Tourexpi
Under
the stewardship of Barbara
Muckermann, Kempinski’s Group Chief Executive Officer, two key senior
leadership positions have been appointed, positioning Kempinski as a dynamic,
world-class leader in the luxury hospitality industry, ready to embark on a new
chapter.
“I
am absolutely thrilled to welcome Gordon and Rasha to the senior leadership
team at Kempinski Hotels. Now is a pivotal time for the company as we usher in
a new era of the brand’s 127-year journey in the luxury hospitality space. We
are at the precipice of transformational change and with these strategic
appointments, I am excited for what’s to come. Gordon and Rasha represent the
best in their fields, and I look forward to working closely with them to define
the next chapter for this iconic brand,” says Barbara Muckermann, Group Chief
Executive Officer.
Gordon
Drake has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer for Kempinski
Hotels. In his role, Gordon will oversee the company’s financial operations,
analysis and risk assessment. Gordon will also play a vital role in the
company’s strategic initiatives moving forward and ensure the effective
utilisation of financial resources to enhance profitability and drive
growth.
A
noted leader in the real estate and hospitality industry, Gordon joins
Kempinski with over 30 years of global experience in corporate capital markets,
asset management, risk management as well as the development and implementation
of operational and financial strategy.
“I
am delighted to join the Kempinski family at such an exciting time in the
company’s journey. With a legacy of excellence in luxury hospitality, I look
forward to working alongside the talented team to drive sustainable growth,
strengthen financial strategies, and create long-term value for our
stakeholders. Together, we will continue to elevate the Kempinski experience
and build a strong foundation for future success,” says Gordon Drake, Chief
Financial Officer.
Gordon
most recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer for The Doyle
Collection, leading the company out of COVID, overseeing a revamped structure
in sales & marketing, driving improved operational standards and loyalty
programme participation and investing in the company’s people and culture.
Prior
to The Doyle Collection, Gordon held various C-Suite and Board positions,
including at Kingdom Hotel Investments, Six Senses
Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Westmont Hospitality, Movenpick Hotels
& Resorts and The Savoy Hotel.
A
British National, Gordon holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of
Bristol and is an Associate Chartered Accountant and Associate Member of
Corporate Treasurers.
Gordon
succeeds Stuart Dickie, Kempinski’s previous Chief Financial Officer. Stuart
will remain with Kempinski as an Advisor and will continue to represent
Kempinski on various external boards.
Rasha
Lababidi has been appointed as the new Chief Product Officer for Kempinski
Hotels. In this newly created role, Rasha will lead product innovation, design
and guest experience across the brand’s luxury global portfolio.
With
over 25 years of executive marketing management, branding, guest experience,
product and concept development, innovation and transformational corporate
strategy expertise within luxury hospitality and real estate, Rasha brings a
wealth of experience and strategic acumen to the role.
"I
am excited to be joining Kempinski, a brand renowned for its exceptional
service and luxury experiences. As Chief Product Officer, my focus will be on
driving innovation and enhancing the guest journey through thoughtfully curated
offerings and forward-thinking solutions. I look forward to collaborating with
the team to continue delivering world-class products that align with our
commitment to excellence and meet the evolving needs of our discerning guests,”
says Rasha Lababidi, Chief Product Officer.
Rasha
previously held the esteemed position of Senior Director of Marketing at Emaar
and Head of Marketing at Al Maabar International Investments (currently Eagle
Hills). From innovation to revitalization, Rasha has led brand, marketing and
concept development teams for some of the region’s most iconic brands and
destinations.
Rasha
is also the co-founder of Meraki & Modus, a concept and strategy firm
specialising in creating visionary concepts and strategies for luxury lifestyle
destinations around the world. To date, Meraki & Modus has successfully
delivered over 150 hospitality concepts across four continents in addition to
corporate transformation projects for property development, masterplan
visioning and go-to-market strategies for some of the worlds’ leading luxury
hospitality and property development groups.
Rasha
holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and a Master of Science
from the University of Surrey.
These
strategic appointments will be instrumental in accelerating Kempinski’s
transformation and growth, marking the beginning of a bold new chapter for
Kempinski to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality.
Image
Credit: © Kempinski Hotels
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