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Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai reveals leadership team
Benjamin Ackhurst to lead executive committee ahead of October opening
Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai has announced its leadership team as the property prepares to open in October 2025.
Located within Wasl Tower, the 259-key hotel will be the group’s second property in the city, following Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.
The new downtown address will be led by General Manager Benjamin Ackhurst, who brings nearly two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, including eight years with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and senior roles with the Jumeirah Group.
Ackhurst, who most recently served as General Manager at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, will head an experienced team of nine department leads encompassing operations, people and culture, commerce, marketing, engineering, food and beverage, finance and wellness.
Commenting on the appointments, Ackhurst said the opening represents both a responsibility and an opportunity to bring a bold new vision of the Mandarin Oriental brand to Dubai.
“In contrast to its beachfront sister property, this hotel brings an urban energy and perspective to the brand’s presence in the region,” he said. “It takes a remarkable team to bring that vision to life, and that’s exactly what we’ve built.
“I’m proud to be working alongside such passionate, dedicated professionals, each playing a key role in shaping what promises to be one of the most memorable openings in the region.”
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Ackhurst’s nine-strong leadership team includes:
Joachim Hafner, Hotel Manager – With 23 years of hospitality experience, including 15 years with Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Doha and Las Vegas.
Sheila Mazou, Director of People and Culture – A human resources professional with 12 years’ experience across Marriott, Bulgari Hotels and Sofitel.
Luka Savic: Director of Commerce – Former Director of Sales and Marketing at Jumeirah Group.
Claire Wilson: Director of Marketing & Communications – Brings more than 20 years of luxury brand marketing expertise from Corinthia and Belmond.
Tom Kooij: Director of Food & Beverage – Began his career with Mandarin Oriental in 2012 and has held posts in Hong Kong, London, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Ali Reda: Director of Rooms – Over 23 years in hospitality, most recently as Director of Rooms at Atlantis Dubai, and previously seven years with Mandarin Oriental.
Sara Codner: Area Director of Spa & Wellness, Middle East – A spa and wellness leader with 25 years’ experience, formerly with Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah.
Sunny Noronha: Director of Engineering – Has been with Mandarin Oriental Group for seven years, following his start at The H Hotel.
Lokesh Swami: Director of Finance – Holds an MBA in Finance and has worked with groups including Accor, Crowne Plaza, Hilton and Media One.
Housed in the 303-metre Wasl Tower, Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai will feature 259 rooms and suites alongside 224 exclusive residences.
Key features include a rooftop helipad, panoramic views of both the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline, and a two-level Spa at Mandarin Oriental.
The property will also introduce 10 dining concepts, ranging from bars and nightlife venues to restaurants serving French, Chinese, Greek and Italian cuisine.
For more information, visit mandarinoriental.com
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