Landmark hospitality property appoints new General Manager

Van Opstal arrived in Dubai in June 2004 and will be taking over from James Munro, one of the longest standing General Managers in the city, who will continue as Area Manager for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Dubai.

German-born van Opstal arrives in Dubai after a two-year assignment in the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers and with over 24 years of experience in the service industry in 10 properties, including 8 Sheraton hotels.

A graduate from the Bergius Hotel School in Frankfurt, Germany, he began his hotel career with the Sheraton Frankfurt and in 1982 was transferred to the Sheraton Dubai Hotel & Towers, his first posting abroad.

He left after a period of 4 years in the capacity of Food and Beverage Manager to work throughout Asia Pacific in namely Brunei, Singapore, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and then Hong Kong.

"I am very excited to be coming back and making Dubai my home once again," said van Opstal.

"I have seen Dubai growing and developing at an incredible pace over the past few years, including the Sheraton Dubai Creek which underwent an impressive renovation in October 2002," he explained. "I look forward to being part of this vibrant community and a city that's so alive."

In 1994, van Opstal moved to the Sheraton Towers Singapore in his first posting as General Manager and then moved on to Kuala Lumpur, followed by the Karachi Sheraton Hotel & Towers, his last posting prior to Riyadh.

Fluent in English, French, Dutch and German, van Opstal's extensive experience includes a number of prestigious awards such as Resident Manager of the Year by ITT Sheraton Asia-Pacific in 1991 and the Excellence in Service Award by the Singapore Tourist Promotion from 1988 - 1991.

With a strong background in food and beverage, his other qualifications include hotel development, statistical analysis, financial analysis, communications, marketing, human resources, training, menu planning, purchasing, cost analysis and control, hotel operations and problem solving.

"The Sheraton Dubai Creek has been serving both business and leisure travelers for the past 26 years and is an integral part of the Dubai society," concludes van Opstal. "I look forward to being a part of the team and to continue the ongoing success of this well-established property."