DUBAI — Sofitel The Palm Dubai, currently in its soft opening phase, recently welcomed new additions to their Executive Committee (EXCOM) headed by General Manager Christophe Schnyder and supported by Hotel Manager Marc Sittl. The other members of the EXCOM team includes Director of Food and Beverage David Hirber, Executive Chef Olivier Chaleil and Director of Sales and Marketing Emmanuel Comble. Rounding out the EXCOM team are Director of Finance Navin Shah, Director of Rooms Karim Shawky, Director of HR Sayed Edroos and Director of Engineering Rohit Salunke. Nestled within the tranquil groves of Palm Jumeirah, Sofitel The Palm Dubai is a unique five star, luxurious Polynesian-themed resort, boasting 361 sophisticated island chic inspired guest rooms and suites, as well as 182 fully serviced residences. Exuding French Polynesian charm, the resort is encapsulated by a private 500m stretch of pearlescent beach, enabling guests to indulge in breathtaking sea views overlooking the East Crescent of Dubai's must visit destination, the Palm Island. “I look forward to drawing on the executive committee's extensive experience in order to ensure Sofitel The Palm Dubai is not only a success within Dubai, but also internationally,” said General Manager, Christophe Schnyder. “We are undoubtedly excited to build on the favorable reputation the Sofitel brand has garnered in the region.” Leader of the team, Christophe Schnyder, a Swiss national, gained invaluable international experience working in renowned properties, such as The Waldorf Astoria and Peninsula Hotel in New York. Christophe was appointed Food and Beverage Manager in Kempinski's flagship hotel, Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, as well as The Amathus Beach Hotel in Cyprus before moving back to Switzerland as the Director of Food & Beverage and Conventions at the Monteux Palace. Having worked in the UAE for over ten years, his experience includes the preopening of the Burj Al Arab, where he later became Hotel Manager. Contributing to Jumeirah's group extension, he was then appointed General Manager of Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf, where he managed preopening of the 575 room hotel, located within the Madinat Jumeirah Resort. After a brief stint back home, Schnyder returned to Dubai and is now spearheading the opening of Sofitel's flagship property in the UAE. Supporting him in the day-to-day operations of the hotel is Hotel Manager, Marc Sittl. Marc has worked at prestigious properties throughout the world including the Savoy in London, Dom Hotel Cologne, The Palace Hotel Gstaad, Beau Rivage Palace Lausanne and others throughout Switzerland, Germany and Austria as well as in Uzbekistan and on board several cruise liners including the Queen Elizabeth II. From 2002 onwards, Marc has amassed over nine years of regional experience as Deputy General Manager with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the UAE. Spearheading the Sales and Marketing team and increasing the profile of the hotel is Emmanuel Comble. With over ten years sales and marketing experience, Emmanuel has gained strong knowledge in both Meetings, Incentive, Convention and Events (MICE) sales, as well as Leisure Sales. Having worked in premium luxury hotels, including the Hilton London Metropole, as well as being Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Concorde Hotels and Resorts in Paris, and most recently the Mazagan Beach Resort by Kerzner International (Morocco), Emmanuel brings with him a wealth of experience in Europe and the Middle East region. Heading up the property's 14 food and beverage outlets is Austrian native, David Hirber. With abundant international experience in both food & beverage operations and administration, David started his career at the Wald-und Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe in Germany before reaching international recognition in Michelin Star restaurants. In 2006, David was appointed the Resort Beverage Manager at Madinat Jumeirah, before being promoted to F&B Manager of Mina A Salam and Souk Madinat Jumeirah in 2008. In 2009, David was transferred to The Meydan Hotel as Pre Opening Director of Food and Beverage. Managing the kitchens of the 14 food and beverage outlets is Executive Chef Olivier Chaleil. French-born Chaleil brings with him 33 years of international experience with brands such as Oberoi, One&Only and Meridien in places such as France, California, Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, Portugal, Mauritius and Istanbul.
He joins the Sofitel The Palm Dubai team from his previous employment of Executive Chef in charge of F&B at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul where he managed six restaurants and the conference and banqueting facilities. — SG
