Marriott names Director of Sales and Marketing for Red Sea region

Marriott International has appointed Swen Ehlender as Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for its luxury portfolio across The Red Sea and Amaala in Saudi Arabia. 

 

Based in the kingdom, Ehlender will lead sales and marketing strategy across Marriott’s properties at the two Red Sea destinations, primarily focusing on enhancing market presence, driving commercial performance and supporting the company’s continued expansion. 

 

Ehlender has more than two decades of hospitality experience, having held senior commercial roles across major hotel groups including Mandarin Oriental, Kerzner International and IHG Hotels & Resorts. He has worked across international markets including the Middle East, Europe and Türkiye, specialising in revenue growth, market positioning and luxury travel trends. 

 

RELATED:

Marriott to grow Saudi portfolio with 10 new hotels

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

Marriott to open The Ritz-Carlton, Amaala in Saudi’s Red Sea resort

 

He joins Marriott from the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, where he served as Commercial Director, overseeing marketing, revenue management, communications and reservations. 

 

Commenting on his appointment, Ehlender said: “Joining Marriott International Luxury Group at this pivotal stage of growth across The Red Sea and Amaala is an exciting opportunity. 

 

I am passionate about empowering Saudi talent, building strong teams, and supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders while continuing to elevate these extraordinary destinations.”

 

Marriott’s current luxury portfolio across the two destinations includes Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The St Regis Red Sea Resort and The Red Sea Edition, with The Ritz-Carlton, Amaala scheduled to open in 2026.

 

Elsewhere in the kingdom, the hospitality group has partnered with local developer Blacksand to develop 10 new hotels across Saudi over the next four years, spanning several cities. The expansion is expected to add more than 1,300 rooms across multiple brands, including St Regis Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection and Courtyard by Marriott. 

 

For more information, visit marriott.com