Marriott creates new MEA sales and marketing role

Marriott International has appointed Neil Jones to the newly created position of chief sales and marketing officer for the Middle East and Africa, in order to cater for the growing number of properties in the hotel group's MEA portfolio.

Jones began his career at Marriot 13 years ago as national sales manager in London. He then moved to the Hanbury Manor and Country Club as director of sales and marketing, as well as being director of sales and marketing at the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo in Egypt, before taking on his previous role as vice president within the hotel group's global sales organisation.

Commenting on the appointment Marriott International president and managing director for MEA Alex Kyriakidis said: “Our company has witnessed unprecedented levels of growth in the last few months alone and with 45 new hotels due to join the regional portfolio by 2018, Neil has joined our team at a very exciting time. Not only will he be responsible for driving top line revenue for Marriott International brands, but also ensuring the strategic priorities of sales and marketing are aligned with Marriott International’s vision and priorities.”

Just over thirty years since arriving in the region with the 1980 opening of the 391-room Riyadh Marriott Hotel, Marriott International has established a regional network of 42 properties in 12 countries, offering 12,237 rooms and spanning seven lodging brands, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Residence Inn by Marriott.