UAE, Dubai, 09 August 2012

The Al Habtoor Group announced the appointment of a new general manager for their flagship Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai on August 1, 2012.

Peter O' Connor has over 30 years of experience in the hotel industry at a senior management level and has worked around the world serving with renewed international brand names such as Hilton, Intercontinental, Hyatt, Westin Hotel and Movenpick. He has launched 12 hotels and assisted in the of opening 21 hotels in eight different countries around the world, including Europe, North America, The Caribbean, Hawaii, Asia and the Middle East. His vast experience in running successful operations wnder challenging circumstances is outstanding.

Originally from New York, he comes to Dubai from Singapore where he was employed with the Pacific Star Group. He previously spent four years in Dubai as general manager of the Movenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road.

O' Connor commented on his new position at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa which is a renowned five-star hotel property located on the Jumeraih Beach - Dubai Marina and one of seven hotels owned by the Al Habtoor Group, including the recently acquired Le Meridian Hotel in Budapest, with five more hotels currently in construction.

"I'm delighted to be taking up the role of General Manager of the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa," he said. "I recognise that it has an established reputation for excellence. It's one which I intend not only to keep but to improve on."

He added that the Al Habtoor Group are currently repositioning themselves in terms of markets - moving from being a regional to a global brand. "I have plans to make some very positive changes concerning the Haboor Grand Beach Resort & Spa in this respect," he said. "And I'm enthusiastic about my new role."

He continued: "I was attracted to working for the Al Habtoor Group first and foremost because I was impressed with the Chairman, Khalaf Al Habtoor's obvious commitment to strong values; his forward vision; and his insight into global current affairs, but also because of the company's impressive profile and plans for expansion.

"When it comes to the hospitality industry this is all important and I believe that Habtoor Hotels has a great future ahead of it."

Khalaf Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group commented: "Our portfolio of hotels, not just in the Middle East, but throughout the world is growing and it's a sector which is very important to the Group. It's important therefore that we employ the very best in terms of senior management. Peter O' Connor is I believe of this calibre.  I wish him the very best in his new role."

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About Al Habtoor Group
The Al Habtoor Group has grown with the UAE, and while best known for construction, it is globally recognized through its involvement in the hotel, automotive, real estate, education, insurance and publishing sectors. One of the UAE's most respected and successful businesses, the Al Habtoor Group today operates in the UAE and international markets. Further information is available from our company website, www.habtoor.com

© Press Release 2012