Starwood appoints new GM for Bahrain complex

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Klaus Niefer as the complex general manager for the Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre, a property which the group took over operation of in July.

The German national joins the team from The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, which he joined as pre-opening GM in 2010.

Previously, Niefer was deputy general manager at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, and has worked in several five-star properties in Germany, Australia, the Philippines, and China.

Commenting on his appointment, Klaus Niefer said: “Having lived in the Middle East for few years I’m happy to move to Bahrain. The kingdom is known as a welcoming and friendly place and I’m eagerly waiting to meet the locals and expatriates alike; and discover everything that the island has to offer.

"It gives me great pleasure to be appointed as the complex general manager and I very much look forward to introducing Westin’s winning approach to well-being and Le Méridien’s contemporary lifestyle approach through the arts, culture and cuisine, to the local community and international travellers to Manama.”

Starwood officially took over the two-tower property, which previously housed the Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel, reflagging it under the Le Meridien and Westin brands in July.

The property’s owner, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, had previously announced it would end its agreement with Kempinski in order to adopt a two-brand strategy similar to properties in Dubai.