Guy Hutchinson officially takes the lead at Rotana. (Photo: Rotana)

After a year, Rotana’s acting CEO Hutchinson is promoted to lead the company’s expansion and diversification in the new decade.

The acting CEO of Rotana Hotels has been promoted to the role of the group’s president and CEO.

Guy Hutchinson will take charge for the company’s next phase of growth, heralding a new era for the coming decade. We find out more.

Rotana makes Acting CEO official

Rotana Hotels and Resorts has made it official: Guy Hutchinson is the group’s new President and CEO. Hutchinson had held the position of Acting CEO since January 2019, and now, a year later, Rotana has honoured him with the top job in the company.

Hutchinson brings over three decades of experience to his role, which will see him lead the group in their next phase of growth, coinciding with the new leaf of a fresh decade.

Indeed, Hutchinson knows the company inside out, having come on as their COO in 2014, and as such is uniquely positioned to captain the ship going forward.

Hutchinson commented on his permanent role, saying, “I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity. It is truly exciting to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team, and together we look forward to leading Rotana’s next phase of growth.”

“Certainly exploring new avenues to deliver added value to our guests, partners and stakeholders will remain our top priority, and we will strive to realise the company’s ambitious objectives while continuing to uphold the values and high standards for which Rotana is so well known,” Hutchinson went on to say.

Expansion plans

Hutchinson is a hospitality veteran with many years working around the world for Hilton giving him ample insight into different markets and how to navigate them.

Since Hutchinson has been involved with Rotana, it has gone from strength to strength, deepening its presence in existing markets and expanding into new ones, boasted continued and sustained revenue growth and developed new commercial relationships.

Last year the group was focused on gaining a foothold in new regions, which included the rebranding of an iconic Iraqi hotel to become the Babylon Rotana Baghdad, and the signing of Palmeraie Resorts in Morocco, whose rebrand will be finished this year.

Rotana also opened its first properties in southeastern Europe and East Africa. Hutchinson was also responsible for pioneering the franchise arm of Rotana’s business.

Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana, commended the new CEO, saying, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate Guy Hutchinson on his promotion to President & CEO. Leveraging his extensive industry experience, as well as his progressive and dynamic leadership skills, he led the team at Rotana to deliver a remarkable year in 2019 despite challenging market conditions.”

“I am confident that Rotana will continue to go from strength to strength under his tenure, as we continue to push ahead with our vision to be one of the leading hospitality management companies globally,” Mr Al Nowais concluded.