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.
A touch of Provencal charm with chef Rita Yazbek
Chef Rita Yazbek’s culinary journey in the world of hospitality and gastronomy is nothing short of inspiring. Having worked alongside renowned chefs like Adrien Trouilloud and Alain Ducasse, she played an instrumental role in the success of SUD Restobar, which she co-founded. Yazbek is now embarking on an exciting culinary adventure with her new project Cezanne in Dbayeh, just outside Beirut. We find out more about the venue that exudes Provencal charm.
5 minutes with Etienne Sabbagh the visionary behind Baron
Etienne Sabbagh, owner of Baron restaurant, Beirut, has 23 years of expertise in F&B and operations management. In an exclusive interview he reveals the recipe for success.
IHG debuts its first urban luxury resort and spa in Riyadh
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa to its portfolio of resorts in KSA.
Nicolas Broumana discusses experiential dining at The NEST, Lebanon
Nicolas Broumana strongly believes that people never forget how you made them feel. With approximately 30 years of experience in hotels, fine-dining restaurants and nightlife destinations, coupled with extensive expertise in conceptualizing and adapting new concepts to the local market, Broumana is well versed in what it takes to success. Here, he provides insight into his exciting new venture, The NEST.
Guillaume Ferraz brings the vibrancy of day life to Sunset Hospitality Group
Guillaume Ferraz, managing director of the Sunset Hospitality Group Daylife division, oversees the group’s beachfront and pool experiences. He brings two decades of experience to the role, spanning beach club and restaurant operations, overall team management and leadership, as well as strategic and commercial execution. Here, he discusses SHG’s day-life destinations and reflects on his career path
Embarking on a new adventure in Doha with Amjad Audat
As the newly appointed general manager of Le Méridien City Center Doha, Amjad Audat is an expert in strategic planning for hospitality organizations. Here, he tells us more about his career and plans for the property.
Luxury-infused guest experiences with Zaid Mashini
Zaid Mashini, a visionary leader, discusses his recent appointment as hotel manager of IHG Jordan and unveils his vision for the future of the property.
60 seconds with Charles Fisher, GM of Four Seasons Cairo at First Residence
An intrepid globetrotter, tenacious problem solver and luxury hospitality aficionado, Charles Fisher wears the various hats of a hotelier with ease. He brings more than two decades of experience to his current role as general manager of Four Seasons Cairo at First Residence, where we caught up with him for an exclusive interview.
