Robert Maclean, Principal, National Institute of Hospitality, Oman
Robert Maclean started his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 12 when he began working for a hotel in his native Scotland. He earned a diploma in Hotel Management, followed by his professional HCIMAS qualification at Robert Gordon’s University in Aberdeen. He worked as deputy manager at the Lakeside Hotel, followed by a lecturer’s role at a local college. He joined the National Hospitality Institute (NHI), Oman in 1995 and has remained ever since. In 1997 he was promoted to principal of the institute. In 2003, the Gulf Chef School was launched to focus on the culinary needs of the local industry. This part of NHI has trained several hundred chefs over the years. In 2009 Maclean helped launch the Oman Chefs Guild, and the Food Safety Academy in 2009.
Raki Phillips, Senior Vice President Development, Senior Partner, INHOCO Group
Raki Phillips joined INHOCO Group in 2015, after a successful 15-year hotel career. Prior to his current role, he spent eight years at FRHI Hotels & Resorts, with a latest role as regional director, Middle East, Africa and India. He has over 15 years of experience in global hospitality sales, marketing, revenue management and hotel development and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Powerful Arab Hoteliers. Phillips received a BSBA Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida & Masters of Organisational Management (Honours) from the University of Phoenix.
Martin Bäuerle, Founder, MB Hospitality
Martin Bäuerle is a hospitality professional with a proven track record of more than 10 years’ expertise in hospitality operation and management. He is a specialist in rooms operation, auditing and quality control, employee engagement, and learning & development as well as sustainability solutions. In his role as the chairman of the Green Hotel Interest Group, he is constantly driving a sustainability development within the hospitality sector, and advises developers, hotel owners, and executive managers.
Marianne Saulwick, Director of Industry Liaison and Professional Training, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Prior to moving to Dubai, Marianne Saulwick had a career in hospitality spanning her own restaurants and event company, restaurant reviewing for the Sydney Morning Herald and the New South Wales Restaurant and Catering Association and founding a successful food festival. She joined Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management eight years ago and is the director of industry liaison and professional training.
Naim Maadad, CEO, Gates Hospitality
With more than 28 years’ experience across Australia, Asia and the Middle East in various senior management roles, Naim Maadad has covered a wide spectrum of positions within senior leadership, including the role of managing director for both Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and The Anantara Group. Based in the Middle East for the past 19 years, Maadad established Gates Hospitality in 2012, the parent company of home-grown brands such as Ultra Brasserie, Reform Social & Grill Dubai, The Lion by Nick & Scott, Bistro Des Arts, Folly by Nick & Scott, Publique, and Via Veneto Osteria e Cucina and ownership of Six Senses Zighy Bay.
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