Rotana Hotels announces new appointments for General Managers and key positions

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Mr. Imad Elias: "We are expanding at a phenomenal rate and because of this our resources are well focused on our own employees and their retention. Our distinction is our passion for the business, to become the best hotel chain and our challenge is to deliver what we promise. So far, we haven't failed to deliver on that promise especially to our employees. I am pleased to announce several promotions & transfers."

Rotana Hotel-Al Ain

Rotana Hotels has recently appointed Ayman Gharib as General Manager for Al Ain, Rotana Hotel-Al Ain.

Ayman Gharib has recently moved from his role as General Manager for Sharjah Rotana Hotel to become a General Manager for Rotana Hotels five-star property Al Ain Rotana Hotel.

Ayman studied Hotel Management at Helwan University-Cairo. In 2003 he moved to continue his education at Cornell University of Hotel Administration in Brussels, followed by joining the C.L.L University to complete his qualifications.

He started his carrier in 1989 at Hilton, over 18 years in the hospitality industry, climbed the career ladder up to top managerial positions.

In 2004 Ayman joined Rotana Hotels as Resident Manager at Towers Rotana Hotel. During his career with Rotana Hotels, Ayman was involved with many of the company's developments projects. One of his achievements was his two months task in leading the pre-opening of the Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, the newest 5 star resort in Sharm el Sheikh - Egypt.

Ayman Gharib will focus on the expansion of Al Ain Rotana Hotel and further strengthening the property's leading role in the city of resorts Al Ain.

Rotana's forthcoming landmark Suites property in Dubai

Meanwhile Kinan Al Ghraoui has been appointed as General Manager for Rotana's forthcoming landmark Suites property in Dubai.

Kinan Al Ghraoui most recently held the position of General Manager for the three suites properties in Dubai; Villa, Rihab and Rimal Rotana Suites. Being a veteran in the hospitality industry for more than 28 years, his distinguished track record incorporates extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

Kinan started his career with Le Meridien Hotels in Abu Dhabi and over span of 15 years, climbed the career ladder up to top managerial positions.

He joined Rotana Hotels in 1996 as Manager of Rimal Rotana Suites and further on proudly took charge of the successful openings of Rihab and Villa Rotana Suites. Under his management, Villa Rotana Suites was awarded Best 4 Star New Hotel in the Middle East and North Africa by MENA Travel Award, 2005.

Kinan graduated from Hotel Management School in Damascus, escalating his expertise in France and Belgium, in higher specialized institutions.

In his new capacity, Kinan Al Ghraoui will be directing the overall management and operation of this new property, focusing on positioning it among the rapidly growing market and raising the bar of service excellence to higher levels.

Kuwait Al Manshar Rotana Hotel

In Kuwait, Rotana Hotels has announced the newly appointed General Manager Pierre Zayoun for its recently opened five-star hotel in Kuwait Al Manshar Rotana Hotel.

Pierre Zayoun is no stranger to Rotana Hotels; he has been transferred from Al Ain Rotana Hotel after spending 12 years working within the hospitality industry in the United Arab Emirates.

A Hotel Management graduate from Montreal Canada, his career began in 1995 within the five-star Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers in Abu Dhabi, progressing through Banqueting, F&B, Sales & Marketing, moving on to Al Ain Rotana Hotel as Food & Beverage Manager in 1999, and promoted later to General Manager in 2005.

In his new assignment, Pierre will be overseeing the day to day operation of the property and further strengthening the property's leading role in Kuwait.

Rihab Rotana Suites-Dubai

Meanwhile, Gemmy Dimitry moves from his role as Hotel Manager of Rimal Rotana Suites, after having had successfully managed the transformation of the property and its high positioning amid the evolving and competitive market, to become the Hotel Manager of Rihab Rotana Suites.

His valuable experience and expertise comprise more than 15 years in the hospitality industry throughout the Middle East, having worked with le Meridien and Forte Grand in Abu Dhabi, Sawadi beach Resort in Oman, Sharjah Rotana Hotel and most recently Rimal Rotana Suites.

In his new assignment, Gemmy will be overseeing the day to day operation of the property, taking charge of carrying the service standards and guest experiences to higher level of satisfaction.

Director of Design

Rotana Hotels has promoted Najee Syriani to Director of Design.

Najee Syriani graduated from the Lebanese University with a Masters degree in Architecture. Throughout his university years, Najee was involved in several design projects; from set design to large mixed-use developments, he had the opportunity to experience a wide spectrum of design aspects ranging from Interior Design to Architecture.

In September 2003, Najee joined Dubai based contracting company DCE, known for being one of the major players in the "design and build" construction industry. Having held the position of designer/ project architect, he gained considerable experience in turnkey projects since the first conceptual draft to the final hand over

End of 2005, Najee joined Rotana Hotels Corporate Office as Senior Architect within the Technical Services team responsible for the architectural aspects of the 35 properties under development.

In his new assignment, he will be heading the design team of architects and interior designers to monitor the aggressive expansion plan of the company within the coming years.

Associate VP - Engineering

Finally, Rotana Hotels announced the recent promotion of Sleiman Abou Hanna to Associate Vice President - Engineering.

Graduated in 1992 with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Sleiman started his career as a Maintenance Engineer in Maliban, a leading glass factory in Lebanon; In 1993 he joined Pace Contractors as MEP Engineer responsible for several company projects, In 1996 he was promoted to Projects Manager.

Sleiman is no stranger to Rotana Hotels, as he joined the pre opening team of Gefinor Rotana Hotel in the capacity of Chief Engineer, In 2003 he was promoted to Area Chief Engineer - Levant and assisted in the opening of Hazmieh Rotana Hotel, Queen Center Rotana Suites and was part of the Technical Services team of Raouche Rotana Suites project.

Since 2006 Sleiman joined Rotana Corporate office in the capacity of Director of Technical Services where his main role was to ensure that Rotana specifications and standards were implemented throughout the 25 Rotana projects under construction, he assisted with the opening of 4 additional Rotana hotels in the Dubai, Fujairah, Kuwait & Sudan.