Appointments
Shibeer Ahmed
International law firm Winston & Strawn has chosen Shibeer Ahmed as partner and head of banking and Islamic finance at its Dubai office. Ahmed joins the firm from White & Case where he served as head of the firm’s GCC conventional and Islamic bank finance division. He has also worked in key markets of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa gaining know-how of banking practices in the region. In his new role he will focus on developing the company’s corporate department and project finance service divisions, as well as broadening its customer base and strengthening existing relationships.
Olivier Harnisch
Emaar Properties has appointed Olivier Harnisch as the chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, its hospitality and leisure business. Harnisch brings to Emaar more than three decades of international experience in the hotel and tourism industry. He has served with several regional and global brands such as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Hilton Worldwide. At Emaar, Harnisch will focus on furthering guest experiences, implementing new strategies that will create a long-term value for all stakeholders, and drive global operations.
Colin Dowall
Real estate investment and advisory firm JLL has appointed company veteran Colin Dowall as the regional director and head of property and asset management services for the MENA region. He has worked with JLL for more than 20 years, serving in the company’s Europe, Far East and Middle East offices. Dowall will be based in Dubai to lead the firm’s property management services for clients across the MENA region. He will also build on the firm’s regional capabilities and develop a sustainable business growth model.
Ranjit Phillipose
Taj Dubai has appointed Ranjit Phillipose as general manager. Phillipose has served at Taj for the past 20 years holding several senior development roles and overseeing the opening of the eight hotels and the rebranding of other projects. He has a proven record of attaining growth, expanding market share and boosting revenues. As general manager, he will look to strengthen the hotel brand in the region by introducing innovative products and tapping into new market segments.