Marriott International continues to grow in MEA

Marriott International has announced the appointment of Neil Jones as its new chief sales and marketing officer for the MEA to cater for the growing number of properties in the hotelier’s portfolio.
Jones brings with him a wealth of expertise as a result of 13 years’ experience within Marriott International. Starting his senior sales career in London as national sales manager, he then moved to the southeast of England and excelled as director of sales and marketing for the high-profile Hanbury Manor and Country Club.
Currently working as vice president within the global sales organization where he is responsible for global intermediaries and sales and reports directly to the European division and Marriott International headquarters worldwide, Jones will take on his new role from September. With him he brings good knowledge of the region to his new role having previously held the position of director of sales and marketing for the hugely successful 5-star JW Marriott Hotel, Cairo.
Commenting on Jones’ appointment, Alex Kyriakidis, president and MD, MEA continent, said: “Our company has witnessed unprecedented levels of growth in the last few months alone and with 45 new hotels with due to join regional portfolio by 2018, Neil has joined our team at a very exciting time. Not only will he be responsible for driving topline revenue for Marriott International brands, but in ensuring the strategic priorities of sales and marketing are aligned with Marriott International’s vision and priorities.”
Just over thirty years since arriving in the region with the 1980 opening of the 391-room Riyadh Marriott Hotel, Marriott International has established a regional network of 42 properties in 12 countries, offering 12,237 rooms and spanning seven lodging brands, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Residence Inn by Marriott to name a few. Key to the hotelier’s growth has been its strategic approach to drive expansion.