Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 8 January, 2015 2:20 pm |

InterContinental Dubai Marina, the new IHG landmark hotel set to open this year in the heart of Dubai’s cosmopolitan marina, announces their senior management team.
The team, already on the ground preparing for the launch, is set to provide the brand’s trademark personalised authentic local experiences for travellers visiting from across the globe.
InterContinental Dubai Marina is located within walking distance of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residences’ (JBR) beach and boasts direct views over the water at the Marina. It will feature 328 Hotels Rooms & Residence Suites and nine additional food and beverage outlets.
The Senior Management team will include:
Michael Martin - General Manager, InterContinental Dubai Marina and Regional General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group. As General Manager and Regional General Manager for InterContinental Hotels, Michael will oversee the overall operation of InterContinental Dubai Marina and a portfolio of 10 hotels within the UAE. With more than 30 years industry experience, 22 of which have been with IHG, Michael is well placed to lead the InterContinental Dubai Marina and the UAE teams.
During his time with IHG, Michael has held Area General Manager positions in the UK, covering the South and later Central region, West Guangdong area in China, where he oversaw IHG operations across three brands; InterContinental, Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn. Most recently Michael was Area General Manager for the Sichaun province, where he oversaw a portfolio of IHG hotels in Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as managing the opening of Crowne Plaza Chengdu West.
Antje Sahling, Hotel Manager, Antje will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the hotel and its staff. With more than 15 years’ experience in luxury resorts and city hotels across Europe, the Middle East, China and Asia, Antje’s career highlights include the establishment of the first InterContinental resort in Europe and the debut Crowne Plaza resort in Asia.
Cathy Mead, Director of Sales and Marketing, will be responsible for driving all sales and marketing activities to establish the hotel on the global map and the competitive UAE market. Cathy enters into the position with more than 20 years’ experience in the field, including overseeing a number of high-profile Luxury Hotel Brands across Europe and the Middle East. Cathy will bring her enthusiastic, creative style of management to InterContinental Dubai Marina.
Rafi Nufel Razeen, Director of Finance & Business Support, formerly working in the same position for Crowne Plaza, Doha, has moved to Dubai to take on his new role at InterContinental Dubai Marina where he is responsible for all accounting and financial requirements, as well as providing financial support, advice and expertise to the General Manager and hotel team.
Sandra Bunz, Director of Human Resources, will be in charge of all staff recruitment as well as staff welfare and training across the hotel. Sandra joins the team with more than 16 years of experience in human resources, working across some of the region’s most well established hotels including Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi and Kempinski Hotels and Resorts Group.
James Worthington, Director of Food & Beverage. A 17-year veteran of the food and beverage industry, James will be in charge of overseeing the food & beverage team, ensuring excellent operation and delivery standards. Prior to joining InterContinental Dubai Marina, James worked in various senior roles at leading restaurants in Australia, UK and the UAE.
Jamey Ford, Director of Engineering. Jamey will be responsible for directing the engineering and maintenance operations of the hotel to ensure the safety and comfort of hotel guests and employees. A seasoned engineering professional, Jamey previously worked on IHG projects including Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park, and InterContinental Hotel Resort Mauritius. Jamey is a member of the Qatar Green Building Council and the Hotelier Engineer Group.
Stefan Beer, Executive Chef. In his capacity as Executive Chef at InterContinental Dubai Marina, Stefan will oversee an inspiring collection of food and beverage outlets, including a sophisticated à la carte restaurant, two speciality bars and the hotel’s main lobby lounge and deli. Stefan enters the role with more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, having overseen various restaurants in Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Bangkok.
Michael Martin, General Manager, InterContinental Dubai Marina, said: “I am very excited to introduce my dynamic and inspiring team to the UAE. My objectives were to recruit an experienced, talented and diverse group of Senior Managers, who come from within the IHG family and external Luxury Hotels and Restaurants. I truly believe this team is one of the most powerful teams I have worked with and look forward to a successful launch.”