Heading up an independent hotel management company, Bani Haddad’s focus over the last 12 months has been to ensure that no owner has needed to pull from their own pocket. By keeping a very lean cost structure, Aleph has brought all owners back to break even, with some already generating profits during the pandemic. The pandemic was also the impetus for Aleph’s new Innovation Lab, designed to both identify and nurture young start-ups and resolve some of the challenges the global hospitality industry is facing. Successful applicants on the programme will be able to trial their products in Aleph’s hotels and receive potential investment opportunities, either through Aleph or third-party investment.

Caroline-Jane Houston

General manager, The Dorchester Collection

While this is a power list reserved for executives, the weight of Caroline-Jane Houston’s upcoming role cannot be ignored. She leads the only Dorchester Collection in the Middle East, holding decades of historic, luxury hotel standards on her back.

Leading a team of 600, she is responsible for the recently-unveiled The Lana, with 225 guest rooms. The Lana is a 30-storey property designed by the award-winning architects Foster + Partners. She will also lead the Beach Club at One at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, Dubai.

She explained: “I am honoured to be managing the Dorchester Collection properties within Dubai.

“This region and market is an incredible destination and one which we are delighted to be part of as we develop and expand in hotels and private residences.”

https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/people/50-executive-power-list-2022