Sofitel The Palm Dubai, a five-star resort currently in its soft opening phase, recently added new members to its Executive Committee (EXCOM).

Headed by general manager, Christophe Schnyder and supported by hotel manager, Marc Sittl, the executive committee includes director of Food and Beverage, David Hirber, executive chef, Olivier Chaleil and director of Sales and Marketing, Emmanuel Comble.

Rounding out the EXCOM team are director of Finance, Navin Shah, director of Rooms, Karim Shawky, director of HR, Sayed Edroos and director of Engineering, Rohit Salunke.

Located within the Palm Jumeirah, Sofitel The Palm Dubai is a five-star, luxurious Polynesian-themed resort, featuring 361 guest rooms and suites, as well as 182 fully serviced residences.

The resort is encapsulated by a private 500m stretch of beach, offering sea views overlooking the East Crescent of Dubai’s must visit destination, the Palm Island.

“I look forward to drawing on the executive committee’s extensive experience in order to ensure Sofitel The Palm Dubai is not only a success within Dubai, but also internationally,” said Schnyder.  “We are undoubtedly excited to build on the favourable reputation the Sofitel brand has garnered in the region.”

Schnyder, a Swiss national, gained invaluable international experience working in renowned properties, such as The Waldorf Astoria and Peninsula Hotel in New York. Having worked in the UAE for over ten years, his experience includes the preopening of the Burj Al Arab, where he later became hotel manager. He was then appointed general manager of Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf, where he managed preopening of the 575 room hotel, located within the Madinat Jumeirah Resort.

Sittl has worked at prestigious properties throughout the world. From 2002 onwards, Marc has amassed over nine years of regional experience as deputy general manager with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the UAE.

With over ten years' sales and marketing experience, Comble has gained strong knowledge in both Meetings, Incentive, Convention and Events (MICE) sales, as well as Leisure Sales.

Hirber, an Austrian native, will lead the property’s 14 food and beverage outlets. In 2006, he was appointed the resort beverage manager at Madinat Jumeirah, before being promoted to F&B manager of Mina A Salam and Souk Madinat Jumeirah in 2008. In 2009, David was transferred to The Meydan Hotel as Pre Opening Director of Food and Beverage.

Chaleil will manage the kitchens of the 14 food and beverage outlets. French-born Chaleil brings with him 33 years of international experience. He joins the Sofitel The Palm Dubai team from his previous employment of executive chef in charge of F&B at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul where he managed six restaurants and the conference and banqueting facilities. – TradeArabia News Service