Talking about whisky with James Cowan, sales director of Waterford Whisky
James Cowan oversees global commercial interest in both Waterford Whisky and Renegade Rum. Here, he highlights the distinctiveness of both brands and identifies the latest market trends.
60 seconds with chef de cuisine Eliana Cortes of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
Eliana Cortes, chef de cuisine at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, has a penchant for traveling, food and wine. In this interview, she shares her past and future endeavors.
The future of luxury hospitality with Sherief Abouelmagd, cluster GM of Steigenberger Doha
Sherief Abouelmajd, a seasoned hotelier with over 30 years of experience spanning the USA, North Africa, the Middle East and GCC countries, has a wealth of operational expertise. As general manager of the Steigenberger Hotel Doha, he reveals the latest hospitality trends and the strategies he has implemented to ensure the hotel delivers exceptional guest experiences.
In focus: Saudi Arabia’s hospitality boom with Marco Rentsch
Marco Rentsch, a partner at PwC’s Global Consulting Hospitality & Tourism Center of Excellence, has two decades of experience in consulting across EMEA, collaborating primarily with significant government entities in Saudi Arabia. His expertise revolves around crafting and executing innovative strategies that are shaping the dynamic hospitality and tourism sector within KSA. In this exclusive interview, he sheds light on the ever-changing landscape of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry.
Talking about Saudi Arabia with Aldert van Zyl, GM of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh
Aldert van Zyl has over 20 years’ experience in hospitality across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He believes that consistency is the key to success and does not shy away from risks, especially in his role as GM of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center. Here, he tells us about his journey to the top, his plans for the hotel and how KSA’s hospitality scene is evolving.
Spotlight on Coral Beach Beirut with new GM Georges Chakra
Georges Chakra, general manager of Coral Beach Beirut, has a proven track record in the hospitality industry. With extensive experience in overseeing all aspects of the hotel, he shares his vision for establishing and cultivating a customer-centric service culture, as well as ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations that consistently surpass guest expectations.
Interview with Maximilian Rauch, Ascott’s head of F&B for Middle East, Africa and Turkey
Throughout his impressive career, Maximilian Rauch has held key positions across the hospitality and corporate sectors. In his new role, he will be responsible for Ascott’s portfolio of owners and restaurant operators across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Turkey and Kenya, creating dedicated training programs, implementing customized service solutions and bolstering industry specific partnerships to strengthen the group’s F&B offerings. With his extensive background in culinary management, Rauch tells us how he is planning to elevate Ascott’s F&B offerings.
Getting to know Imad Akil, GM of Centro Mada Amman by Rotana
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Imad Akil, GM of Centro Mada Amman by Rotana, has successfully led the opening of multiple hotels in the region. In addition, he has played a pivotal role in supporting Rotana’s head office through various field visits and corporate initiatives. We sat down with the accomplished hotelier to discuss the hotel’s sustainability pledge and how the Jordan’s hospitality sector is evolving.
Looking into the future of luxury hospitality with David Wilson
HN spoke with David Wilson, an industry veteran and GM of Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, to find out what the future holds for the luxury property.
Hospitality in Oman with Mehmet Tunç Müstecaplıoğlu
A passionate hotelier, Mehmet Tunç Müstecaplıoğlu, area general manager of Orascom Hotels Management – Oman Hotels, strives to train managers and colleagues to take the next step and grow prosperously in their careers. In this exclusive interview, he shares his hospitality experiences in Oman.
