In this new position, Al-Ashgar will cater to the increasing popularity of the Rosewood brand and meet the sales demand of the clientele within the Kingdom and the Middle East.
Leading the first regional sales office in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ashgar will focus on outbound sales to Rosewood's luxurious properties around the world which include The Carlyle Hotel in New York City, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Jumby Bay in Antigua, as well as the two upcoming regional properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Early in his career, Al-Ashgar spent four successful years at Rosewood's two Riyadh-based properties, Al-Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al-Khozama, as VIP sales executive before joining the Fairmont Raffles Swisshotel Group as sales manager with Raffles Dubai and latterly as associate director of global sales.
"Khalid's strong knowledge of the Saudi market and his expertise within the luxury hospitality sector make him a valuable addition to our team in the Middle East as we grow our brand presence regionally and internationally," said Ron Cusiter, vice president, sales and marketing operations of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
"Khalid is returning to Rosewood to take on an essential role for us within a strategically important market,” said Cusiter.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts currently operates three hotels in the Middle East — Al-Faisaliah Hotel, and Hotel Al-Khozama, Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh and Rosewood Corniche in Jeddah.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2012, while Rosewood Dubai will become operational in early 2013.
