UAE: International lodging owner and operator, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has appointed Pekka Hirvi as the director of business development for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.
Hirvi in his new role will be responsible for three key goals. The first is expanding Ascott’s presence in the aforesaid regions by focusing on major source markets such as the UAE and KSA.
The second will be to focus on building the group’s regional portfolio in Egypt and Kuwait. This comes as the group pursues its regional target of an additional 5,500 units in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey by 2025.
The third will be to grow Ascott’s presence with its global brands including Ascott The Residence, Somerset, Citadines, lyf, The Crest Collection and Oakwood.
Hirvi has 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has overseen more than 50 hotel management and franchise agreements in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. He also spearheaded Ascott’s global franchise and development strategies, identifying potential new markets and developing new franchise businesses at Ascott Singapore’s headquarters.
In the past, he has worked with brands such as Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and Accor, amongst others.
Vincent Miccolis, managing director for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India at The Ascott Limited, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hirvi to The Ascott Middle East leadership team. His extensive experience in business development and franchise growth will further boost our regional expansion goals.”
Hirvi told TradeArabia News Service: “The Ascott Limited is a prominently distinguished company both in the region and globally. This is an exciting time for the group and I am thrilled to be part of The Ascott Middle East family. I look forward to a productive tenure and aim to work towards identifying new opportunities for growth that will solidify Ascott’s position as the leading hospitality brand in the region.”
