Exec team revealed for Marriott Abu Dhabi openings

Marriott International has appointed the executive team to oversee the opening of Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi and Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi.

The two hotels are due to open in summer 2016, located within the 25 storey, two tower, mixed use Bloom Central project in Abu Dhabi.

The Marriott Executive Apartments will offer 64 suites, while the Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi will offer 315 rooms.

Earlier this month, David Lance was appointed general manager for the two hotels.

Lance brings over 20 years of experience to this role, having worked at properties aropund the world. Most recently, Lance joins Marriott in Abu Dhbai from Marriott Executive Apartments, Sukhumvit Park in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was also general manager.

Lance commented: “We are proud to open the first Marriott Hotel in the capital city, bringing Marriott International’s flagship brand to Abu Dhabi along with the debut of Marriott’s luxury extended stay product.

“I am fortunate to be supported by an incredibly experienced and diverse team.”

To find out who’s who on the pre-opening team at the two upcoming properties, click below.

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Director of Operations
Andrew Dickson

Dickson has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Dickson joined Marriott in 2008 as director of operations at Wailea Beach Resort & Spa in Maui, Hawaii. Previously he worked as resident manager in 2009 at JW Marriott in Phuket, followed by director of operations at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square. He was appointed GM in 2013 at Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club in the UK.

Director of Sales and Marketing
Nicholas A. Rana

Rana kicked off his career in 2003 by joining the sales division of the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel. Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi will be Rana’s fifth hotel opening with Marriott, in five different countries, and covering three different Marriott hotel brands.

Director of Engineering
Amr Mahmoud

Mahmoud has over 18 years of experience. He first joined Marriott in 2006. Prior to this appointment he was assistant director of engineering at the 1,608 room JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai.

Multi-Property Director of Revenue
Shaun Dean

Dean began his career in hospitality as a graduate trainee in Paris, France in 1992 and went on to become Marriott’s first UK director of group strategy and business evaluation in 2008. In his new role, Dean will oversee a total of 574 keys divided amongst the Courtyard by Marriott, World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi and the Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi.

Multi-Property Director of Finance
Asif Ahmed

Ahmed has over 18 year of experience within the GCC. He began work with Marriott in 2001. In his new role, Ahmed will oversee the two new properties, plus Courtyard by Marriott, World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi.

Multi-Property Director of Human Resources
Petra Solle

Solle has worked in Marriotts human resources department across hotels in the UK. She was also part of the pre-opening team as director of human resources for Courtyard by Marriott, World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi.