Dubai -: Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, today announced the appointment of the senior management team who will lead the launch of the new Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai, located in the heart of Al Jaddaf’s thriving Culture Village.
Leading the team is Multi-Property General Manager, Richard Bleakley – an experienced and innovative hotelier who has been involved at the property since the planning stage. Richard’s journey with Marriott began in the UK in 1999. Growing his career from sales and marketing, he discovered a burgeoning passion for operations and transitioned to the role of General Manager of the Northampton Marriott Hotel, in 2009.
Since relocating to the UAE in 2012, Richard has managed and opened several prestigious properties. More recently, his experience was instrumental in the successful reopening of Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai in September 2021. Presently overseeing multiple properties including the Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf, Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek, Element by Westin Al Jaddaf and Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, he is delighted to add Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai to his impressive portfolio. Richard’s invaluable expertise in launching new products to market, his passion for the travel industry, and commitment to building and empowering a strong hotel team, will undoubtedly result in a bright future for Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai.
Ravneet Arora has been appointed as Multi-Property Director of Sales and Marketing and will undoubtedly bring a wealth of industry experience to this new and exciting role, whilst equally overseeing Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai and Element by Westin Al Jaddaf, driving the sales and marketing efforts for all the hotels.
Ravneet’s career defining roles include the Director of Sales at Marriott Al Jaddaf, Head of Sales and Marketing at the Ritz Carlton Jakarta, and the Director of Sales at JW Marriot Juhu. With over 13 years of hospitality industry experience, Ravneet has worked across a plethora of Marriott brands throughout her career and will bring a multitude of industry insight and experience to this pivotal role. Her objective is to develop a varied, profitable, and sustainable portfolio of guests, ensuring the commercial objectives of Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai are met.
Nancy Shaker, Multi-Property Director of Human Resources will oversee all aspects of talent management, learning and development, employee engagement and performance management for Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai – in addition to the five other properties in her portfolio. Working alongside the hotel’s General Manager and reporting to the UAE Area Director of Human Resource she is determined to attract and retain the best individuals for any given position, but equally create an empowering work environment where success, progression and a ‘‘wellbeing culture’’ are celebrated.
Nancy comes with 18 years of experience in Human Capital, Business Management, and most importantly, creating Career Experiences. Within her 10 years of Marriott international experience she has worked for multiple brands and contributed to five successful openings between Egypt and the UAE.
Jason Hollingworth will manage all hotel operations, as Operations Manager. Over the course of his 11-year long career, Jason has swiftly moved up the corporate ladder, starting his career as Deputy General Manager at Hilton Garden Inn, Luton, London, before moving onto several high-profile positions across Hilton Hotels in the UK. As Operations Manager, Jason will work closely with the General Manager and sales team to ensure smooth operations of front of house, food & beverage, and housekeeping, as well as playing a significant role in providing quality service for all guests.
Devising the culinary offering at Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village Dubai, is experienced chef of 18 years, Prabu Michael. Prabu’s expansive career includes several other Marriott properties, including Aloft Palm Jumeirah, Courtyard Marriott Dubai, Green Community and Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. He is delighted to be bringing his expert skills and culinary flair to his new role at Courtyard by Marriott Culture Village, Dubai. Since his appointment as Cluster Head Chef, Prabu has been the driving force behind the culinary concept and menu development of the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, MoMo Bistro.