JP Kavanagh joins Sheraton Dubai as new GM

The Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel, which recently opened in March 2013, has welcomed John Paul (JP) Kavanagh as its new general manager.

Kavanagh, who moved to Dubai from his previous role as general manager for The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, Scotland, will now oversee a number of new developments at the hotel including the launch of the Link@Sheraton Café and Shine Spa for Sheraton.

Commenting on the appointment Starwood Hotels & Resorts Middle East senior vice president, regional director Guido de Wilde said: “After leading a flagship Sheraton property, we are delighted to have JP as the General Manager of the Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel. With his solid experience, strong leadership and energy, JP is a great addition to our team and we are excited to have him in the Middle East.”

Kavanagh began his career at Starwood in 2000 at the Westin, Dublin, Starwood first Irish hotel as the rooms division manager.

Later, in 2003 he became operations manager at the Westin Turnberry resort, in Ayrshire before taking up a position as GM at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh.

Over his seven-year tenure Kavanagh oversaw the refurbishment and brand re-positioning of the hotel, as well as the addition of eight new treatment rooms and a Sheraton fitness facility to the hotel’s spa area.