The new GM at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha on the importance of teamwork, property renovations and an interesting hobby.

Congratulations on your new appointment. After many years of experience in Europe, what inspired you to take up this role in Qatar?
Having previously visited the Middle East with my family during holidays, I am no stranger to this captivating part of the world. The commendable reputation of Qatar as a desirable destination, coupled with the resounding success of the FIFA World Cup 2022, left an indelible impression on me.
Qatar’s remarkable achievements in putting itself on the global map have served as a tremendous source of inspiration, prompting me to venture into this part of the world and personally immerse myself in its offerings. Hence, it is with immense delight that I find myself currently engaged in work within this extraordinary locale.

Do you think your management style will be different here in the Middle East? And if so, how?
I think everyone has their own style of management. Of course, I have to adapt whilst maintaining who I am and what makes me unique. I like creating a culture of excellence, implementing innovative strategies and fostering relationships with not only our guests and stakeholders, but specifically our employees.
I believe in providing ways for my team to express and build on their ideas, and trust that they can turn these ideas into success. As a team, we can make anything happen. So far, the team is doing a fantastic job in terms of operational excellence and we want to build our future on this base.

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha is currently undergoing refurbishment. What upgrades can guests expect at the property, and what are your plans for the future?
Through the comprehensive refurbishment of every room and event venue, guests can anticipate an entirely new experience, characterised by contemporary aesthetics and cutting-edge amenities. Each area is thoughtfully designed to be multifunctional as well as seamlessly interconnected both physically and visually, enabling our esteemed guests to effortlessly select and utilise the space according to their unique requirements, irrespective of the occasion.
Our primary focus lies in further elevating our food and beverage establishments as a key strategy. In line with this objective, we have recently introduced our latest entertainment venue, RUBIX. Our aim is to capitalise on the already established reputation of our restaurants, not only by introducing new themed nights and enhancing our beverage selection, but also by creating unforgettable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on our valued patrons.

On a personal note, you have said: “I have always loved the idea of not being what people expect me to be.” What do you mean by this, and can you give some examples?
I always think that you can accomplish the greatest achievements in life. To be successful in business, you have to build a team of people who trust each other and believe in the same overall philosophy. Create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their best together, and you can do the unexpected.
For example, at some of my previous hotels, I was able to host international superstars for charity events. We were also able to build a concert stage in front of one hotel during the pandemic so that hotel guests could safely enjoy live music. This was greatly appreciated by all the hotel guests, which made it even more special for the team and myself. There are many more stories… If someone tells you that something is not possible, that is their limitation, not yours.

Do you have a secret talent or bucket list item that would surprise our readers?
I do not have a secret talent, but one thing that somewhat stands out is my passion for collecting vintage vinyl records. I love to visit markets and try to find records by The Beatles, Rolling Stones etc. I have already discovered that there are some souq merchants who sell records, and I look forward to exploring those offerings throughout the weekends here in Doha. ✤