Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Appoints Executive Team

The executive team brings a wealth of experience across multiple divisions and departments in preparation for Kuwait City’s highly anticipated opening

Kuwait City, Kuwait, 23 May 2022 – Connected to Kuwait City’s hotspot, The Avenues, the highly-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Kuwait has announced the appointment of its diverse executive team, bringing a wealth of global experience from renowned brands in the hospitality industry to work alongside the General Manager for the official opening in Summer 2022.

On the appointments, Kemal Sirtikirmizi, General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait commented: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome our executive team. Together, we are preparing for the opening of what will be one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks. We remain inspired by the traditions and exceptional service of the Waldorf Astoria brand worldwide, and we strive to uphold these values as we bring them to guests staying in this glamourous city.”

Working alongside the General Manager, Kemal Sirtikirmizi and overseeing operations at the property, Eugene de Rooze joined the team as Director of Operations. Eugene has worked with renowned international brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and Fairmont Hotels since he began his career in 2001. Embarking on his hospitality journey with his first role as F&B Outlet Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Eugene has come a long way moving up from various roles in F&B starting in restaurant and banquet management at different locations including Egypt, the United States, Cayman Islands, Mexico, British West Indies and lastly at The Ritz-Carlton, Astana in Kazakhstan where he took the role as Executive Assistant Manager overlooking the Food and Beverage division.

With his dynamic experience, Eugene will be responsible for the operations of Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, leading the team to strive for excellence in service levels across all areas of the property, whilst also spearheading F&B and rooms operations, as well as implementing brand initiatives to deliver unforgettable hospitality experiences and True Waldorf Service.

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait also brings on board a strong marketing, sales, and revenue team with Manu Koshy leading as the Commercial Director with a depth of experience working in destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as globally. With over 27 years of experience in opening and converting hotels within the company, Manu brings his leadership skills and energetic persona to lead the commercial department at the property, planning and executing all commercial strategies of the hotel, driving revenue, and ensuring the maximization of all opportunities for profit generation.

The team also welcomes on board Executive Chef Gurkan Gozyilmaz, a seasoned culinary professional with over 17 years of experience, taking on his first Executive Chef role at Palazzo Versace Dubai in 2018 ahead of his most recent position at Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. Through the years, Gurkan also gained exposure as a chef in Madinat Jumeirah & Jumeirah Bodrum Palace, J.W Marriott Miami USA, Mandarin Oriental – Bodrum Turkey. At The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, he worked together with the world renowned 3 Michelin star Chef Eric Ripert where Gurkan sharpened his expertise to the highest level. In each of these destinations, he embraced diverse cultures and local tastes in the flavors of his culinary creations. Gurkan and his team will oversee the spectacular dining offerings at the hotel, extending guests the best dining experience in the city.

Adriana Kruhonja joins the team as Director of Spa, responsible for implementing all strategic administrations and plans alongside the team to gain loyalty from guests and members to successfully launch the most exclusive spa in the city. Having experience for 16 years, Adriana has experience in 5-star hotels across the world, including the Middle East and Europe region, working with world known Spa properties such as Shuiqi SPA at Atlantis The Palm. Leading the opening of the lavish Waldorf Astoria SPA, Adriana and her team will create memorable experiences for  guests to escape from the bustle of everyday life by indulging in calming treatments that promise to relax and rejuvenate.

Ercan Kabak joins the team as Director of Finance, with over 26 years of experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting with prominent brands such as Hilton and Swiss Hotels & Resorts in Austria, Japan and Turkey. Ercan will oversee the development and maintenance of all financial functions, reporting, and purchasing to ensure compliance with policies and brand procedures. Ercan and his team will ensure the seamless operation of the hotel`s finances by assessing the market, establishing financial goals, conducting financial analysis and setting the hotel for financial success. 

Ricardo del Rio, Director of Human Resources, joins the team with 26 years of experience working at different luxury properties across the world including The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, St. Regis and Luxury Collection Hotels, Belmond Hotels, Madinat Jumeirah Resort at many different locations like Spain, Mexico, Bahrain and Dubai. Ricardo’s strong skillset and significant pre-opening experiences enables him to ensure full implementation of all on-property learning and development programmes, as well as supervise and coordinate talent acquisition in alignment to Waldorf Astoria standards. .

Ayman Al-Bedewi completes the team as Director of Engineering with over 26 years of experience. He started his career by obtaining his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a major in Production & Design. Ayman successfully opened a number of luxury properties such as Kempinski Hotel Aqaba and Fairmont Amman. Ayman and his team will be responsible for making sure the hotel will be running seamlessly to the highest Hilton and Waldorf Astoria standards. Ayman`s experience in the engineering field creates an opportunity to launch a unique property in Kuwait by developing and implementing the latest engineering solutions.    

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is owned by Mabanee, a leading real estate developer known for its modern vision and excellence in innovation projects. Connected to The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will feature 200 contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline. Guests will enjoy a transformative journey of the senses at this ultra-luxurious property, from exquisite dining venues to the awe-inspiring 13,560sqft Waldorf Spa that will leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Meanwhile, beautiful meeting and event spaces – including a spectacular Grand Ballroom – will provide idyllic venues for unforgettable celebrations or tailored corporate events.

For more information on Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, please visit newsroom.hilton.com.

-ENDS-

Image caption (left to right):

• Standing: Aiman (Director of Engineering), Eugene De Rooze (Director of Operations), Ercan Kabak (Director of Finance), Gurkan Goziylmaz (Executive Chef)
• Sitting: Manu Koshy (Commercial Director), Kemal Sirtikirmizi (General Manager), Adriana Kruhonja (Director of Spa), Ricardo del Rio (Director of Human Resources)

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts 

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to personal service and culinary expertise in landmark locations around the world. Unified by their inspirational environments and True Waldorf Service, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver graceful service from the moment a guest books through checkout. In addition to the brand’s renowned hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a best-in-class residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with the unsurpassed amenities and legendary service of Waldorf Astoria. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience a positive stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at newsroom.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.