New appointments

CRISTINA POLO takes over as director of business development at Hospitality Management Holdings. She has over 15 years of strong experience in the field. Her last position was with The Rezidor Hotel Group in Dubai as director of revenue optimization Middle East (Arabic Peninsula, Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia). In her new role, she will be responsible for all sales and revenue generation. She will also oversee marketing.

SUMIT KUMAR has been appointed executive chef at Citymax Hotels. He has been part of the hospitality division of the Landmark Group, with more than 25 years experience in the F&B industry. In his current portfolio, Kumar will be overseeing a very varied dining portfolio; a contemporary menu mix in The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill, authentic North Indian cuisine in Claypot.

ANDREW SUMMERS has been appointed managing director for Air Charter Service Middle East. He will be headquartered in Dubai. In his new role, Summers will further grow the potential of all three divisions: cargo, group charter and private charter as well as expanding the team in each division.

SEBASTIAN NOHSE has been appointed director of culinary at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. In his capacity as director of culinary, Nohse will lead a team of 280 chefs, manage 22 kitchens and operate an array of dining outlets including Atul Kochhar’s Rang Mahal, Nawwara, an outlet serving Levantine cuisine and Prime 68, the steakhouse located on the 68^th floor.

ABDULLAH MELHEM has been appointed director of operations at Hospitality Management Holdings. He brings with him over 14 years of experience in the industry with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and 15 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. During his last posting at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, he served as the area manager for Makkah and Madina as well as the general manager of Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers. In his new role Abdullah will be responsible for all operational issues of HMH portfolio and will also be in charge of all pre-openings.

AKBER BANA has been appointed manager – revenue & distribution at Hospitality Management Holdings. He brings with him more than 10 years of experience working with Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa – Dubai, Sheraton Karachi, Marriott Karachi. In his new role, Bana will be responsible for all revenue and distribution including e-commerce, social media and loyalty programs.

ROGER SAAD has been appointed director of sales and marketing at Park Hyatt Dubai. His primary role will be to continue to build and manage client relationships, and to lead and nurture sales, event sales, marketing communications and revenue teams. He will also play a primary role in assessing and planning the hotel’s sales strategy, and will lead on its implementation.