Dubai’s newest Wyndham hotels appoint executive committee members

Dubai newcomers Wyndham Dubai Marina and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, both part of hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group, today announced the creation of a joint executive committee charged with managing both hotels and their collective 1,100 guest rooms. Spearheading the team is hotel industry veteran Rogier M. Hurkmans as cluster general manager, responsible for leading daily operations and overseeing more than 400 hotel associates.

Hurkmans has more than 20 years of experience serving global hotel chains including InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton, Steigenberger, Swissôtel and FRHI Hotels & Resorts in leadership and management roles including Managing Director and General Manager. Last year, he joined Wyndham Dubai Marina, the first Wyndham Hotels and Resorts location in the UAE, as general manager overseeing the opening of the 486-room upscale hotel.

“Wyndham Hotel Group’s expansion throughout the UAE has brought the first Wyndham and TRYP by Wyndham hotels to Dubai, offering the utmost in quality accommodations and hospitable service for travelers visiting this dynamic city,” said Hurkmans. “We’ve assembled a team of dedicated, service-oriented leaders who will ensure the hotels’ success while delivering great experiences to all guests who stay with us at both locations.”

Other executive committee appointments include:

Jo-Ella Moore and Tarek E. Shehata, hotel managers: With 20 years of global hospitality expertise, Moore takes on the hotel manager position at the 650-key TRYP by Wyndham after holding the same role at Wyndham Dubai Marina. Shehata brings 25 years of industry knowledge to the post at Wyndham Dubai Marina.

Denis Nobre, cluster director of finance: Nobre joins the executive committee after serving in hotel finance roles for more than 10 years with major hotel companies throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Jan Siddiqi, cluster director of sales: Siddiqi brings 25 years of hotel sales and marketing experience, including six with Wyndham Hotel Group, to this role where he will lead the hotels’ sales and revenue generation strategies.

Lola Banjo, cluster director of marketing and communications: Banjo will leverage her nine years of digital marketing experience to spearhead all marketing campaigns and storytelling efforts for both hotels.

Esmeralda Van Wyk, cluster director of restaurants & bars: Van Wyk will be responsible for the strategic growth and development of all F&B outlets as well as ensure that they all stay true to their concepts.

Shabri Bali, cluster director of human resources: Bali will oversee all human resources functions including recruiting new associates, known as TRYPsters, for the soon-to-open TRYP by Wyndham Dubai.

Prakash Nakarmi, cluster director of engineering: Nakarmi, a nearly 20-year industry veteran, will look after the hotels’ engineering-related requirements and operations.

Tarek Rahli, cluster director of revenue: Rahli will be responsible for maximizing revenue and overseeing the cluster reservations team at both hotels.

Ajai Gupta, cluster director of IT: Gupta will lead information technology operations and teams at both hotels.

TRYP by Wyndham Dubai is set to open this summer with 650 hotel rooms including 25 of the brand’s signature fitness rooms, which boast exercise equipment for private workouts. The hotel will also offer an inviting, social lobby known as Plaza Central where guests can eat and drink, work, relax, or meet. Other facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and meeting space.

Wyndham Dubai Marina offers 486 spacious guestrooms and suites with breath-taking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina. Guests and residents alike have four dining outlets, meeting and event space, wellness facilities including DreamWorks Spa, a gym and an outdoor pool.

Wyndham Dubai Marina and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai are owned by subsidiaries of leading Dubai based property developers The First Group and are managed by Wyndham Hotel Group.