New general manager for Holiday Inn Al Barsha

Holiday Inn Al Barsha has welcomed JS Anand, coming from Marriott in Toronto, Canada as its new general manager.

The Canadian citizen, who hails from India, joins the property with a long career in hospitality, stretching back to 1993, when he graduated with a diploma in hotel management.

He started his career in India and worked with Marriott International as director of marketing for Goa Marriott, based in Mumbai, until 2001 when he moved to Canada. He started as business travels sales manager at Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside, before becoming director of operations at Le Soleil, formerly a Sheraton property.

Anand then spent two and a half years with Delta Hotels, and a further two years with Hilton, as director of sales and marketing for a cluster in Toronto. He finally became a general manager in 2010 at Marriott International’s Fairfeild Inn & Suites Mississauga, Canada, from where he moves.

Anand said: "Dubai is one of the most vibrant and challenging hotel markets worldwide, and my experience in international sales and marketing and operations in North America will be invaluable in consolidating the considerable success the hotel already enjoys with its reputation for professionalism and engagement with the community.”