SLS Hotels appoints GM for Saudi Arabia debut

SLS Hotels & Residences has appointed Karl Kutzelnig as General Manager of SLS The Red Sea, the Ennismore-owned brand’s first property in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to open in the final quarter of 2025.

Kutzelnig will lead operations at the new resort, which introduces SLS’s signature glamour, contemporary design and high-energy experiences to Saudi, marking the brand’s second Middle East property following SLS Dubai.

With more than 20 years in international hospitality, Kutzelnig is tasked with establishing the resort’s ultra-luxury positioning, assembling a world-class team and shaping partnerships that enhance both guest experience and brand visibility.

Based in Saudi Arabia, Kutzelnig most recently served as Head of Operations for Neom’s Hotel Division, driving the development and conceptual planning of three new hotel brands. 

RELATED:

Saudi Arabia’s ​​Shura Island to open first three hotels this September

Qatar Airways to launch flights to The Red Sea in Saudi

The Red Sea Edition hotel opens on Saudi’s Shura Island

Previously, he spent three years in Doha as Multi-Property General Manager at Minor Hotels, overseeing 10 properties, and has held senior roles with Anantara in Koh Samui and Kempinski hotels in Cairo, St Moritz and Djibouti.

Across his career, Kutzelnig has spearheaded repositioning projects, integrated hotel and residential developments and introduced innovative F&B concepts, while consistently improving operational performance and guest satisfaction.