Marriott Intl expands MEA development team

Marriott International has expanded its executive leadership and development teams for the Middle East and Africa to deal with its growing pipeline in the region.

Samir Baidas has been appointed as chief development officer, Middle East and Africa, while Philip Bryson has been appointed as senior vice president, Middle East and North Africa. Between them, they have over 30 years’ experience with Marriott International.

Their appointments come on the back of the announcement of 14 new signed properties this week at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, as well as the impact of its acquisition of Protea Hospitality Group’s brands and management company earlier this year.

“Our Company witnessed unprecedented levels of growth during 2013; with strong expansion plans and a raft of new hotels set to join our regional portfolio in the coming years it is vital we have the right team in place,” said Marriott International president & managing director Middle East and Africa Alex Kyriakidis.

“Samir and Philip join our team with a vast amount of industry knowledge that will be vital to our on-going success during this important period of development. I would like to extend my personal welcome to them both.”

Having begun his career in hospitality with Marriott in Saudi Arabia in 1991, Baidas rejoined Marriott in 2004 as vice president development officer. “There is huge optimism in our region’s hotel sector − and it’s the growth of the mid-market that is creating the biggest buzz,” he said.

Bryson has been with Marriott for over 20 years and will have responsibility for the overall performance of Marriott International’s existing hotels and provide oversight for new build properties across the Middle East and North Africa.

He will oversee the area vice president and market vice president positions and will be responsible for the development and implementation of regional strategies and initiatives, executing brand service strategies, and enhancing owner loyalty.