Rotana, a UAE-based hospitality management company, has announced the appointment of Philip Barnes as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from March 1, 2024.

In his new role, Philip brings over 48 years of industry experience. Most recently, he served Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for over 24 years, overseeing operations in Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and playing a key role in expansion across South Africa, UAE, KSA, Egypt, and Oman. He also worked as a strategic advisor and consultant for Fox Fold.

In previous roles, Philip worked with Stamford Hotels and Resorts as the Chief Operating Officer, Four Seasons Hotels andResorts as the General Manager for Auckland and Singapore, and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts as the General Manager for Singapore. He also served at John B Coleman Hotels, Lex Hotels, S&M Hotels, and Goodhews Hotels in key positions.

Welcoming Philip to the leadership role, Selim El Zyr, Vice-Chairman of Rotana, said, “We are proud to welcome Philip Barnes as the new CEO of Rotana. With a rich history of leadership and a deep understanding of the global hospitality landscape, Barnes is poised to elevate our brand delivery and levels of excellence. We eagerly anticipate his innovative direction and vision that will shape Rotana’s next chapter and build on our growing pipeline across key markets.”

Philip also commented, “I am privileged to join Rotana – a homegrown brand synonymous with providing guests with the highest service levels across the region. I look forward to working closely with the wider team to grow Rotana’s legacy and firmly position it as one of the leading hospitality players in the region. Together, we will embark on a journey to redefine hospitality, creating Treasured Time for our guests and setting new benchmarks for the industry.”