Gulf Hotels Group's chief executive Aqeel Raees has been appointed to the board of the company, it was announced.

"This is in recognition of Aqeel's dedication and continued efforts to develop the business since his appointment as chief executive in 2002," chairman Farouk Almoayyed said.

"He has successfully led the management team of all divisions to achieving unprecedented results and doubling the income and net profits several times, which enabled the group to develop the facilities of the Gulf Hotel and to diversify and increase income resources," he added.

Raees said he appreciated the confidence placed in him by the directors and would continue to further improve the level of the company's performance.

One of the pioneers of the hospitality and tourism industry in Bahrain, Raees began his hotel career when he got a scholarship to study hotel management in the United Kingdom in 1974.

He has held many senior positions in the Gulf Hotel and in 1990 he was appointed general manager.-TradeArabia News Service