03. Alex Kyriakidis, President & Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International
Kyriakidis is targeting a further 50% growth in the Middle East/Africa by 2020.
In an impressive year for signings, Marriott International has ramped up its pipeline portfolio in the Middle East with a whopping 25 new projects confirmed, spanning Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“Our impressive growth story since the time I joined the team is testament to the impact we have made as a company on a regional scale,” explains Kyriakidis, who arrived in 2012 from professional services network Deloitte, where he established a number of key owner and investor relationships that he has since leveraged in his role with Marriott.
While last year Marriott’s focus was very much on Africa, the company is now looking to strengthen its position in the Middle East under the leadership of Kyriakidis, and a further 50% regional growth is being targeted by 2020.
The company is ramping up its long-stay portfolio and in November 2014 signed its first Residence Inn by Marriott Doha West Bay, signaling the entry of the brand to Qatar.
Marriott has further strengthened its position in the region with the signings of five Qatar properties, three Bahrain hotels, and a Letter of Intent with the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels to manage the Mena House hotel in Cairo.
Currently, Kyriakidis is responsible for 13,000 associates in the Middle East, with a further 8,000 expected to join the company in the Middle East and Africa by 2018.
Top inspiration
“My mother, who brought me up as a single parent and who worked relentlessly to support me through school and beyond, encouraging me throughout to succeed.”
By the numbers
Number of years in role: 3
Number of years with company: 3
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 47
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 39
Number of Qatar hotels: 4
| Advertisement |
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
