Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has appointed Michael Payne as its new general manager, a role that marks his return to Dubai.

With almost 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Payne joins Kempinski from Emirates One&Only, Wolgan Valley Blue Mountains in Australia.

In Dubai, Payne had previously launched One&Only The Palm as general manager and led the team at the property from pre-opening in 2009 until 2015.

Prior to that, he was general manager of One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives from 2005 to 2009. His first stint in Dubai began in 2002, when he spent three years as resident manager at One&Only Royal Mirage.

Commenting on his appointment, Payne said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates at such an exciting time, following the completion of its three-year renovation.

The property is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and I am looking forward to leading the team as we embark on the next decade of serving our loyal guests.”

He added: “As a general manager, I constantly strive to to set the highest standards at all times and take great pride in building and leading teams that embrace the same business goals, philosophies, strategies and objectives. I thrive on delivering high results in order to be an industry leader in the market and I will ensure that no rock is left unturned in the process.”

Payne began his career with Hyatt at the Hyatt Regency Cancun in Mexico and quickly worked his way up the career ladder in numerous food and beverage management positions at Hyatt Hotels in Hong Kong, Seoul, Spain, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Melbourne.

A British National and graduate of the world-famous Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne, Payne speaks fluent French, German and Spanish. - TradeArabia News Service