Gulf Air Group has appointed Mohamed Matar as its Group Chief People Officer, while Sofitel Dubai Downtown has promoted two senior leaders to key roles. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi has welcomed a new General Manager, and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has bolstered its leadership with two key appointments. Additionally, several industry veterans have retired or moved into new roles, including the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait and the Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality Management Holding.
Group Chief People Officer appointed at Gulf Air Group
GFG has appointed Mohamed Matar as its Group Chief People Officer, effective May 18. Bringing over 16 years of HR experience, including a recent role as Group Head of Human Capital at the National Bank of Bahrain, Matar brings expertise in digital transformation, corporate culture, and performance management. Matar also holds certifications from Wharton, Harvard, and INSEAD, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Wales.
RoyalJet gets new finance VP
Abu Dhabi’s RoyalJet, has named Rakesh Raj as its new Vice President for Finance. Raj brings extensive aviation finance experience from roles at Emirates Airlines, flydubai, Kuwait Airways, and Saudia, and holds qualifications as a Chartered Accountant (India) and Certified Internal Auditor (US). He will lead strategic initiatives in business planning and aircraft financing, driving sustainable growth and innovation as RoyalJet aims to strengthen its global position.
Two leadership appointments for RAKTDA
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has bolstered its leadership with two key appointments. Brent Anderson joins as Chief Commercial Officer to drive global partnerships, marketing, and aviation connectivity, bringing three decades of strategic tourism experience from Tourism Australia.
Meanwhile, Emil Petrov takes on the role of Vice President of Strategy and Insights, bringing over 15 years of strategic leadership from the tourism and telecommunications sectors and a successful stint at Tourism New Zealand. Together their leadership has said to be invaluable for driving RAKTDA’s growth and sustainable tourism.
Two new senior leaders for Sofitel Dubai Downtown
Sofitel Dubai Downtown has promoted Amelia Mejia-Tagon to Director of Sales (Corporate & MICE) and Yasmina Laloun to Director of Marketing, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to gender diversity and leadership development. Tagon, with nearly two decades of experience across corporate strategy and events, will steer corporate sales and MICE initiatives. While 28-year-old Laloun becomes the youngest marketing director in the hotel’s history. She was recently awarded the Young Hotelier of the Year at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2024.
New GM for Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Alex Pichel has been announced as the new General Manager for the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl. Pichel, who began his hospitality career as a bellboy in 1988 and has held leadership roles at prominent brands such as Fairmont, Rocco Forte, Kempinski, Rosewood, and NUO Hotels, brings extensive global luxury hotel management expertise. Having previously served as GM at Hyatt Regency Bishkek in 2006, he expressed his enthusiasm at rejoining the Hyatt family.
New COO for growth at HMH
Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has promoted Haytham Abdelaziz to Chief Operating Officer. With over 24 years of industry experience and notable achievements such as launching Coral Al Madinah and ECOS Dubai hotels, Abdelaziz will drive key initiatives, oversee property launches, and strengthen partnerships. Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi commended his operational expertise and dedication, confident that his leadership will bolster HMH’s long-term growth and performance.
Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait’s hospitality veteran steps down after 50 years of service
General Manager, of Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait, Mounir Amer, retires after over 50 years of distinguished service. His work ethic, problem-solving skills, and ability to foster lasting relationships were recognised as an integral part of the organisation’s success in the region. Colleagues and leaders, including Fahed Abushaar, praised his contributions, describing his retirement as the end of an era that leaves an enduring legacy of excellence within the St. Regis, Sheraton, and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait family.
