Accor Group’s Sofitel Dubai Downtown has appointed Abigail Brown as its new Director of Talent & Culture, effective immediately.

With nearly 15 years of HR leadership experience in the hospitality industry, Abigail most recently served as People and Culture Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in the UAE. During her tenure, she led a team of 22 HR professionals, supporting 1,200 employees. She introduced comprehensive internal policies, digitised HR operations, with a 95 percent satisfaction rate in company engagement surveys.

Prior to that, Abigail held key roles with Viceroy Hotel Group as HR Director and with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation – UAE as Director of HR. At Rotana, she managed a team of 12 HR professionals and over 240 employees, driving initiatives in policy development, employee engagement, and competitive compensation structures. Her commitment to fostering a collaborative workplace and prioritising employee well-being left a lasting impact. Abigail began her HR career with Charterhouse Recruitment in Dubai as a Recruitment Consultant, specialising in Interior Design, Architecture, and Hospitality. 

Academically, Abigail holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Events Management from the University of Plymouth and has earned a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in HR Management from ICS Learn. Her expertise spans talent acquisition, client relationship management, and aligning recruitment strategies with evolving market needs.  

Welcoming her in the new role, Sofitel stated, “Abigail is set to enhance the hotel’s reputation for exceptional service and world-class guest experiences through innovative talent development and a commitment to integrity, bringing nearly a decade of strategic HR leadership in the Middle East and Europe…she will be responsible for directing all aspects of talent management, including recruitment, training, and colleague engagement initiatives. Her appointment reflects Sofitel Dubai Downtown’s enduring commitment to cultivating an empowered workforce and delivering modern French elegance in the heart of Dubai.”

Abigail also expressed, “I’m honoured to lead the Talent & Culture strategy at Sofitel Dubai Downtown. My mission is to inspire every colleague to pursue excellence, share my knowledge, and foster a united environment built on trust and collaboration. Together, we will elevate guest experiences and drive the hotel’s continued success.”

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She also shared on LinkedIn, “I am thrilled to share that I have stepped into the role of Director of Talent & Culture at Sofitel Dubai Downtown. I am joining with immense pride and excitement to contribute to the continued success of the Property and to further enhance the existing culture of balance, belonging, and well-being. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome. I look forward to a year of growth and accomplishment together. I am a Heartist, and I am truly excited to be part of this incredible team!”