Chedi Hospitality has appointed Tristan Delmas as General Manager of Chedi Wadi Safar, the upcoming ultra-luxury property in Diriyah’s Wadi Safar destination, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif and about 15 minutes from central Riyadh.
Delmas brings more than 15 years of international experience in ultra-luxury hospitality, hotel operations and strategic advisory. His career has included senior roles with renowned hospitality brands and destinations, including Burj Al Arab, One&Only One Za’abeel and Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.
Most recently, Delmas served as Head of Hospitality at Barnes International, where he led the development of its hospitality division and its French Art de Vivre offering. Previously, as Hotel Manager, Pre-Opening at One&Only One Za’abeel, he played a key role in launching the Dubai property, overseeing operational readiness across the hotel, residences and culinary operations. He also served as Hotel Manager at Burj Al Arab.
His experience also includes leadership positions at Park Hyatt in Beijing and Washington, DC, as well as work with global hospitality advisory firm HVS. He has provided strategic advisory support on hospitality developments across Saudi Arabia, the Maldives, Europe and the wider MENA region.
As General Manager, Delmas will oversee the pre-opening and operational strategy for Chedi Wadi Safar, including the property’s guest experience, service philosophy and market positioning.
His appointment comes as Chedi Hospitality introduces a refreshed brand identity and its new brand essence, A Voyage UnboundTM, which focuses on meaningful exploration through space, landscape, shared presence, creativity and sensory experiences.
Chedi Wadi Safar will be the first property in the portfolio to fully implement the refreshed brand identity, marking a significant stage in the global evolution of the Chedi brand.
“Tristan’s appointment marks an important step as we continue to strengthen Chedi’s presence in Saudi Arabia,” said Karim Bizid, Chief Operating Officer of Chedi Hospitality. “His international experience across some of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands, combined with his expertise in complex pre-openings and ultra-luxury operations, makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead Chedi Wadi Safar.
“As we prepare to introduce the next chapter of Chedi brand globally, Chedi Wadi Safar represents an important expression of that evolution — deeply connected to place, culture and contemporary luxury in a way that feels both timeless and forward-looking. We are confident Tristan will play a defining role in bringing this vision to life.”
Commenting on his appointment, Tristan Delmas said: “Chedi Wadi Safar represents a truly unique opportunity to create a hospitality experience deeply connected to the cultural and historical significance of the destination while delivering the refined, understated luxury that defines the brand. It is a privilege to contribute to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and to the Kingdom’s remarkable transformation under the leadership and support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. I am honoured to join the project at this pivotal stage and look forward to working alongside the team to bring this vision to life ahead of the hotel’s opening.”
Set within the Wadi Safar masterplan and the Greg Norman-designed Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course, the property is planned to feature approximately 85 suites and villas, along with 20 branded private villas designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). It will also include signature dining and wellness experiences.
The project represents a major milestone in Chedi Hospitality’s continued expansion and global brand evolution, combining understated luxury with the cultural and natural character of Saudi Arabia. -TradeArabia News Service