Former M&C chief executive joins Jumeirah board

Richard Hartman, the former chief executive officer of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, has joined the board of Jumeirah Group as a non-executive director, with former Hilton Group CEO Sir David Michels relinquishing his post.

Jumeirah Group has also appointed Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, as vice chairman of the board.

Hartman, who will join the board on February 25, has over 35 years’ experience in the hotel and restaurant industry and has also held senior positions at InterContinental Hotels Group, including as managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Board chairman Stephen Murphy noted that Hartman was joining t a time when the company was preparing to expand into new markets.

“The company has maintained a strong growth trajectory in terms of financial and operational performance and his knowledge of the market and management of other successful hotel brands will help steer the company towards continued success.

“I also wish to thank Sir David Michels on behalf of the board for his invaluable contribution to the governance of the company over many years together with his help and support for the group's success.”

From February 25, the board of Jumeirah Group will consist of: Stephen Murphy (independent non-executive chairman), Ghaith Al Ghaith (independent non-executive vice chairman; chief executive officer, flydubai); Fadel Al Ali (executive director; chief operating officer, Dubai Holding), Gerald Lawless (president & group chief executive officer of Jumeirah Group); and Richard Hartman (independent non-executive director).