MOVEMNETS

United Hospitality

Dubai

United Hospitality Management (UHM) has appointed Klaus Assmann as Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, India & Southeast Asia. A veteran in the industry, Assmann brings nearly four decades of international leadership, with a stellar track record in luxury hotel operations, asset enhancement, strategic development and large-scale mixed-use hospitality projects. Having led world-class projects and pre-openings, Assmann’s global experience adds unparalleled depth to UHM’s leadership team.

 

Hilton

Dubai

Hilton has appointed Liz Perkins as the Vice President, Commercial, Middle East and Africa (MEA). Perkins most recently served as Vice President, Commercial Operations, Asia Pacific at Hilton and moves to Dubai to take on the new role, which will see her oversee commercial performance at more than 150 hotels across MEA. She has more than 20 years of revenue management and commercial experience across Asia Pacific, Europe and MEA – including five years at Hilton.

 

Hospitality Management Holding

Dubai

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has promoted Haytham Abdelaziz to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). With his proven leadership and operational excellence, Abdelaziz has played a pivotal role in driving HMH’s success. In his new role, he will oversee the execution of key initiatives, ensuring optimal performance across the group’s portfolio and driving the launch of upcoming properties. His achievements include leading the successful openings of the Coral Al Madinah Hotel and ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan.

 

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Aloft Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Aloft Palm Jumeirah promotes Mohamed Afifi to the role of Multi-Property Director of Sales & Distribution. In his new capacity, Afifi will oversee the sales and distribution strategy for both landmark Marriott properties, shaping a unified commercial vision that reflects his track record of delivering results through innovation, leadership and collaboration. Afifi’s journey is one marked by grit, growth and a clear strategic compass.

 

TIME Hotels

Dubai

TIME Hotels has promoted Soumitra Saha to the position of Chief Financial Officer as the hotel group expands its senior management team, in line with the company’s ambitious growth pipeline throughout the Middle East and Indian Ocean. A chartered accountant with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Saha joined TIME Hotels in 2022 as Vice President of Finance. In his new position, Saha will work closely with Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Awadalla, and Chief Operating Officer, William Costley.

 

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl

Abu Dhabi

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl has appointed Alex Pichel as the General Manager. With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pichel will be overseeing the hotel operation and management functions of the iconic five-star property in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With a wealth of experience managing luxury hotels, Pichel’s expertise will elevate Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl to new heights.

 

Qasar Al Sarab Desert
Resort by Anantara

Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Michele Giraudo as Resort Manager, bringing with him a distinguished career in luxury hospitality management. With experience spanning some of the world’s most renowned resorts, he is well placed to drive the next phase of the resort’s growth. Giraudo’s journey in luxury hospitality began with a strong foundation in food and beverage management.

 

Claridge’s Mayfair

London

Seasoned hotelier Thomas Kochs has been appointed as Managing Director of Claridge’s in Mayfair, by Maybourne, operator of London’s most prestigious hotels, also including The Connaught, The Berkeley and The Emory. This move marks a welcome return to the Maybourne family for Kochs, who was General Manager at Claridge’s from 2009 to 2015. He also held positions at The Berkeley and The Connaught. Over the past 10 years, German-born Kochs has held positions at luxury hotel companies.

 

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Aloft Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

Sonia Parmar has been promoted to the position of Multi-Property Assistant Director of Marketing for Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Aloft Palm Jumeirah. With over 19 years of expertise in Marketing and Communications, Parmar is known for crafting compelling brand narratives and executing high-impact campaigns across digital platforms and experiential marketing.

 

Mango House Seychelles LXR Hotels and Resorts and Canopy by Hilton

Seychelles

Hilton has appointed Hendrick Calles as the Cluster General Manager for Mango House Seychelles and Canopy by Hilton Seychelles. This new role comes as part of his expanded responsibilities as Hilton Area General Manager for Seychelles. Calles brings over 20 years of experience with Hilton, including a successful tenure as General Manager of Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, where he has led for the past two years.

 

The First Group Hospitality               

JVC, Dubai

The First Group Hospitality has appointed Onur Avkan as General Manager of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle. With over a decade of international hospitality experience, Avkan is known for his expertise in optimising operational performance and delivering exceptional guest satisfaction. In his new position, Avkan will oversee the day-to-day operations, strategic business growth and team leadership of The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, located in Dubai’s dynamic community of JVC.

 

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Abu Dhabi

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island appoints Spencer Wadama as the General Manager. With nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Wadama has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest experiences and leading high-performing teams. In his new role, Wadama aims to elevate W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island through strategic leadership, innovative guest offerings and a commitment to service excellence, leveraging his extensive expertise in the hospitality.