Radisson Hotel Group boosts Middle East leadership with new appointment

Radisson Hotel Group has promoted Elie Milky to Chief Development Officer for the Middle East region, as well as Cyprus and Greece, effective July 2025. 

 

Based in Dubai in the UAE, Milky is tasked with leading Radisson’s development and feasibility teams as the group accelerates its ambitious regional growth, targeting more than 150 hotels and 50,000 keys in operation and under development by 2030.

 

Under Milky’s leadership, Radisson is scaling its Development and Feasibility teams, adding specialist analysts and project managers to enhance deal sourcing, underwriting and technical support. 

 

A seasoned industry leader, Milky brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience, the majority of which has been with Radisson, having joined the group in 2010 as Development Manager. 

 

Most recently serving as VP Development for the Middle East, Pakistan, Greece and Cyprus, Milky has been instrumental in transforming the Middle East into one of Radisson’s fastest-growing markets, spearheading deals across Saudi and the wider Gulf region. 

 

RELATED:

Radisson to operate 150 Middle East hotels by 2030

Radisson opens hotel in Saudi Holy City

Saudi Arabia’s Madinah sees 18.7% rise in visitor numbers

 

During his tenure, Milky has helped multiply Radisson’s regional footprint, from just five hotels to more than 50 in Saudi, and from three to 20 properties in the UAE. 

 

He led strategic market entries and expansion in emerging destinations such as Oman, Jordan, Cyprus and Greece, and is credited with delivering key new openings in Holy Cities Makkah and Madinah, introducing lifestyle brands such as Radisson RED and Art’otel to the region, and scaling the group’s hotel and serviced residence pipeline throughout the GCC. 

 

Originally from Lebanon and holding Gambian citizenship, Milky’s earlier experience includes consulting with HVS in London and Dubai, where he focused on feasibility studies, valuations and investment advisory for hospitality assets in EMEA markets. 

 

According to Milky’s LinkedIn page, his strengths lie in his “deal-making ability to execute strategic agreements for new-build and conversion opportunities while forging strong relationships with new and existing owners”.