15 January 2017
Experienced Executive team appointed to launch and operate Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi due to open in Q1 2017

Abu Dhabi, UAE - Marriott International, Inc (NASDAQ: MAR) is gearing up to launch its second Marriott Hotel brand property in Abu Dhabi, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan developed by Al Forsan Hotels LLC, under the leadership of the property’s impressive Executive team who will drive the new opening.

Positioned in Al Forsan International Sports Resort, located within Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, the 400-bed five-star Marriott Hotel Al Forsan showcases the Marriott Hotels brand innovation by offering sophisticated design, modern services and amenities that enable the next generation of travellers to ‘Travel Brilliantly’ through every aspect of their stay. From modern guest rooms, high-tech meeting rooms, six signature culinary offerings to extensive sports facilities including an equestrian centre and polo field, a waterski and wakeboarding lake and two indoor paintballing areas - it really does offer something for everyone whether a leisure or business traveller.

In September 2016, Richard Bleakley was appointed General Manager of the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi. Richard has extensive experience within the hospitality industry, beginning his career as an Area Sales Manager for Marriott in the UK. Prior to his new role, Richard was General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi which was the first property to launch in the capital as a Marriott endorsed brand in 2014 and has seen phenomenal success under his leadership. During this time, Richard was awarded the prestigious, Diamond General Manager of the year award by Marriott International. Since his appointment, he has been focused on bringing together a team of industry experts to form the foundations of the management team to soon launch, operate and ensure the hotel lives up to the Marriott Hotels brand promise, which is that travel expands the mind and sparks new ways of thinking.

Speaking ahead of the hotel’s opening, Richard said: “We are extremely proud to open Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, a property that we believe offers facilities unlike any other resort, not just in the capital but the entire UAE. I am fortunate to be leading an incredibly experienced and diverse team made up of more than 50 nationalities, who bring their strengths and expertise to position the property as a destination within a destination. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome guests to experience a combination of sophisticated design and innovation, as well as delivering an unrivalled hospitality experience in the capital.”

The property executive team members include:

  • Saad Al Ghamdi, Director of Sales and Marketing, named Sales Leader of the Year for the Middle East and Africa in 2012, delivered record profits that year in his role as Marriott International Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing at Jeddah & Madinah Marriott Hotels.  Saad started his career with Marriott in 1999 and Marriott Hotel Al Forsan will be Saad’s fourth hotel opening with Marriott International across two different countries and three distinct Marriott International brands. Saad will be responsible for Sales & Marketing for the property.

  • Naleem Ariff, Director of Operations, has more than 13 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and joined Marriott in 2006, where he was appointed Restaurant and Bar Manager of JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai. Previous appointments include the role of Food and Beverage Director at Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club in the United Kingdom, followed byDirector of Operations at the Northampton Marriott Hotel, UK, and then Director of Operations at Leicester Marriott Hotel, UK. In 2015, Naleem made the move oversees to the UAE where he was appointed to Director of Operations at Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, before stepping in as Acting General Manager at the same property in 2016. In his new role as Director of Operations, Naleem will be overseeing the entire operational team to ensure a successful opening of the second Marriott Hotel in the capital. 

  • Alan Paul Myers, Director of Engineering, has over 38 years’ engineering experience in the hospitality industry and started his career with Marriott International in 1997. Prior to this appointment he was Director of Engineering at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, Egypt. Throughout his career, Alan has coordinated numerous projects, renovations and hotel openings and will now in this leadership role oversee the completion of the property, in addition to being responsible for the upkeep and maintenance.

  • Albena Angelova Teophilova, Director of Finance, has over 10 years of experience with Marriott International. Starting her career with the company in 2000, Albena brings strength and depth of finance management expertise to her new role as Director of Finance, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi.

  • Petra Solle, Multi-Property Director of Human Resources, has previously worked as a Human Resources professional across a variety of Marriott hotels in the United Kingdom. Petra brings a solid knowledge of Marriott operations and Human Resources to her new role, having been a part of the pre-opening team of Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi as Director of Human Resources and more recently Director of Human Resources, Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi.

-Ends-

Georgia Adderley 
Account Executive
+971 56 892 0125

© Press Release 2017