As the nomination deadline approaches, Hotel News Middle East has finalised the judging panel for the second edition of the Leaders In Hospitality Awards, set to take place on Wednesday, 17 May at The St. Regis Dubai.
Hotel News Middle East has carefully selected the judging panel who will preside over the second ever Leaders in Hospitality Awards, which celebrates the very best that the hospitality industry has to offer in the Middle East.
Comprising some of the region’s key experts the panel has extensive knowledge of the key trends, opportunities and challenges associated with the business and a wealth of experience spanning operations, investment, development, education, marketing and consumer trends.
THE JUDGING PANEL
Filippo Sona, Colliers director/ head of hotels MENA Region: Filippo is an investment and development professional with 22 years of hotel operational and advisory experience gained from the UK, Europe, USA and MENA regions.
Helen Morris, executive chef / senior lecturer at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management: Helen has been a chef in leading five-star hotels and restaurants in the UK and London and she was a head of the department in a leading education institute in London before joining Emirates Academy. She has expertise in fine dining restaurants, hotel kitchen management, food safety and hygiene and event catering.
Hisham Farouak, CEO Grant Thornton: Hisham Farouak has advised multinational, regional and local family businesses on a wide range of issues and has been instrumental in developing the strategic direction of Grant Thornton as well as managing the overall business.
Hala Mata Choufany, president HVS Middle East and Africa: Hala Mata Choufany has in-depth expertise in regional hotel markets and has had broad exposure to international markets. She maintains excellent contacts with developers, owners, operators, investment institutions and government entities.
Martin Kubler, CEO SPS Affinity: Martin Kubler is a hotel GM turned hospitality and service industries consultant with 20 plus years of executive-level management experience in three, four and five-star hotels in Europe and the Middle East.
Daniel During, principal and managing director, Thomas Klein International Hospitality School: Daniel has 20 years’ experience in the F&B and the hospitality industry, covering all aspects of product and brand creation to operations management.
Rabih Feghali – director Roya International: This third generation hotelier works for Roya International, where he is tasked with spearheading business development activity.
Naim Maadad, Gates Hospitality CEO: The man at the helm of Gates Hospitality, committed to the development of world-class hospitality, asset management and food & beverage products, has over 25 years of experience and has launched and operated internationally renowned hotels, resorts, spas and lifestyle restaurants.
