Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the appointment of Kurt Straub as vice president of operations Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia and Ludwig Bouldoukian as regional vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa.
With massive growth plans across the entire region, Hyatt is building a steadfast and resourceful team, spearheaded by Straub to handle the expansion. The company is set to double its portfolio of hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2022.
In his new role, Straub will be responsible for the efficient operations of Hyatt’s hotel network, talent development, and owner relations in the Middle East and Africa, extending to the wider Asian portfolio including Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. His responsibilities also encompass overseeing and executing the company’s operational strategy and driving strategic growth for Hyatt’s brands in the region. With the recently announced Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, marking the lifestyle brand’s entry into the Middle East and the anticipated openings of Hyatt Centric The Palm Dubai, Hyatt Place Riyadh Sulaimania, and Hyatt House Jeddah/Sari Street, which will mark the debut for the select service brands in Saudi Arabia, Hyatt plans to bring three new brands to the Middle East by 2019.
Commenting on the new appointment, Strab said: “I am excited to take on this role. Hyatt has built a notable brand reputation as an authority in the hospitality market with its presence exceeding more than 30 years. Given our accumulated levels of insights and understanding of the intricate workings of the international market, it’s now time to increase our presence, and the Middle East is a vital market for us. We’re introducing new brands and innovative concepts; and as such, we are making sure we have the right people and resources in place to pioneer our expansion. Through a dynamic team, new vision, constant loyalty, and quality of service we intend to not only continue, but heighten this journey of excellence.”
Kurt joins Hyatt’s regional team in Dubai with more than 25 years of experience in Hyatt brands across the world. His most recent assignment was vice president of operations for India, responsible for executing the company’s operational and growth strategy in the country.
As regional vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa, Ludwig Bouldoukian will support the senior managerial department by recognising key areas of progress in the region. Ludwig will also be working to expand and diversify the organisation’s resources in the region, through creating and implementing strategic development plans. Accumulating more than a decade of hospitality experience, he has worked with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Marriott International across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and most recently held the role of senior director of development and acquisitions, with Marriott International in Dubai.
“I look forward to developing significant relationships in the region and driving all efforts towards Hyatt becoming the preferred brand for both developers and guests in the Middle East,” Bouldoukian said.
Anticipated openings in the Middle East & Africa by 2022 include:
- Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, Jordan
- Hyatt Place Dubai, Wasl District, United Arab Emirates
- Hyatt House Jeddah, Sari Street, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Hyatt Regency Algiers, The Democratic Republic of Algeria
- Hyatt Centric West Bay Doha, The State of Qatar
- Park Hyatt Doha, The State of Qatar
- Hyatt Centric Dubai Palm, United Arab Emirates
- Hyatt Place Dubai Al Mina, United Arab Emirates
- Grand Hyatt Kuwait City, The State of Kuwait
- Park Hyatt Marrakech, The Kingdom of Morocco
- Hyatt Place Riyadh KAFD, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Hyatt House Riyadh KAFD, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Hyatt Centric Dakar, Senegal
- Hyatt Regency Arusha, Tanzania
