Ishraq Hospitality unveils leadership promotions to power global expansion
Sylvia Matei to lead cluster operations in Dubai and beyond
DUBAI: Ishraq Hospitality, the asset management and hospitality arm of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, has announced the promotion of three high-performing leaders, reinforcing its commitment to internal talent development and regional expansion.
These strategic appointments reflect the group’s focus on accelerating performance across its portfolio in the UAE and key international markets, including Georgia and Egypt.
Among the standout promotions is Sylvia Matei, elevated to Cluster General Manager from her former role as Cluster Hotel Manager. She now assumes full leadership of both Holiday Inn Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport and Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport. Sylvia, who brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector, has been a driving force in enhancing guest satisfaction and improving operational standards.
During her tenure, Sylvia’s performance has been instrumental in securing prestigious accolades such as the IHG Guest Voice and Loyalty Award and the title of Best Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards. She is now also charged with leading the pre-opening strategy for Crowne Plaza Batumi and Batumi Hotel Apartments in Georgia – an expansion milestone for the group.
Commercial growth vision
The promotion of Ahmad Najib to Commercial Director marks another key development in Ishraq’s leadership structure. Ahmad has been at the forefront of sales and marketing across eight properties, orchestrating pricing, distribution, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the group’s positioning in both leisure and corporate markets.
With a career spanning over 18 years, including stints at IHG, Radisson, Rotana, and Marriott, Ahmad is now responsible for commercial planning for upcoming launches in Georgia and Egypt. These include the Crowne Plaza Batumi, Holiday Inn Express, and The Five Hotel Apartments in Cairo New Capital – a strong statement of the group’s commitment to emerging hospitality hubs.
Marketing leadership expansion
Mohamad Negro, formerly Marketing & PR Manager, has been promoted to Senior Marketing & PR Manager, following his successful efforts in strengthening digital presence and brand visibility at Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira and Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah.
Mohamad has leveraged IHG’s digital platforms to drive performance across both rooms and F&B revenue. His new responsibilities now include overseeing marketing for all eight Dubai properties, as well as supporting launches in Georgia and Egypt. He will collaborate closely with the commercial team under the strategic direction of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group’s marketing leadership.
Company milestones
Commenting on the promotions, Joseph Karam, Chief Operating Officer of Ishraq Hospitality, noted that the company remains committed to empowering talent that consistently exceeds expectations. He praised Sylvia, Ahmad, and Mohamad for their leadership, performance, and dedication to Ishraq’s long-term vision.
Founded in 2007 and acquired by the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group in 2011, Ishraq Hospitality has grown into a key player in the regional hospitality landscape. The company manages a diverse portfolio of mid-scale and upscale hotels under the IHG umbrella, including Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport, Holiday Inn Express Dubai – Jumeirah, Holiday Inn Express Dubai – Safa Park, and Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah, among others.
Looking ahead, the group is preparing to launch new projects across Georgia and Egypt, solidifying its presence in strategic growth markets. The promotions announced further underscore Ishraq Hospitality’s dedication to maintaining high service standards while preparing for the next phase of regional and international expansion.