Sezgin Rezidor's new Regional Sales and Marketing Director

In his new role, Turkish national Sezgin will be responsible for driving forward the Brussels-based Group's short and long-term sales strategies, various marketing initiatives as well as supporting new hotel openings throughout the region.

With a number of key properties coming onboard across the MENA region in 2009, including the debut of mid-market brand, Park Inn, as well as the group's luxury lifestyle brand, Hotel Missoni, Sezgin will focus on strengthening Rezidor's sales and marketing operations in order to meet increasing market expectations.

Sezgin, who joins the Rezidor's regional corporate team from the Radisson SAS Hotel in Dubai Deira Creek, said:

"In 2009 we will increase our sales and marketing activities to the maximum and further expand our sales teams across the region. We currently hold a strong market position and need to continue to capitalise on our growth prospects."

"Due to the current global economical downturn we are well aware that we have to carefully analyse our sales strategies and remain flexible in order to adapt quickly to changing market conditions if required. I am confident that our conclusive hedging policy and strong sales and marketing structure will hold us in good stead as we move forward," he added.

Sezgin has also reiterated Rezidor's commitment to targeting non-traditional emerging markets in order to attract new business for its current operating portfolio in the region.

"Of course we will continue to place significant emphasis on the traditional tourist markets of Europe, Russia and the surrounding region, including India, which remains an important feeder market for the Middle East. Nevertheless we also aim to increase awareness in up-and-coming markets such as Iran and South America where there is a lot of potential," said Sezgin, who has more than eight years of Middle East experience and 14 years in the industry in total.

Prior to taking up his current role, Sezgin held a number of sales and marketing positions throughout the region including in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. His most recent achievement was overseeing the re-branding of the Radisson SAS, Hotel Dubai Deira Creek from its former operator, InterContinental. In addition, Sezgin was tasked with the promotion of the property's 16 award-winning food and beverage outlets.