DUBAI, UAE - April 15, 2014: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC has announced Ibrahim Barghout as the new Area Vice President of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

In his new role, Barghout will have operational responsibility for Ritz-Carlton hotels in the MEA region, providing oversight and leadership to positively impact hotel performance, portfolio development and owner relations. As Area Vice President for the MEA, Barghout will lead on operational strategy and oversee the hotel operations and performance across the region.  He will also serve as the primary interface with property ownership and support development opportunities.

"With our expanding portfolio in the MEA region, Ibrahim's expertise in development and stakeholder-relations will be an invaluable asset in strengthening our brand footprint and enhancing our range of services. As a master strategist, he will be able to direct our properties to cater to diverse markets, align regional goals to our global success factors and position

Ritz-Carlton as a premium, iconic and aspirational brand catering to the discerning global traveller," said Bob Kharazmi, Global Officer, Worldwide Operations.  

Prior to his current role, Barghout has worked for both the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and its parent company, Marriott International, in a variety of capacities. In his most recent role as the Area Vice President of the Middle East for Marriott International, he was responsible for a portfolio of Marriott's operating properties in the Middle East and was supported the growth and development of Marriott branded hotels in the MEA.

Barghout began his career with Marriott in 1981 and over the years, he has worked at a number of properties in various roles, including Hotel Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City; the Executive Assistant Manager of F&B at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., and as the Corporate Director of Franchise, F&B at Marriott International Headquarters. Barghout has additionally held a number of high profile hotel general manager positions in the Middle East.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 85 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).

© Press Release 2014