New Appointments

KERSTIN PUNDT has been appointed director of revenue management at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Pundt has over 24 years’ industry experience and skilled in tactical and strategic revenue management, pricing analytics and is fully engaged in room and non-room revenues targets.

SAYYORA ASATOVA has been appointed director of sales at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. She brings with her over 15 years’ experience in hospitality, Sayyora, from Uzbekistan returns to Jumeirah Group having previously worked in Burj Al Arab as Business Development Manager – leaving in 2007 to become the Associate Director of Business Development at a tourism company.

ABDULLA LAHEJ has been appointed group chief executive officer for Emaar Properties PJSC. He joined Emaar as an assistant project manager in 2000 and has served as project manager, director – construction, senior director – construction and executive director – projects & development of Emaar Properties. He specialises in project development and management, and will now be responsible for working with senior management.

DR RASHID AL GHAILANI has been appointed chief officer – human resources at Oman Air. In his new role, Dr Al Ghailani will focus on implementing the company’s strategies, look to achieve the company’s aims and working closely with the Ministry of manpower to increase employment of Omani nationals.

TINA KIRFEL has been appointed general manager and sales and marketing director – Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Silversea.  As head of the region, she will report directly to the president EMEA & Asia Pacific, Steve Odell and will be based in the Frankfurt office. She brings with her 13 years of experience in the luxury sector. Tina Kirfel will take up her new position in early April.

HANIF ZAKARIA has been appointed general manager for Bangladesh at Etihad Airways. His key responsibilities will be to increase awareness of Etihad Airways and develop and further grow the airline’s relationships with key travel trade and corporate customers across Bangladesh. Zakaria brings with him more than 30 years of aviation and commercial management experience.

GAVIN GLEESON has been appointed executive chef for Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island. In his new role, he will oversee the club’s fine dining restaurant – Le Deck, as well as the Sea Lounge and Bubbles Bar. Gleeson has worked at two Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Dublin, and most recently as executive chef at Marco Pierre White’s Wheelers in Dubai.

PAUL BALFOUR and RIANE STUBBS, Australian Chefs have been taken on by Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi for The Capital Grill. Balfour and Stubbs have introduced a number of unique signature dishes to bring together an innovative menu complemented by an array of side dishes and sauces.

PAUL HUBNER and NICK CORK have been taken on the coaching team at Troon Golf in Abu Dhabi. Both professionals have strong international coaching backgrounds and cite perfect posture as the key to golfing success. These appointments further highlight Troon Golf’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class golf instruction in the capital.

MOSTAFA ABD ELFATTAH EI SAYED has been appointed assistant director of sales at Six Senses Zighy Bay. He brings with him over seven years of extensive hospitality experience to his new role, where he will oversee operations of this key private resort in Oman. Mostafa previously worked at several international properties around the UAE, including the W Doha Hotel & Residences.