PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

MARRIOTT MAKES TWO NEW SENIOR APPOINTMENTS IN UAE Seasoned Marriott International professionals Gerrit Graef and Sandeep Walia will take up the positions of area vice president, Premium & Select Brands, and area vice president, Luxury Brands, respectively in the UAE. After working at Marriott International for over 22 years, Graef has taken on a plethora of roles across brands including Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments in markets such as Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Walia brings extensive experience in the luxury segment to the region, having previously held the position of area vice president, Luxury Brands, for Western Europe. Chadi Nicolas has returned to Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana as its general manager. Nicolas has been associated with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC for 18 years. His previous post was as general manager of Centro Capital Centre and Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana. Emirates Palace has appointed Nicolas Messian as its new hotel manager. Messian will oversee daily operations at the iconic Abu Dhabi hotel. A French national, Messian completed his studies at the famed École Hôtelière de Lausanne, before taking on senior positions at a number of major, 5-star luxury hotels across the world. Marriott International has appointed Jerome Briet as its chief development officer for the Middle East and Africa. Briet was previously the regional vice president, mixed-use development, for the Middle East and Africa. An established industry professional, he has over 15 years of hospitality experience to his name. Royal Savoy Sharm has announced the appointment of Soner Yesilelma as the new general manager for Royal Savoy and Savoy Sharm. During his career, Yesilelma has built up 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to his appointment, he worked with Rixos Hotels Egypt for six years in the capacity of regional director, sales and marketing. Sami Nasser, chief operating officer, Luxury Brands, Middle East, has announced the promotion of Frank Naboulsi to vice president, operations, Egypt. Naboulsi will be responsible for supporting Accor's growing portfolio in the country to manage over six of its properties across Egypt. Guenter Gebhard is the new general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. The appointment places Gebhard at the helm of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious addresses. Gebhard joined Four Seasons in January and is set to play a key role in overseeing a renovation project at Riyadh’s iconic Kingdom Centre.