MERIDIEN GETS NEW REGIONAL CHIEF

Veteran hotelier set to drive global chain’s next step expansion

Le Meridien, the newly independent luxury hotel group, has announced the appointment of Sami Zoghbi, as managing director of its Africa , Middle East , Africa and Indian Ocean region.

Zoghbi joins Le Meridien from Starwood International Hotel Company, where he held similar responsibility for the group’s regional operations following more than 35 years, mainly in senior management positions with the company’s Sheraton brand.

The announcement came just weeks after Nomura – a Japanese investment house – made the winning bid for the 126 property global hotel chain.

Said Zoghbi : “I am delighted to take the reigns of Le Meridien’s regional operations, spanning in excess of 32 properties in 24 locations –25 per cent of the global portfolio.

He indicated that his directive is to continue to grow the region, doubling Le Meridien’s presence in five years. The chain had just four hotels in the Middle East region less that than eight years ago.

Zoghbi will lead operations from Le Meridien’s regional headquarters located in Dubai , United Arab Emirates .