08. Michael Zager, Regional Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group
Having taken on his role just a few months ago, Zager is now tasked with building Wyndham’s management portfolio of budget, midscale and luxury hotels in the Middle East and Africa.
Leading the way in the region in the economy sector, Wyndham is starting to move away from the franchise model as it ramps up its Middle East management portfolio under the regional leadership of Michael Zager.
He has successfully established the group’s management services offering during his three years in the region, during which time he has developed standard operating procedures across multiple commercial functions and overseen hotel openings in Qatar and the UAE, as well as the UK and, most recently, Tanzania.
Zager currently oversees 42 operating hotels across seven brands, from budget to five-star, in the Middle East. A further 15 hotels are in the pipeline for the region, and anticipated to open by the end of 2018.
As well as expanding its budget brands, Wyndham is strengthening the presence of its mid-scale, upscale, long-stay and luxury brands. Tryp by Wyndham debuted in the Middle East in March 2015.
Commenting on his vision for the future of Wyndham in the region, Zager said: “I want to continue the company’s rapid yet strategic growth in the region, adding the right hotels in the right locations with the right brands in order to add value to both guests and hotel owners alike.”
Zager, a German national, first joined the company 11 years ago as director of business development, and has quickly risen through the ranks.
Top inspiration
“My family and especially my father, who was a hotelier himself – he started as a chef, went to hotel school and worked abroad for many years, including in Germany, France, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, where I grew up. He taught me the core values in both life and hospitality – trust, respect, honesty, love and patience – and I am very thankful for that.”
By the numbers
Number of months in role: 4
Number of years with company: 11
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 42
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 15
Number of Qatar hotels: 2
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