Richard Collins joins The Ritz-Carlton Dubai as GM

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has appointed Richard Collins as general manager of its Dubai beach resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.

Collins takes the helm of the property, comprising 294 rooms and suites, with immediate effect, bringing with him extensive resort and international operations experience from Ireland, the UK, USA and Switzerland.

Collins said: "I am enormously proud to be appointed general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai; such an iconic property, locally, regionally and globally. I am delighted to be taking the helm, especially at such an exciting time in the hotel’s legacy following the recent extension, and I look forward to strengthening this legacy even further as we move forward together."

Collins has more than 17 years’ experience as a hotel general manager, from his most recent position as GM for the JW Marriott Dubai.

Prior to moving to Dubai, Collins was general manager and CEO at Marriott Druids Glen and Druids Glen Resort, Ireland, a role he held for almost seven years, driving significant occupancy, rate and RevPAR growth.

In addition, he restructured the entire resort, implementing new systems and sitting as an active member of the board of the parent company, PW Ireland.

Collins started his hospitality career in F&B and worked his way up to his first leadership role in 1993 as outlets manager at the Sheraton Tara Hotel & Resort, Hyannis, before moving as rooms manager to the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Braintree, Boston.

Ibrahim Barghout, area vice president, Middle East and Africa, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company said: "Richard brings with him an exceptional skillset and a wealth of international experience in resort management, and I am thrilled to welcome him to our team of 90 general managers at our properties across the globe. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai continues to be a flagship property for the company, and I wish Richard every success in his new role at such an iconic hotel.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai opened in 1998 and in November 2014 completed a refurbishment project, unveiling 146 additional guestrooms and suites, a brand new spa, additional swimming pools, gardens and expansive indoor and outdoor events spaces.