The latest appointments

MIKE ROCK has been appointed sales manager for Central Asia and the Levant at British Airways. As part of his new role, Rock will be managing the airline’s sales teams across Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon and Jordan, overseeing sales and supporting the airline’s growth in the region. He will also be responsible for developing tailored solutions for corporate travellers, special sales offers for the region, while at the same time building the airline’s relationship with local travel agent partners.

AMMAR ZAKARIA has been appointed director of human resources for the Royal Rose. The soon to open five-star hotel by the Bin Ham Group and managed by the City Seasons Group of Hotels. He brings 20 years of experience working in various brands including Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Muscat and Iberotel Hotels & Resorts in UAE. In his current role, Zakaria’s main task is to provide support and direction for the property in all aspects of human resources.

MICHAEL KAPPES has been appointed director of business development for the Royal Rose. The soon to open five-star hotel by the Bin Ham Group and managed by the City Seasons Group of Hotels. He brings with him over 35 years of experience, working with national and international hotel brands. Kappes will lead and direct a team of 16 sales and revenue professionals to prepare for opening.

SALEM AL MESMARI has been appointed airport manager in the Republic of the Seychelles for Etihad Airways. Based in Mahé, Al Mesmari is responsible for overseeing the airline’s operations at Seychelles International Airport and operation of its three times a week service.

YASSER EL SAYED has been promoted to hotel manager for Ramada Sharjah.  In his new role, El Sayed will be responsible for overseeing operations and day-to-day management of the hotel and its team, including budgeting, planning, organising and directing all hotel services. He joined Ramada Sharjah`s pre-opening team in 2010 as a front office director, then served as director of operations until his current promotion to hotel manager.

JOACHIM TEXTOR has been appointed executive chef of Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort and Spa. In his new role, he will managing a team of 95 kitchen staff across the resort’s six outlets: Crescendo, Mekong, Bushman’s Australian Bar & Restaurant, The Beach House, Lotus Lounge and Mai Bar as well as room service and catering for meetings and events, Textor brings to his role more than 30 years’ experience gained from across the globe.