Anantara changes Abu Dhabi leadership team

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has overhauled its Abu Dhabi leadership team with Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara’s former general manager Wael Soueid promoted to area general manager.

Soueid’s 20 years of international experience will help him oversee operations of all five properties in Abu Dhabi, the Liwa desert, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Patrick Both will replace Wael Soueid as general manager at Qasr Al Sarab. Both, who joins the team from Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa in Thailand, will oversee management of the 206-room resort while leading the 600-strong team.

On Sir Bani Yas Island, Mark Eletr has been appointed as cluster general manager of Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara as well as the newly opened Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort.

Eletr will also manage the Desert Islands Conference Centre, Desert Islands Watersports Centre, Sir Bani Yas Stables and leisure activities in and around the Arabian Wildlife Park.

Commenting on his promotion, Soueid said: “With the first quarter of 2014 already proving to be successful for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in Abu Dhabi, my new colleagues and I are very excited to take our service to the next level with our dedicated associates and to strengthen Anantara’s brand presence in the UAE.”

Minor Hotel Group COO Dilip Rajakarier said: “We are delighted to have such a strong team overseeing our Abu Dhabi cluster of Anantara-branded properties. Anantara’s portfolio is unique within the UAE and this is a great opportunity for our new leadership team. I look forward to watching the team build on the great work already achieved and further strengthen the brand's position as an exceptional hospitality provider in the region.”