Erth Abu Dhabi appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Erth Abu Dhabi, a homegrown destination rooted in Emirati heritage, has promoted Clarke Tomlinson to Chief Operating Officer, effective July 2025.

 

The hospitality company currently operates a luxury hotel near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — its sole property and the centre of its operations — and is now preparing for ambitious regional expansion, with plans to launch new hotels and mixed-use developments across the Gulf.

 

Since joining Erth, as General Manager of Hospitality within the corporate catering division, Tomlinson has driven innovation in catering services, improved profitability and introduced new service lines.

 

Under his leadership, the corporate catering arm has strengthened its market position through operational excellence and a strong focus on guest satisfaction.

 

Tomlinson’s broader career spans high-volume contract catering, Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury five-star hotels and international airport lounges. He previously led catering operations at Etihad Airways for six years, overseeing large-scale, multi-site operations with significant revenue responsibility and strong P&L performance.

 

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Earlier, he held senior leadership roles across diverse hospitality settings, honing expertise in strategic operations, performance management and team development.

 

Beginning his career as a chef, Tomlinson went on to serve as head chef at prestigious venues including Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire and Dubai’s Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa.

 

On LinkedIn, he cites his specialisms as “driving operational excellence across restaurants, cafés and retail outlets, consistently delivering strong results through structured leadership, efficient systems and a guest-centric approach.”

 

Commenting on his new role, Tomlinson said: “We’ve built a very strong foundation, and I’m committed to leading our talented team to even greater achievements while expanding our service verticals.”

 

Erth Abu Dhabi is a luxury, heritage-inspired resort featuring 294 rooms, suites and villas, traditional Emirati dining, a beach and pool, sports facilities and a strong commitment to sustainable practices.

 

Looking ahead, the brand aims to bring its unique blend of tradition and modernity to new destinations across the Middle East.

 

For more information, visit erth.ae