The hospitality sector is strengthening its leadership this week, with The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, and Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana all announcing key executives and managers. Here’s more about them:
New F&B Director for Ritz Carlton, Doha
Koni Kim has been appointed as the new Director of Food & Beverage for The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. This is not her first appointment with the Ritz-Carlton brand. Kim previously managed The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s F&B operations and led the award-winning Knife & Spoon restaurant in Orlando to its first Michelin Star. Kim is no stranger to generating high revenue streams, as Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes’ Senior Food & Beverage Manager, she made the venue one of the higher earners in the portfolio.
In her new role, Kim will oversee the hotel’s restaurants, bars, banqueting, and catering services. Her extensive experience and leadership are expected to bring a fresh perspective to The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s culinary operations.
New General Manager for Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
New General Manager Elena Schwartz is bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience to Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Schwartz’s career highlights include key roles at The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh, and key positions at the Shangri-La Group, Rixos Hotels, Deutsche Hospitality, and Radisson Hotels.
She is known for her expertise in revenue growth, operational optimisation and team engagement. As GM, she will be looking at ways to bring the hotel to the forefront of the business hospitality sector while championing female leadership in Dubai hospitality.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah’s new Director of Finance
Yousef Masharqa has been appointed as the new Director of Finance at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Masharqa, a Jordanian national, brings over 15 years of experience in financial management across international hotel brands such as Marriott, Rotana, and Accor.
Working in various countries, he is known for his expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations. Masharqa will oversee financial and compliance operations at the hotel, ensuring international standards are met and the financial strategies of the hotel are realised.
F&B Director appointed for Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
Margaret Tlau has been named the new Director of Food & Beverage at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana. Tlau, who started her career as Assistant Outlet Manager with Rotana in 2015, has climbed the ranks through her dedication and leadership. Tlau’s proven track record and innovative approach are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the hotel’s dining operations, ensuring high-quality service and guest satisfaction.
In her new role, she will focus on strategic planning, menu development, and enhancing guest experiences, aiming to elevate the hotel’s food and beverage offerings to new heights.
New Cluster GM for Marriott’s Sindalah properties
Marriott International has appointed Belal Al Kadry as Cluster General Manager to lead its upcoming portfolio of properties within NEOM’s Sindalah Island project in Saudi’s Tabuk province. The portfolio comprises four distinctive lifestyle hotels including a 70 key Luxury Collection Resort; a 66 key Autograph Collection Resort; a 115 key Luxury Collection All-Suites Hotel and a 218 key Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy.
With 25 years of hospitality experience across the Middle East with Marriott International, Al Kadry and has driven exceptional results through delegations, events and conventions with major properties including Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha and Sheraton Grand Doha Resort.
