< Previous20 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MAY 2024 L-R Arun Steephan, Project Engineer, Dave Cupit, COO, Bhuvanish Kakkadan Kolloth, Design Engineer Partner content Airwater Co.’s ethos continues this theme, with a focus on invention, precision, agility and stewardship. Examining challenges from very angle, Airwater Co. creates solutions for its partners with curiosity, imagination and the mindset of an environmental engineer. The team prides itself on accuracy, careful analysis, attention to detail and ability to adapt quickly to challenging situations, priorities and needs. Alongside this commitment to help people and the planet, the company’s success stems from its ability to solve complex problems in new and fl exible ways, contributing to a more promising future — both within its UAE home and abroad. Addressing water scarcity in the UAE Like other regions experiencing intense water scarcity, the UAE requires innovative, sustainable water solutions to improve water purity, security and sustainability. Traditional water infrastructure and desalination are often extremely costly. They require larger physical and environmental footprints and increased power, with more signifi cant water journeys, pipework, facilities, transportation and water waste. With Airwater Co., hotels and hospitality organisations can reduce water consumption, water waste, CO2 emissions and single-use plastic. Airwater Co. works with hotel leaders to confi gure scalable solutions that meet their targets and goals, from water capacity to delivery schedules, branding, taste profi les, carbon footprints, power usage and more. Leading from the forefront of change As the world evolves, hotels, resorts and hospitality leaders are evolving alongside it. Air-to-water technology offers exciting new possibilities to delight guests and elevate water experiences. The last few years have brought signifi cant ESG commitments and progress — now is the moment to plan for the future. Whatever your water consumption or ESG goals, Airwater Co. can help you to improve water security, supply chains, sustainability and valuations with next generation AWG. At every touchpoint, from restaurants to gift shops, pools, spas and fi tness centres, Airwater Co. helps properties to deliver comfort, well-being and an unmatched experience, with water that fulfi ls discerning tastes with the highest standards of quality, luxury and sustainability. True to other sustainable solutions that category leaders invest in, Airwater Co. provides experiences and products that guests are proud to enjoy, revel in and share with others22 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MAY 2024 Power List / Marketing xxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx ON The third annual Mark etin g Po w er Lis t in c lu d e s 10 1 o f th e re g io n’s ind ustr y lea der s, as no min ate d by th ei r co lle ag u e s a n d p e e rs TARGETMAY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 23 Power List / Marketing Abhishek Grover Cluster assistant director of marketing, InterContinental Residences and Crowne Plaza Dubai Business Bay Transitioning from armoured vehicle sales to hospitality marketing, Abhishek Grover has demonstrated exceptional prowess in crafting innovative campaigns. Starting as a marketing executive at Radisson Blu Dubai, he swiftly rose to assistant manager. Later, as cluster marketing manager at Holiday Inn, he excelled, eventually becoming marketing manager at Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina. Grover’s strategic planning led to increased sales, establishing the hotel as a leader. His expertise in market analysis ensured staying ahead of trends, driving revenue and brand awareness. Alain Aboukhater Director of marketing, Al Bandar Rotana Hotel & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana Alain Aboukhater has attained an 8% increase in direct bookings, garnering the ROC Star Award from HSMAI. He also implemented strategies resulting in a consistent 20% annual rise in walk-in customer traffi c for F&B outlets. He has amassed signifi cant followings on Instagram (117K) and TikTok (104K). Aboukhater was selected among Rotana’s top marketing leaders for a culinary tour across six Italian cities, generating over 10 million views on Rotana’s corporate page. He has also achieved substantial savings by internalising video production and design, while exceeding yearly F&B budget. Aafrin Shaikh Marketing & communications Manager, The H Dubai Aafrin Shaikh has significantly enhanced the hotel and community. Notable achievements include a successful Ramadan Campaign, exceeding F&B revenue targets by 21% YTD, and increasing website users by 42%. She facilitated The H Dubai’s certifi cation as the fi rst autism-certifi ed hotel in the region and spearheaded initiatives supporting individuals with autism. Shaikh organised impactful events, such as art exhibitions and Iftar gatherings, promoting inclusivity and community engagement. Her precise strategies and innovative campaigns, such as the chocolate cake bake-off competition have elevated PR coverage and social media engagement. Adriana Adil Director of marketing and communications, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Adriana Adil’s achievements over the past year showcase her creativity, strategic acumen, and dedication to enhancing the property’s reputation and commercial success. A standout accomplishment was the successful launch and promotion of the wellness retreat at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi, catering to health-conscious travellers seeking holistic experiences. Adil orchestrated a comprehensive marketing campaign, leveraging strategic partnerships, targeted social media, and messages to travel partners to reach a new niche audience. 24 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MAY 2024 Power List / Marketing Alisher Yakubov Cluster assistant marketing & communications manager, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Nour Arjaan by Rotana At Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Alisher Yakubov has demonstrated exceptional marketing prowess. His innovative approach to digital marketing, including integrating a custom GPT API across social media channels, has revolutionised guest interactions and elevated customer service. Under his guidance, the resort has seen signifi cant growth in digital engagement, driving social media followers from 12k to 19k on Instagram. Yakubov’s strategic campaigns have not only boosted revenue but also enhanced brand loyalty, making him a very valuable asset. Anna Luisa Asistio Marketing & public relations manager, NH Collection Dubai The Palm Anna Luisa Asistio’s dedication and enthusiasm towards her work are truly commendable. Organised and resilient, she adeptly navigates challenges, proactively seeking solutions independently. Her reliability shines through in every task, approached with enthusiasm and determination, setting a high standard for herself and inspiring others. Anna Luisa Asistio led the organisation of NH Collection Dubai The Palm’s fi rst- year anniversary party, attended by over 200 infl uencers and VIPs. Under her stewardship, the hotel’s Instagram following has reached 14K in less than a year. Alina Abramovich Multi-property director of marketing, St.Regis Saadiyat Island, Al Wathba Luxury Collection, Abu Dhabi Alina Abramovich is an experienced marketing professional with a background spanning luxury hospitality in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Moscow and Sochi. Throughout the year, Abramovich has worked on several collaborations and partnerships to create enduring impressions. Leveraging alliances with luxury brands such as Piaget and Lamborghini, alongside community engagements, the properties she manages have gained extensive PR coverage and industry recognition. Innovative marketing strategies have propelled the hotels to the forefront of the hospitality sector. Amanda Pfi ngston Marketing manager, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences Amanda Pfingston has made remarkable strides in the marketing landscape, showcasing her forward-thinking approach, dynamic skillset, and adaptability. With expertise in digital and social media marketing, she has played a pivotal role in keeping SLS Dubai ahead in Dubai’s competitive market. Her journey, from freelancing in fashion and events to earning professional certifi cations in marketing, refl ects her versatile skill set and passion for the fi eld. In her current role, she has spearheaded innovative strategies, collaborated eff ectively with stakeholders and agencies, and driven remarkable growth in awareness and revenue. MAY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 25 Power List / Marketing Anna Nikitina LEAD marketing & communications, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis Anna Nikitina, a seasoned marketing professional with nine years of experience in the hospitality industry, including over two years in Dubai, has been instrumental in enhancing the success of Radisson RED Dubai since joining in July 2021. Her innovative strategies have signifi cantly elevated the hotel’s positioning within the UAE hospitality sector. Nikitina’s achievements include implementing fresh RED designs through collaborations with local artists, launching successful online campaigns for F&B outlets, and promoting the RED Meeting Hub across social media platforms, resulting in increased bookings. Additionally, she has effectively highlighted hotel apartments for relocation and remote work, engaged infl uencers and local communities, and revamped social media pages, leading to substantial follower growth. Anne Dayauon Marketing manager, Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens Anne Dayaoun’s strategic marketing activations in 2023 led to achieving target percentage on rooms web bookings, resulting in impressive revenue. Her dedication and strategic approach have been pivotal in driving substantial revenue growth for the hotel. Within a year, Dayaoun transformed Zabeel House by Jumeirah The Greens into a sought- after destination through integrated marketing and communications strategies, attracting visitors from diverse geographic regions and signifi cantly boosting revenue. She has also successfully launching the hotel’s newest restaurant, 42 Midtown, which quickly gained popularity. Antonia Stuart Regional brand director, Rixos Hotels Gulf Region Antonia Stuart’s career in global brand management and creative direction spans diverse industries, showcasing her talent for shaping and elevating brands. In her current role, she has led impactful strategies to enhance brand visibility and resonance. Stuart’s expertise extends to creative direction, evident in her tenure as a creative director for undisclosed entities, where she drove creative excellence and innovation. Her contributions have solidifi ed Rixos’s positioning as a leading luxury all-inclusive brand and driven the success of properties like Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi and Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, while spearheading the development of new concepts. Anu Van Der Sande Director of marketing & communications, Grand Millennium Business Bay Anu Van Der Sande has showcased exceptional skills in leveraging various platforms to elevate awareness and revenue for the property over the past year. Through strategic initiatives and targeted campaigns, she has propelled the property to the forefront of the industry. Her eff ective use of LinkedIn has led to a signifi cant growth of close to 3,000 followers within a year, consistently maintaining a top five position in its competitive set and achieving fi rst place for engagement metrics in December. Van Der Sande has not only driven tangible results, but also cultivated a culture of growth and excellence within the organisation. 26 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MAY 2024 Power List / Marketing Anum Mushtaq Cluster marketing & communication manager, DoubleTree By Hilton Dubai – Business Bay Anum Mushtaq’s multicultural upbringing, with exposure to diverse perspectives due to her father’s airline career, laid the foundation for her dynamic and internationally oriented career. Notable achievements include a 65% surge in New Year’s Revenue in 2022 under her marketing leadership, successful launches of resto-bars, an 8% increase in room revenue, and signifi cant F&B activations contributing to top line growth. Recognised with prestigious awards and featured in industry power lists, Mushtaq’s career trajectory refl ects her dedication and excellence in the hospitality sector. Aqsa Yahya Senior marketing & communications manager, Conrad Dubai Aqsa Yahya has launched 22 new residential suites and collaborated with Hilton Regional Office on influencer outreach, notably partnering with The Badr Family and winning the Global Adrian Award in the Advertiser – Influencer Marketing category. Conrad’s Green Ramadan Experience, in collaboration with UNEP West Asia, showcased her commitment to innovation and sustainability. Notable accolades include Anása’s shortlisting as the Best Greek Restaurant and receiving the HSMAI Rockstar Award for her Green Ramadan Campaign. Aya Khrabsheh Director of PR & marketing, JW Marriott Riyadh Aya Kharabsheh ha led JW Marriott Riyadh to new heights, notably executing the fi rst Marriott Bonvoy moment in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the hotel’s commitment to unique guest experiences. Kharabsheh’s efforts garnered fi ve prestigious awards for the property and its restaurants. She orchestrated seven brand events, maintained media engagement, and fostered infl uencer collaborations, expanding the hotel’s reach. Social media followers have grown by over 2,000, while achieving 100% audit scores for website quality. Arcot Jagannath Priyadarshini Cluster director of marketing, InterContinental Bahrain Al Ahsa and InterContinental KSA Arcot J agannath Priyadarshini started her career at Crowne Plaza Bahrain in 2013, spearheading initiatives like transforming the F rida y brunch and orchestrating the inaugural wedding show, accruing substantial PR value. Progressing to cluster director of marketing for four properties in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, she achieved remarkable success, garnering prestigious accolades and introducing transformative initiatives. Aziza Gharbi Marketing & communications manager, The Westin Doha Hotel & SPA Aziza Gharbi has achieved remarkable success in the past year by enhancing the hotel’s brand positioning and driving substantial revenue growth. She refi ned the hotel’s brand to align with Westin’s core principles, making it a premier destination for holistic well-being experiences. Spearheading campaigns promoting the Westin 6 Well-being Pillars, she increased guest engagement and positioned the hotel as wellness-oriented. Her eff orts to increase digital revenue led to impressive traffi c performance, too. MAY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 27 Power List / Marketing In the world of luxury hospitality, the journey from pre-opening anticipation to post-launch success is a testament to strategic vision and meticulous execution. Aynur Mamedova embodies this journey, blending her expertise in pre-opening strategies, grand opening executions, and ongoing marketing endeavours to establish and elevate her renowned brand. With a career marked by prestigious pre-opening involvements at establishments like Park Bulvar and Four Seasons Hotel Baku, her journey has been a variety of diverse experiences. Her tenure at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait and Chenot Palace Health Wellness Resort Qabala/ Azerbaijan further honed her skills, setting the stage for her current role at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. At the prestigious property, Mamedova oversees the orchestration of marketing and promotional activities, ensuring the successful establishment of the brand in the market. Simultaneously, she has undertaken the task of managing the opening of the upcoming Waldorf Astoria in the Seychelles and the conversion of Plaza Doha, LXR, showcasing her multifaceted capabilities in handling diverse projects concurrently. The director of marketing’s skillset transcends marketing, extending into the realm of public relations and business development. Her tenure as the head of a PR agency, coupled with her roles in renowned jewellery houses, underscores her versatility and adaptability in crafting end-to-end marketing solutions across industries. Recognition, such as the Kuwait Public Relations Award for Excellence in Social Media, serves as a testament to Mamedova’s passion and proficiency in her field. Her strategic prowess in developing and implementing comprehensive marketing plans has been pivotal in shaping the commercial strategy and customer base of luxury hotel chains. Her achievements extend beyond accolades to tangible results, with key partnerships and collaborations driving revenue opportunities and enhancing guest experiences. From seamlessly integrating luxury brands like Montblanc into hotel spaces to curating exclusive events with partners like Porsche Kuwait, her endeavours have consistently elevated brand presence and guest satisfaction. The measurable impact of Mamedova’s marketing initiatives speaks volumes, with impressive figures reflecting the success of her endeavours. From substantial ad and PR values to remarkable social media engagement metrics, her campaigns resonate deeply with audiences, reinforcing brand identity and driving meaningful interactions. As a leader, Mamedova’s commitment to excellence and innovation inspires her team to push boundaries and redefine standards in luxury hospitality marketing. Her collaborative approach and visionary leadership have been instrumental in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in an ever- evolving landscape. Aynur Mamedova Director of marketing, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait28 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / MAY 2024 Power List / Marketing Barbara Graziani Head of marketing and communications, NEOM Hotel Division Barbara Graziani’s unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements have elevated NEOM Hotel Division’s presence nationally and internationally. Her innovative marketing strategies have strengthened the division’s profi le at trade shows and in regional and international media. Spearheading ground-breaking initiatives, such as the partnership with HABITAS in the metaverse, Graziani has solidifi ed NEOM Hotel Division’s position as a hospitality leader. Her strategic vision and adeptness at forging partnerships have expanded the division’s reach, creating immersive experiences and setting new standards in hospitality marketing. Graziani’s commitment to excellence and innovation has propelled NEOM Hotel Division to new heights, inspiring the industry with its vision for the future. Carlotta Cavallari Director of marketing & communications, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai Carlotta Cavallari has been instrumental in launching one of the region’s most anticipated ultra-luxury hotels, The Lana. Under her guidance, the PR & Marketing team has established strategic partnerships and conducted targeted activations across digital and traditional channels, reflecting Dorchester Collection’s identity. Their sophisticat ed branding, photography, and recent collaboration with international content creators have set The Lana apart, resonating with discerning clientele. Carolina Campita Associate director of PR and marketing, The Ritz- Carlton, Bahrain Carolina Campita is an innovative marketer whose dynamic approach has signifi cantly boosted the property’s success. Her leadership has led to the success of key campaigns, notably during Ramadan and festive seasons, resulting in increased bookings and revenue. Campita’s focus on guest satisfaction has elevated loyalty enrolments and repeat bookings, while her digital marketing expertise has optimised online presence and revenue. She spearheaded activations, setting new industry standards and earning internal recognition. Christelle Bou Chebl Director of marketing & communications, Park Hyatt Doha Christelle Bou Chebl has overseen a remarkable transformation in the hotel’s marketing and PR strategy, leading to signifi cant achievements. Her strategic approach has notably increased audience engagement across social media platforms and garnered 100% audit scores for the hotel’s LinkedIn page. Under her guidance, the team has created compelling content, fostering a loyal online community. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bou Chebl’s commitment to CSR has further enhanced the hotel’s reputation. Cristalyn Pastrana Complex director of marketing, The Westin City Centre Bahrain and Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain Cristalyn Pastrana played a pivotal role in achieving a remarkable nine percent market share growth. Impressive increases in digital room nights for both hotels, surpassing key performance goals, showcased her effective digital mark eting strategies. With 10 brand activations highlighting unique off erings, Pastrana bolstered brand visibility and success. Additionally, her success in driving Black Friday sales, surpassing targets with BHD10,000 worth of sales, underscored her strategic acumen. MAY 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 29 Power List / Marketing Dylan Abrahams Director of marketing, W Dubai – The Palm Dylan Abrahams, an accomplished marketing director, has led W Dubai - The Palm to prominence in the GCC hospitality market with innovative campaigns since 2022. With a decade of experience, his keen market insights and trend-spotting abilities have positioned the hotel as a top destination. Under his leadership, the hotel executed six major activations in Q1 2024, including a Four-Hands Dinner and the launch of Aether speakeasy bar. Managing a team of four, he drives customer engagement through initiatives like the Marriott Bonvoy program and eco-conscious events. Danelle Ruth Palang Director of marketing, Dusit Hotels and Resorts D anelle Ruth Palang has spearheaded a transformative shift to wards wellness at Dusit Hotels and Resorts. Under her strategic leadership, the brand has become synonymous with holistic well-being and sustainability, elevating its global reputation. Palang’s dedication to integrating wellness into all aspects of Dusit’s operations has yielded notable results, fost ering luxurious accommodations and transformative experiences across properties worldwide. Leveraging strategic partnerships with infl uencers and niche groups, she has expanded Dusit’s reach and amplifi ed the message of holistic well-being. Deema Sartawi Director of marketing & communications, Amwaj Rotana Hotel Deema Sartawi has been a vital member of the Amwaj Rotana team, contributing signifi cantly to the hotel’s commercial success over the past five years. She played a key role in the hotel’s renovation project, ensuring accurate updates across online and offl ine channels and creating a new hotel library. Sartawi’s leadership in travel trade campaigns effectively diversified the hotel’s clientele, contributing to its growth. She led the revamp project for JB’s Gastropub, significantly boosting F&B revenue. Under her guidance, Amwaj Rotana has excelled in social media metrics and e-commerce initiatives, driving revenue growth. Dennielle Monterico Lomboy Director of marketing and communications, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Dennielle Monterico has spearheaded impactful campaigns and initiatives, elevating the property’s awareness and revenue since joining in July 2023. Her strategic leadership enhanced mark eting processes across various platforms, resulting in successful Ramadan and menu launch campaigns. Leveraging traditional and digital channels, Monterico’s approach drove venue capacity and boosted revenue. She adeptly manages social media accounts, increasing brand visibility and engagement. Monterico amplifi es brand awareness, solidifying her reputation as an innovative marketeer. Drishti Mistry Assistant marketing manager, DoubleTree By Hilton Dubai Al Jaddaf Drishti Mistry’s journey from experimental Gen Z hire to assistant marketing manager at DoubleTree By Hilton Dubai Al Jaddaf is a testament to her exceptional achievements and innovative marketing strategies. Elevated to lead Marketing & PR at just 23, Mistry has transformed hospitality marketing standards. Her expertise in performance marketing drove a remarkable 423% increase in social media following and 541% growth in engagement, generating around 1 million AED in event revenue with a 197% ROI. Mistry’s maturity, passion, and professionalism set her apart, making her a standout fi gure and a valuable asset. Next >