving a sustainable balance between commerce and community.

 

Yas Plaza Hotels

Abu Dhabi

Yas Plaza Hotels appoints Fabien Chesnais as General Manager. With more than two decades of international hospitality experience, Chesnais has held leadership roles with recognised hotel brands, successfully managing large-scale operations, pre-opening projects, and guest experience initiatives. His career is marked by a consistent focus on operational excellence, team development, and delivering strong commercial performance.

 

The Chedi Al Bait

Sharjah

The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah appoints Ahmed Kamha as Director of Sales & Marketing. With close to two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Kamha brings extensive expertise in strategic sales, market development, and brand positioning. In his new role, he will oversee the resort’s commercial strategy, driving key initiatives to elevate The Chedi Al Bait’s presence as Sharjah’s most exceptional cultural retreat.

 

Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences

Bahrain

Ahead of its highly anticipated opening, Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences has appointed Hassan El Wahidi as General Manager. With a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years, El Wahidi is a seasoned hospitality leader with a wealth of expertise in pre-openings, luxury resorts, and complex mixed-use developments across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

 

Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG 

Dubai

Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, set to debut in November 2025 as the world’s tallest hotel, appoints Heinrich Morio as Managing Director. In this role, Morio will oversee all operational and commercial strategies, guiding the property towards its vision of becoming an international icon. With more than 35 years of global hospitality experience, including 16 years in the Middle East, Morio has held senior executive positions.

 

JA Palm Tree Court, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Lake View Hotel  

Dubai

Russell Dillon takes on the role of Cluster Director of Sales at JA Palm Tree Court, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Lake View Hotel, Dubai. Dillon is an accomplished commercial leader with over 20 years of hospitality experience. He has held senior sales and marketing roles with leading hospitality organisations, building a deep understanding of both local and global markets.

 

Lara Abou Harb joins JA Palm Tree Court, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Lake View Hotel as Cluster Director of Revenue. Bringing over 12 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, she offers extensive regional expertise and a proven track record in revenue optimisation and business growth. In her new role, Lara will oversee revenue management across the three Jebel Ali Beach properties, working closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to enhance profitability, drive sustainable growth, and elevate guest experiences.