16. Ibrahim Barghout, Area Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
Ibrahim Barghout took over office 18 months ago, and currently oversees the operations of eight regional properties in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and
Saudi Arabia.
Focusing on the expansion of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in the Middle East, Barghout has introduced a number of measures to improve operational efficiency.
“I saw the opportunity to realign regional operational resources at an above-property level, so that new property teams are ready for pre-openings,” comments Barghout.
“Given the growing demand for luxury in the market, we felt the time was right to expand our portfolio and introduce new brands into the roster in order to diversify the experiences we are offering the global traveller.”
This summer the company signed and opened The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, the operator’s second property in Saudi Arabia, located on Al Hamra Corniche.
During the same period, Barghout oversaw the reopening of The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo following an extensive refurbishment.
Additionally, at the end of last year, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai added 146 guestrooms and suites to its property, following the renovation of its Ghoroob wing.
Barghout views the Middle East market as a complex one, commenting: “You need to go beyond operating as an entrepreneur, and be able to be adaptable, culturally sensitive and globally aware.”
Referring to his staff as “the backbone of The Ritz-Carlton experience”, Barghout claims that their development is “an important part” of his agenda.
By the numbers
Number of years in role: 2
Number of years with company: 33
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 8
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 2
Number of Qatar hotels: 1
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