Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, Middle East & Africa (MEA), today announced two senior appointments to its Regional Head Office team based in Dubai, as it looks to support its aggressive growth plan for the region and drive higher performance from its operating portfolio. Experienced hotelier Mr. Thomas Tapken has been appointed Vice President - Operations, Middle East & Africa and Mr. Ian Handy appointed as Director - Human Resources, Middle East & Africa. Both appointments are effective from January 2014 and continue the Group’s investment in its Regional Head Office team.
(TRAVPR.COM) ABU DHABI - January 18th, 2014 - In his role, Mr. Tapken will provide leadership and strategic direction for Millennium & Copthorne Hotels in the Middle East & Africa region. A key objective moving forward will be to deliver maximum business growth and profitability, whilst maintaining quality standards across the portfolio of hotels.
Mr. Tapken enjoys over 30 years’ experience in hospitality management across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. A highly recognised UAE-based hospitality professional, Mr. Tapken’s extensive hospitality experience spans business transformation and driving service and operational excellence. The last 11 years have been spent in the Middle East region, where Mr. Tapken has held various senior management positions for global hotel groups including Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and most recently with Rotana Hotels where Mr. Tapken was Area Vice President – Dubai and Northern Emirates.
Mr. Handy’s appointment takes place at time when the Group is looking to recruit +2500 employees over the coming 15 months to support new hotel openings. In his role, Mr. Handy will be responsible for leading the Human Resources and Training function for the region. Mr. Handy has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, spent in the United Arab Emirates and the UK, where he worked for recognised hotel chains including Intercontinental, Rezidor and Rotana, where he was Area Director of Human Resources.
The announcement follows a number of senior executive appointments at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Middle East & Africa over the last year. A period in which the Group announced another high profile appointment with Mr. Naeem Darkazally, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Middle East & Africa, joining the company and adding to the strength and expertise of the Regional Head Office team.
“We are delighted to welcome both Thomas and Ian on board. Thomas brings a level of expertise and skills, which are critical to both our expansion plans and our existing operations. I am sure Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and its Owners will greatly benefit from this appointment and see a positive change in our Company’s direction.
Ian will also bring the necessary skills and experience to lead our HR function in line with our vision for the Company. It is vital that we have the right foundations in place as we grow and that requires investment in our people. Last year, we relocated our regional headquarters to Dubai where we are driving a new culture of progress and innovation to lead the company forward. These appointments demonstrate our commitment to the region, as we believe the Middle East & Africa will not only be the growth engine, but also lead best practice across Millennium Hotels and Resorts worldwide” said
Mr. Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President & CEO, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Middle East & Africa.
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