Hilton appoints cluster properties’ directors in Dubai and Beirut

The Hilton Dubai cluster has appointed Julien Besançon (1) as cluster director of operations for Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk. Besançon brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including eight years with Hilton Group across the Middle East. He is returning to Hilton Dubai from Hilton Doha, where he was the director of operations and won the EMEA Hilton F&B team of the year award in 2015. Hilton has also named Malek Fakhro (2) as cluster director of business development for Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace. In his new role, Fakhro will develop and lead the commercial strategy of the group in Lebanon. Previously, Fakhro served as complex director of sales at Marriott International for Aloft Riyadh and Dhahran.