Sami Nasser, Senior Vice President Operations, Middle East, Africa, & India, FRHI Hotels & Resorts Sami Nasser, Senior Vice President Operations, Middle East, Africa, & India, FRHI Hotels & Resorts

12. Sami Nasser, Senior Vice President Operations, Middle East, Africa, & India, FRHI Hotels & Resorts (Last year 11th)

When Sami Nasser joined FRHI two years ago and was made responsible for operations in the Middle East, Africa and India, as well as the regional office in Dubai, it was a much smaller team, with fewer than 10 colleagues in the regional office.

Recognising how important it was to provide real time assistance and support to the group’s 20 hotels within the region and to drive the successful ramp-up and opening of new hotels, Nasser invested heavily in a centralised regional office located in Dubai, and over the past two years, FRHI has recruited 65 professionals and specialists to support the group’s continued efforts in the region.

Financial performance during the past two years has seen the region grow from strength to strength as well, including a 10.4% growth in revenue, 24.2% increase in GOP and 25.7% boost in management fees.

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By the numbers

Number of years in role: 2.5
Number of years with company: 2.5
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 20
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 26

Top inspiration

Sami Nasser is inspired by international tennis star Roger Federer and his “outstanding performances, solid commitment to his profession and humble determination to succeed”.