Emaar names GM for recently-acquired Dubai hotels

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of global developer Emaar, has appointed Stefan Viard as general manager of Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels.

The group took over operations at the Downtown properties in Dubai from South African operator Tsogo Sun earlier this year.

Viard will be responsible for the overall operation of the two properties – from rooms to guest service – in addition to implementing and driving marketing goals.

German-French born Viard was previously hotel manager and acting general manager at The Address Dubai Mall, under Emaar Hospitality Group’s flagship brand The Address Hotels + Resorts.

“It’s an exciting task to be at the helm of these two hotels located in the heart of one of Dubai’s most vibrant tourist districts, Downtown Dubai, billed as ‘The Centre of Now.’ With Emaar Hospitality Group assuming the management of the two hotels, we have several new offerings in store for our guests. We will continue to uphold the key differentials, built on location, service and guest benefits, that have set apart Emaar’s hotel assets,” said Viard in a statement.

Bringing more than 14 years of international experience in the service and hospitality industry, Viard joined Emaar Hospitality Group in August 2008 as executive assistant manager, food and beverage for The Address Dubai Marina.

He played a significant role in setting up the key processes for the opening of the hotel and contributed to building the concept of the hotel’s interior, and its F&B offerings. During his tenure as EAM, Food & Beverage, he also managed the entire hotel as acting general manager and was promoted to the role of resident manager.

In July 2010, he took over the management of operations at The Address Dubai Mall where his efforts led to a promotion to the role of hotel manager and acting general manager of the property.

Viard is a fluent speaker of English, French and German.