Younes named Rezidor's chief development officer

Rezidor has appointed Elie Younes as executive vice president and chief development officer, a move which puts the hotelier, who has a deep knowledge of the Middle East, in charge of the company’s overall Europe, Middle East and Africa strategy.

The Lebanese national had served as Carson Rezidor Hotel Group’s senior vice president and head of group development since December 2012.

Before that, he had held roles as vice president development for the Middle East at Hilton, before joining Rezidor's regional office in Dubai as vice president business development.

In his new role he is based in Brussels and reports directly to president and CEO Wolfgang Neumann.

"Elie's deep knowledge of the international hospitality industry, his creative hands-on approach and his close relationships to our owners are key drivers of Rezidor's business development and strongly support the delivery of our margin enhancing objectives formulated in our turnaround programme Route 2015,” said Neumann.

Younes, who is a UK citizen, has studies at Notre Dame (Lebanon), Cornell, IMHI/Essec, Insead and London City, and began his career in managerial roles in Lebanon before joining HVS International in London in 2001.

In addition to his roles with Hilton and Rezidor, he has also served at Starwood Hotels as director (and then senior director) of acquisitions and development EMEA.

"We are now focussed on executing our growth stratagem – with the objective of optimising our shareholder value and that of our partners,” said Younes.

“Our priorities are to further strengthen our core brands Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson in both mature and emerging markets, and to unlock additional value through our new brands Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection.

“Open, transparent and responsible relationships with our owners remain the key ingredients of our success. And wherever we are present, we will continue to make a difference through our commitment to Responsible Business – we create jobs and actively contribute to the communities we operate in.”