UAE’s First Group Hospitality appoints 5 senior executives

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Dubai-based hotel developer The First Group Hospitality has made five senior leadership appointments to support its growing hospitality operations across the Middle East and beyond. The newly created positions strengthen the company’s commercial, marketing, F&B and wellness divisions as part of its accelerated expansion strategy.

The move follows a period of sustained development for the group, marked by the launch of Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG — the world’s tallest hotel — along with new franchise agreements with Marriott International and IHG, and the company’s entry into Europe with Gennadi Seaside Resort in Greece.

The creation of the new roles is a “direct response to our current scale and future pipeline,” said Apo Demirtas, Chief Strategy Officer of The First Group Hospitality.

Ciel Dubai is part of The First Hospitality Group's portfolio

Reflecting the growing importance of wellness within the group’s strategy, Maria Kuzeva takes on the role of Corporate Director of Wellness & Spa, tasked with shaping a unified wellness vision across the portfolio. With more than 20 years’ experience leading wellness operations and brand development for iconic UAE resorts such as Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, Kuzeva brings deep expertise in integrated wellbeing experiences.

On the commercial front, Antonio Bissoni steps into the position of Vice President – Commercial, responsible for driving profitability through data-led revenue and distribution management. Bissoni previously served as Regional Senior Director of Sales & Distribution with Marriott International, following a 15-year tenure with Hilton in global leadership roles.

Antonio Bissoni is Vice President – Commercial

Working alongside him, Sohail Pedari becomes Vice President – Sales, overseeing group-wide sales operations and performance. His international career includes senior roles with Hilton, Marriott International and Rocco Forte Hotels, as well as service as Head of Commercial & Cultural Affairs at the Italian Consulate General in Dubai.

In marketing, Robyn James-O’Connor joins as Senior Vice President – Marketing, leading brand, communications, digital and development marketing. A veteran of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, she brings two decades of brand-building experience, having progressed from Marketing Communications Manager at Burj Al Arab in 2005 to Vice President of Marketing for the group, where she oversaw award-winning global campaigns that enhanced visibility and performance.

UAE’s First Group partners with Marriott to rebrand 3 Dubai hotels

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Rounding out the new leadership team, Brendan McCormack moves into the role of Vice President – Business Development, Food & Beverage (F&B), reflecting the company’s focus on scaling its F&B portfolio. A member of the leadership team since 2020, McCormack previously held positions as Vice President of Operations, F&B and Vice President of Marketing. His new remit centres on expanding proprietary dining concepts such as Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery and The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery through franchising opportunities.

The appointments follow a series of strategic brand collaborations, including a partnership with Marriott International to rebrand three Dubai hotels under the Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection labels, and an agreement to operate Radisson Red Ras Al Khaimah.

For more information, visit tfghospitality.com