Hyatt signs new area VP for Qatar and Oman

Hyatt International Corporation has appointed Christoph K. Franzen as the new area vice president for Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman.

In addition to overlooking the operation of Grand Hyatt Doha as general manager since January 13, 2013, Franzen will now lead and overlook Grand Hyatt Muscat and all Hyatt properties in Qatar, with upcoming openings scheduled between 2016 and 2018.

“This is an incredible opportunity, which I am thrilled to have,” said Franzen.

“After working within the Hyatt corporation for more than 17 years, I am looking forward to this new and exciting challenge, leading teams in Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman as well as the development in the area.”

Born in the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, Franzen started his hotel career as a chef at a gourmet restaurant in Switzerland.

After finishing his chef apprenticeship he went on to become a certified sommelier in 1989. After completing his studies in hotel management, he held various managerial positions in different hotel chains until joining Hyatt Regency Dubai in 1999 as assistant revenue manager.

During his tenure at Hyatt Regency Dubai, Franzen was promoted to front office manager of what was then the Hyatt corporation’s biggest operation in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

He then moved to Grand Hyatt Muscat in 2001, assuming the role of front office manager before becoming director of rooms.

In 2005, he transferred to Russia as director of rooms at Park Hyatt Ararat in Moscow. His next promotion took him back to Dubai as the executive assistant manager of the 674-room Grand Hyatt Dubai.

In January 2009, he was appointed general manager of Grand Hyatt Muscat, which consists of several restaurants, bars and event venues, plus 280 guestrooms and suites.