Top-level personnel movements underscore Kempinski Hotels commitment to strengthen regional position

Samer Achcar, who formerly headed the Sales and Marketing initiatives at Kempinski Hotel Ajman now takes on a new role as Director of Sales and Marketing at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, while still retaining his Area Director of Sales Middle East title which he is holding since mid 2005; and, Marissa Garcia Olm makes a lateral move from Director of Sales and Marketing in Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea to Kempinski Hotel Ajman.

The new postings underscore the depth of Kempinski's executive team in the region, each of whom has shown remarkable leadership and regional expertise. The strength of the regional team contributed to the group's achievements last year, which included impressive occupancy rates and new property launches.

"Our sales and marketing team in our properties throughout the region have performed well beyond expectations. Two executives who have demonstrated commendable efforts were Samer Achcar and Marissa Garcia Olm. I am confident in their ability to manage the challenges and demands required by their new assignments," said Ulrich Eckhardt, Senior Vice President, Area Middle East and Africa, Kempinski Hotels. "I am also certain they will continue to excel in their new posts.''

With more than a decade of experience in the Middle East hospitality industry, Samer Achcar has held posts in a number of high profile properties throughout the region. He also was part of the pre-opening team at the Kempinski Hotel Julai'a in Kuwait where he served as Director of Sales and Marketing. Achcar's regional expertise are an added advantage in driving sales and marketing efforts in the area generally and for Kempinski Hotel Mall of The Emirates particularly to achieve new levels of growth for the group in this region.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. El Achcar said: "I am very excited about this new role as it is a challenging step in my career. My overriding goal is to lead the team in exceeding last year's performance and further boost Kempinski's growing presence in the region."

Garica Olm also boasts an impressive hospitality career, having worked as part of the pre-opening team at Emirates Palace as Director of Sales Leisure, in addition to a number of senior postings with five-star properties throughout the Middle East.

Speaking about her new position Ms. Garcia Olm said, "After successfully driving the sales and marketing initiatives at the newly opened Kempinski Ishtar, I look forward to the challenge working at an established property like Kempinski Hotel Ajman and further developing the local, regional and international business."