Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, Latvia, has appointed Leon Baum as the hotel’s new general manager. Baum has a 11-year career in hospitality with in-depth operational experience and has been with Kempinski group since 2007. He was most recently in Abu Dhabi as hotel manager of Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi.

Dan Benzaquen, the general manager of Movenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay, has been promoted to cluster general manager of both Tala Bay and Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba in Jordan. In his expanded role, the Frenchman will focus on improving personalisation and guest recognition at both properties.

Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Stefan Leser as chief executive officer to oversee all aspects of the group's global portfolio, and will be providing strategic guidance to achieve the company's vision. Most recently, Leser was group CEO and a member of the board of directors for Jumeirah International.

Julia Gimadyeva has joined Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi as the new director of sales and marketing. She will develop and execute strategies, as well as grow and maintain relationships with the hotel’s target market. Julia has a ten year stint with Hyatt, with Park Hyatt in Zanzibar being the most recent.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) – Middle East Chapter, has appointed Mubarak Al Shamisi, director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, as its chairperson. He will head efforts to strengthen the association’s presence in the region in line with rapid expansion witnessed by the sector.

Alban Dutemple has been appointed the general manager of Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain. He has a decade-long experience in the industry with some of the world’s leading hospitality brands. Dutemple, a Frenchman, most recently worked as GM at Leylaty Catering and Restaurants Group in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Citymax Hotels, a subsidiary of the Landmark Group, has appointed Aly Shariff as chief operating officer. He will be responsible for operations and development of the Citymax Hotel brand. Aly’s 25-year experience comes in handy at a time when Citymax Hotels are expanding and reinventing their brand identity.

Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey appointed Erik Guluta as new general manager of Centro Capital Doha. Guluta brings with him over 12 years’ of experience, working in various countries like Switzerland, France, UK, Singapore and other Arab countries.