Meet the experts

Abdellah Essonni, CEO, Abjar Hotels International

With more than 25 years of managerial experience spanning four continents, Abdellah Essonni has been in his current role for the last three-and-a-half years. Abjar Hotels is a subsidiary of Almulla Group of companies, which owns and operates nine hotels in Dubai under global brands. Previously, Essonni was managing director — asset management for Actif Invest, a Casablanca-based hospitality investment fund.

Andrew Humphries, RVP of Viceroy Hotel Group, and GM of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

Andrew Humphries’ career spans more than 30 years with luxury hotel brands in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Andrew oversees the day-to-day operations and commercial success of Yas Viceroy, Abu Dhabi, while managing the development of future Viceroy properties in Dubai, Algarve and Serbia. Prior to this, he was RVP & GM of Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies and managed the collection’s Caribbean development.

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Kai Schukowski, general manager, Kempinski Hotel Ajman

Following Kai Schukowski’s graduation from Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai, he took a position as the corporate operations performance analyst at Kempinski’s head office in Geneva, Switzerland and reported directly to the company’s COO. After becoming regional operations manager in charge of all Kempinski hotels in China, he was appointed hotel manager at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman, and earned a promotion to general manager.

Maria Tullberg, general manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

A Scandinavian national. Maria Tullberg has more than 22 years’ experience in the industry. She graduated from Uppsala University with a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Economics. Most recently, she was the general manager of the Radisson Blu Arlandia Hotel and the Radisson Blu Skycity Hotel, both located at Stockholm-Arlandia in Sweden.

Markus Roeder, pre-opening general manager, La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk Dubai

Previously senior director of operations Middle East & Africa for Marriott International, Markus Roeder was responsible for property management, project management of brand initiatives, re-branding, renovations and hotel openings as well as F&B concept development and design for Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard Hotels, and Residence Inn properties across the region. Previously, he was director of operations for the JW Marriott Cairo for five years.

Stefan Fuchs, general manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi

Stefan Fuchs first joined Jumeirah in 2006, working at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai for three years as director of food & beverage. He re-joined the company in 2010 as hotel manager at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers for its pre-opening. A German National, Fuch’s previous industry experience spans more than 15 years working for Ritz-Carlton and Kempinski Hotels. His international experience has been gained from working in Europe, the Middle East and Russia.

The venue

The Hotelier Middle East Great GM Debate 2016 advisory panel meeting was held at The Croft Dubai, at the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. Head chef Darren Velvick and restaurant manager Jane Nedanoski hosted the panel of experts with breakfast and coffee and tea. One of the winning ideas of Marriott International’s Project Canvas campaign, the venue is the brainchild of Marcus Wareing protégé and former patron chef of Table 9, Darren Velvick.

The Hotelier Middle East: Great GM Debate 2016 is set to take place on September 27 this year at the Conrad Dubai, and to set the agenda for the event, Hotelier gathered six experts to talk about current trends and opportunities in the hospitality sector. The panel discussed the role of the hotel GM and his/her relationship with various stakeholders such as owners, operators, and tourism boards, as well as highlighted the importance of MICE and F&B in the upcoming development of the region’s tourism industry.