Saudi hotel leader Maram Kokandi has a strong operational and commercial background. Passionate about people development and delivering sustainable results, the hotel manager at JW Marriott shares her perspective on women in leadership.
As a woman leading the way in hospitality, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities in leadership today?
Historically, women faced limited access to leadership roles rather than a lack of capability. However, this challenge has now evolved into an opportunity. Today, hospitality leadership values influence, collaboration and people development. As a result, women are excelling in shaping leadership culture, driving engagement and supporting long-term organizational growth.
How has women’s leadership in Saudi Arabia evolved in recent years?
Women in Saudi Arabia are increasingly moving from support roles into leadership positions. In fact, they are now leading operations, departments and executive strategies. This shift aligns closely with Vision 2030. Consequently, organizations are placing greater emphasis on diversity, leadership development and equal opportunity, while women actively influence decision-making and strategic direction.
How important is career mobility in building a successful hospitality career?
Career mobility plays a critical role in accelerating leadership development. Furthermore, moving across roles, brands or markets strengthens operational knowledge and commercial understanding. For women, especially, this exposure builds confidence and capability. Therefore, success depends on balancing performance, continuous learning and intentional career growth.
What are your priorities as hotel manager?
Currently, my focus is on building a high-performance culture across all areas of the hotel. This includes guest experience, employee engagement and financial results. In addition, I prioritize empowering and developing future leaders. At the same time, I aim to elevate the guest journey through operational excellence. Ultimately, optimizing revenue, efficiency and market positioning remains key. My goal is clear: to create a hotel that performs at the highest level while nurturing the next generation of leaders.
