Emirates Palace announces the appointment of Willy Optekamp as General Manager

A native of Germany, Optekamp has worked and resided in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and the Middle East during his 40 years experience in the industry. Boasting a track record which includes 10 years experience in the Middle East, Optekamp has ambitious plans for Emirates Palace and is well-equipped to carry them through.

"Emirates Palace brings a new dimension in hospitality to the world of both business and leisure travel and will lead the way in creating a new awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination," said Optekamp. "Its state-of-the-art conference centre and the ultra-luxurious facilities and beach club are sure to place Emirates Palace on the world map as one of the world's finest hotels. My primary goal is to ensure that when guests walk through the Palace gates, they feel as though they have been whisked away to old Arabia with our staff catering to their every whim. Every guest will be treated like royalty. After all, they are at the Palace."

Willy Optekamp's past experience in the region includes opening the Abu Dhabi Sheraton in 1984 which lead to his being recognized with the "UAE's Hotelier of the Year Award." Mr. Optekamp also won the prestigious "German Hotelier of the Year Award in 1990.

Mr. Optekamp's extensive hotel experience also includes senior positions with prestigious international hotel groups such as Vice President of Kempinski's North and West Africa Region, General Manager of Conrad International Continental Singapore during the hotel's pre and post opening, Sheraton's Vice President Area Manager Indonesia, General Manager and Vice President Area Manager Sheraton South Pacific, Hilton Area Food and Beverage Manager Africa, and General Manager of the Jeddah Sheraton Hotel.

Mr. Optekamp received his Grand Diploma from Switzerland's prestigious Lausanne Hotel School and is fluent in German, English and French.