Cheval Collection in Dubai names John Raffoul as cluster general manager

He will oversee Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City

John Raffoul is to lead Cheval Collection in Dubai, as the new cluster general manager for Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City.

Raffoul joins the two serviced hotel apartment properties in Dubai with more than 23 years’ experience in the hospitality sector in the Middle East.

He was previously general manager at Cheval Maison The Palm, which opened in 2023. A major refurbishment to the property is nearing completion.

Cheval Maison Expo City opened in 2024 and the two properties have 282 keys between them. The pet-friendly properties are home to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with kitchens. There is a rooftop pool and a gym at both properties.

Two luxury serviced apartment complexes from the Cheval Collection are currently being built in Riyadh, while Cheval Residences Dubai Islands is the company’s first branded residences.

John’s well-deserved appointment is a testament to his skills, performance and unwavering dedication, which are reflected in consistently high ratings in customer feedback and guest satisfaction,” said Nick Pilbeam, chief commercial officer at Cheval Collection.

“John is playing a key role in further elevating our brand, reputation and offering in the Middle East, and as we continue our regional expansion, we are delighted to have him at the helm of our stunning flagship properties at The Palm and Expo City.”

Mazen Allam named as area general manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh and The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah

He will oversee both properties, helping to enhance the hotel’s local and international reputation

Mazen Allam has been appointed as the area general manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh and The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah.

Allam, who joined as general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh in 2023, has now expanded his role to oversee both The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh and The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. He will oversee both properties in Saudi Arabia, driving operational excellence, commercial performance, talent development and exceptional guest experiences across both properties.

During his time at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Mazen has helped strengthen the hotel’s position as a landmark in the city, helping to enhance the hotel’s reputation among both local and international travellers.

Alexander Lopez Takes Charge of Meliá Pattaya Hotel

PATTAYA, Thailand (June , 2026) – Alexander Lopez, a seasoned professional with substantial hospitality experience in Europe and Asia, has been appointed general manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel.

The 234-room hotel opened in February last year in the heart of vibrant Pattaya, a short commute from Bangkok. Mr Lopez, of Swedish and Spanish heritage, joins Meliá Pattaya Hotel after serving as general manager of W Koh Samui in Thailand for more than two years.

Prior to his appointment at W Koh Samui, Mr Lopez served as Interim General Manager at W Maldives after joining the property as resort manager.

After studying hotel and hospitality management at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, his hospitality career began in Sweden at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel in 2009 before moving into senior roles in Spain, Switzerland, China, Maldives and Thailand.

His experience in Thailand spans more than a decade and includes senior leadership roles at W Koh Samui, Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort in Koh Samui, and The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa in Phuket. He was also part of the W Hotels Global Brand GM Advisory Board and Marriott International Rooms Advisory Board APEC.

“Alexander’s extensive luxury hospitality experience, particularly his deep familiarity with Thailand, make him exceptionally well placed to lead Meliá Pattaya Hotel,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Meliá Hotels International. “His strong operational leadership and understanding of guest expectations in this region place him in excellent stead to oversee the hotel’s continued growth.”

“It’s an honour to join Meliá Pattaya Hotel at such an exciting stage in its journey,” Mr Lopez added. “Thailand has played a defining role in my career, and I look forward to working with the team to build on the hotel’s momentum in Pattaya.”