Global brand COO for Delano, Mondrian, SLS, SO/ and head of Asia Pacific & Middle East for Ennismore, Chadi Farhat is behind the steering wheel for many of the region’s most innovative properties. In November 2021, Farhat successfully opened the first Hyde Hotel outside of the US in Dubai’s Business Bay. A month later, 25Hours also opened in the emirate, marking the brand’s first step outside of Europe. Farhat is responsible for more than 5,000 hotel keys, including 1,100 in the Middle East. That number is soon to double, thanks to a robust pipeline in the Middle East. The upcoming properties include an SLS at Saudi Arabia’s The Red Sea Project, which will bring 150 hotel rooms, including 12 suites, and 15 villas spanning over 800,000 sq ft.

Claudio Capaccioli

CEO, STORY Hospitality

STORY Hospitality had a landmark year in 2021. Previously known as H’Mark Hotels, the Abu Dhabi-based company rebranded in February. Over the last 12 months there were two brands launched to fit in the four- and five-star segments. Five-star STORY Hotels & Resorts will become the flagship brand, while CUE Hotels will appeal to lifestyle-driven guests. Upcoming properties include STORY Makkah and the CUE Abu Dhabi Airport. Capaccioli said “Our mission is to continually look for ways to preserve and protect natural resources by reducing waste and energy while providing the best of experiences and services to our guests. We understand sustainability as meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.”

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