Sami Nasser, SVP, operations for FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI), Middle East, Africa and India, has announced the appointment of Ahmed Hozaien as MD for the tri branded properties in the holy city of Makkah — Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel, Raffles Makkah Palace and Swissotel Makkah.

“Ahmed joins us at a pivotal time as our Makkah portfolio serves as a landmark destination for religious travel,” states Nasser. “His extensive operational experience in key markets and in Makkah will further reinforce our brand presence and assist in setting the groundwork for future growth within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Hozaien will be responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the hotels, which collectively includes 3,306 guestrooms, suites and residences in addition to over 15 Food and Beverage outlets.

Prior to this nomination, Hozaien was GM of the Pullman Zamzam Makkah, and was given the added responsibility of rebranding the 1,315-room hotel. He brings over 25 years of hospitality experience having held several roles within multiple international brands in the food and beverage, and operations areas. He spent 18 years with Accor Hotels, managing several properties in Egypt, Cuba, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. In 2003, he was named Manager of the Year by the company.

Hozaien holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Helwan University in Cairo and has successfully completed a hotel executive program (MBA) at the ESSEC business school in Paris.