WTTC
London
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that Gloria Guevara has been appointed President & CEO by its Operating Committee. Returning to the role she successfully held from 2017 to 2021, Guevara has more than three decades of experience.
Sun Siyam Group
Maldives
Sun Siyam Group promotes Deepak Booneady to Group Chief Executive Officer. Booneady has been a central figure in the group’s transformation, having served as CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts with distinction. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the brand.
United Hospitality
Dubai
United Hospitality Management (UHM) has promoted Klaus Assmann to the position of CEO for Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. The move comes nine months after he joined the group as COO. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the group’s growth strategy.
The Bench
Dubai
Muhammad Ahmed has been promoted to Head of Marketing, taking on the responsibility for marketing strategy and execution across the entire Bench portfolio. Previously Senior Marketing Manager, Ahmed played a key role in growing brand visibility.
The Bench
Dubai
Marina Franolic has been appointed Investor Relations Director, expanding The Bench’s focus on building a strong, engaged global investor community. Franolic will lead efforts to grow investor participation across The Bench platforms, ensuring investors are effectively supported, connected, and served. Her role is central to strengthening long-term relationships with capital providers.
The Bench
Dubai
The Bench has promoted Mala Patel to Chief Operating Officer for AviaDev, an exhibition organised by the parent company. Patel will continue to oversee Africa operations. Patel has been a part of the AviaDev journey since 2016, when the event was launched alongside what is now FHS Africa with just 80 attendees. Patel’s focus will be on operational excellence and long-term growth.
Our Habitas Ras Abrouq
Qatar
Our Habitas has appointed John Halliday as General Manager of Our Habitas Ras Abrouq. With over 28 years of global hospitality experience, Halliday brings a proven track record of operational excellence, brand leadership, and luxury resort management to the role.
GEWAN Hotels and Resorts
Abu Dhabi
GEWAN Hotels and Resorts has appointed
Moutaz Nazzal as Group Director of Hotel Operations. In the new role, Nazzal will provide strategic leadership for hotel operations across all properties under the GEWAN Hotels and Resorts umbrella.
Club Med
EMEA Region
Club Med has appointed Charlotte Bernin as CEO – Europe, Middle East, and Africa markets. Together with the EMEA teams, she will be responsible for transforming the company’s new plan, Forever Young, into concrete drivers of performance, efficiency, and growth.
The First Group Hospitality
Dubai
The First Group Hospitality has appointed Robyn James-O’Connor as Senior Vice President – Marketing. She will oversee brand, advertising, PR, social, digital, and development marketing. She has also served Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
The First Group Hospitality
Dubai
Antonio Bissoni assumes the role of Vice President – Commercial at The First Group Hospitality, with responsibility for revenue management, guest engagement centres, distribution, and commercial strategies. Bissoni will focus on maximising profitability through data-driven revenue management and pricing strategies, optimised distribution channel management, and advanced analytics.
The First Group Hospitality
Dubai
Sohail Pedari takes on the role of Vice President – Sales at The First Group Hospitality. He brings senior commercial leadership experience with global hospitality brands, including Hilton, Marriott International, and Rocco Forte Hotels, as well as prior service as Head of Commercial & Cultural Affairs at the Italian Consulate General in Dubai.
