Dubai, United Arab Emirates –: IHG Hotels & Resorts is excited to announce the imminent arrival of the Holiday Inn Hotel, set to open its doors this December in the vibrant Business Bay district. Leading the way is General Manager Bruno Hivon, at the helm of a dedicated young and dynamic team fully committed to bringing their vision to life—transforming this hotel into a thriving establishment nestled in the heart of the city.
Bruno Hivon, General Manager
Boasting over 29 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hivon has taken on the role of Cluster General Manager for the Holiday Inn & Staybridge Suite Dubai Business Bay in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to overseeing all operations and implementing strategic commercial plans to enhance its market position, Hivon is spearheading the launch of a cluster of hotels comprising over 400 rooms and four enticing food and beverage outlets in the vibrant heart of Dubai.
Hivon’s vision includes the integration of various sustainable initiatives, such as the installation of solar panels to harness renewable energy, the implementation of a desalination plant to provide in-house drinking water, and the utilisation of recycled paper for all in-house collaterals. Moreover, he has taken significant steps to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint by introducing energy-saving lighting solutions.
His journey started in Dubai with Habtoor Hospitality, where he spent nearly five years holding pivotal roles as General Manager and Executive Assistant Manager. During this period, Bruno played a crucial role in the successful openings and management of various properties, establishing a strong foundation for his future endeavours. Subsequently, he joined Emirates Holidays, where he dedicated years to shaping the travel and tourism landscape in the city.
Hivon then ventured to Qatar, where he assumed the roles of General Manager for Crowne Plaza Doha the Business Park and Holiday Inn Doha the Business Park, from February 2018 to February 2020. These properties, offering a combined total of 685 rooms, unique dining concepts, and extensive event space, thrived under his leadership.
Commenting on his appointment, Hivon said, “I am honoured to be taking on the role of Cluster General Manager of Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay and Staybridge Suites Dubai Business Bay. I am extremely excited to be a part of this dedicated team and look forward to providing our guests with elevated experiences and unrivalled service right in the heart of the city. As we embark on this journey, we remain dedicated to sustainability and to upholding environmentally friendly practices, in line with our larger vision of responsible tourism.”
Hivon’s unwavering dedication to hospitality excellence and strategic leadership throughout his career, along with his consideration for his team’s well-being, has not only solidified his esteemed reputation in the industry but also embodied his commitment to maintaining a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Shadab Amin, Director of Sales and Marketing
Working alongside Bruno Hivon as Director of Sales and Marketing is Shadab Amin. Throughout his extensive career, Amin has demonstrated exceptional expertise in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry. Currently serving in his role at Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, he is responsible for leading the commercial team with a smart approach, aiming to achieve goals such as managing budgets, as well as developing and executing strategic sales and marketing plans to optimise revenue. Additionally, he is dedicated to efficiently allocating resources towards the hotel’s pre-opening budget.
Shadab’s keen market insight allows him to adjust strategies in response to changing market conditions and maintain strong relationships with industry influencers and partners. His role also involves overseeing advertising and promotional activities while upholding IHG Brand standards. His career has encompassed various roles, including Director of Sales, Assistant Director of Sales, and Senior Business Development Manager at prominent hotels and resorts in locations like Singapore, the Maldives, and Oman, demonstrating his versatile and accomplished career track record.
Arjun Singh, Executive Chef
With over a decade of experience, Arjun Singh is a profoundly creative and self-motivated chef who possesses exceptional expertise in hotel operations, demonstrating strong management, leadership, and communication skills. From roles as a Senior Sous Chef at Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront, Jr. Sous Chef at Fire Lake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, and Chef de partie at various renowned establishments, Singh has consistently delivered high-quality dishes, managed kitchen operations, and resolved challenges efficiently. His career journey reflects an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, innovative problem-solving, and effective leadership in the dynamic realm of hospitality and hotel operations. Arjun’s expertise also extends to cooking techniques with open fire, where he masterfully harnesses the flames to create exceptional dishes. Arjun will oversee day-to-day activities and implement dynamic F&B strategies to maximise revenue, while ensuring that an exceptional level of guest service is always maintained. Arjun specializes in American and Mexican cuisine, offering modern interpretations. His core strengths include skills such as kitchen and restaurant design, menu engineering and implementation, people development and performance management, planning and budgeting, the development of new F&B concepts, environmentally friendly and sustainable menus, and product feasibility studies and market research.
With over 15 years of experience in F&B operations and hotel management, Matthew Wakeford is a seasoned hospitality professional known for his expertise in creating diverse menus, crafting innovative cocktails, and optimising beverage operations. He has an impressive track record of successful pre-openings, including the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai. Currently serving as the F&B Manager at Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay Hotel, Wakeford leads the food and beverage operations, contributing his extensive experience to enhance the hotel’s dining offerings and guest experiences. His role encompasses menu development, training and supervising staff and fostering a culture of exceptional service. Matthew’s leadership plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the hotel’s F&B department thrives and aligns with the brand’s standards of excellence.
The hotel’s vision will also be overseen by key team members to ensure smooth and successful property operations. With over 21 years of experience in the industry, Ziad Khuzouz serves as the Director of Finance & Business Support. In this role, he is responsible for implementing strategic plans and budget programmes, as well as maximising profits and cash management, among other responsibilities. Shirley M will be leading all things human resources as Director of Human Resources, including talent acquisition, budgeting, staff accommodation, and internal communications. When it comes to Room Division, Mira Maher will oversee all operations as Room Division Manager. In her role, she leads various hotel departments, creates a welcoming environment, and manages day-to-day functions. Finally, Perla Carreon will serve as Housekeeping Manager, where she will head housekeeping and laundry facilities, ensuring a secure and pleasant environment for all guests.