The launch of four distinct hotel brands in the same number of years is the latest achievement by Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) CEO Michel Noblet, earning him the 26th spot in the Hotelier Middle East Power 50.
Under the leadership of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Noblet has introduced alcohol-free brand Coral Hotels, Resorts and Spas; corporate traveller concept Corp Executive Hotels; “the region’s first ecologically-friendly budget brand” ECOS Hotels; and EWA furnished apartments to the Middle East.
Although the brands were only conceived of very recently, Noblet is in the midst of a rapid development and expansion plan for each, helped by his pragmatic approach to deal-making.
“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out a juicy deal. If there’s any magic to the craft, it’s trying to find a figure that is comfortable to both parties. If I don’t understand the deal, I don’t get involved,” he says.
But with Noblet confident of exceeding his initial target and signing 100 management contracts by 2012, one can only assume that this sort of situation is very rare.
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Indeed, previous achievements suggest this will be a realistic goal; as a founding member of Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts, Noblet opened a mind-boggling 55 hotels across Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Australia and the Middle East, corresponding to a third of Le Méridien’s portfolio.
His knowledge of overseas markets also stands HMH in good stead for international recognition of the home-grown company as Noblet seeks to develop a “cross-region business strategy”.
And of the ultimate key to his success, Noblet says: “Running a business always has its ups and downs. Your success lies in looking beyond a temporary set-back to better times ahead. I believe life is change; change is life. Real success is your internal accomplishment — when you feel no fear”.
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