Hyatt announced key senior leadership appointments in the region

July 30,2018 0 Rana Friefer

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Hyatt) announced the appointment of Kurt Straub as vice president of operations Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia and Ludwig Bouldoukian as regional vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa.

With determined and imminent growth plans across the entire region, Hyatt is building a steadfast and resourceful team, spearheaded by Straub to handle the envisaged expansion. The company is set to double its portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2022.

Kurt Straub is responsible for the efficient operations of Hyatt’s hotel network, talent development and owner relations in the Middle East and Africa, extending to the wider Asian portfolio including Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. His responsibilities also encompass overseeing and executing of the company’s operational strategy and driving strategic growth for Hyatt’s brands in the region, as part of Hyatt’s global expansion plans. With the recently announced Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, marking the lifestyle brand’s entry into the Middle East and the anticipated openings of Hyatt Centric The Palm Dubai, Hyatt Place Riyadh Sulaimania and Hyatt House Jeddah/Sari Street, which will mark the debut for the select service brands in Saudi Arabia, Hyatt plans to bring three new brands to the Middle East by 2019.

Straub joins Hyatt’s regional team in Dubai with more than 25 years of experience from Hyatt brands across the world. His most recent assignment was Vice President of Operations for India, responsible for executing the company’s operational and growth strategy in the country, which saw him achieve numerous successes, taking the brand’s presence in the South Asian region from strength to strength. He has previously been named Hotelier of the Year in Switzerland for his notable outstanding services in and contributions to the hospitality industry.

As Regional Vice President of Development, Middle East and North Africa, Ludwig Bouldoukian will support the senior managerial department by recognizing key areas of progress in the region. Ludwig will also be working to expand and diversify the organization’s resources in the region, through creating and implementing strategic development plans. Accumulating more than a decade of hospitality experience, he has worked with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Marriott across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and most recently held the role of Senior Director of Development and Acquisitions, with Marriott International in Dubai.

Anticipated openings in the Middle East & Africa by 2022 include: