Rotana’s Co-founder & Vice-Chairman, Mr. Selim El Zyr nominated for HOTELS 2017 “Corporate Hotelier of the World” award 

Selim El Zyr co-founded Rotana in 1992 and served as its president and CEO until December 2013. As Vice Chairman, he now serves in an advisory role to the current executive team. The first Middle Eastern hotel management company today has a portfolio of approximately 60 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe, with several more under development.

After graduating from Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in 1970 and completing further studies at Cornell and Columbia Universities, El Zyr held his first job as chief steward at New York’s Waldorf Astoria. He then spent 12 years with Hilton International in Germany, Spain, Egypt, Canada and the U.A.E. until he earned the title of regional director. He then established a Lebanese fast food chain in 1982 and eventually moved to the U.A.E. to become vice president for Abu Dhabi National Hotels.

El Zyr was credited with introducing the “all suites” concept to the region in 1996, which was rebranded in March 2008 to Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana; entry into the affordable business hotel category with Centro by Rotana in 2006; introduction of the alcohol-free brand Rayhaan by Rotana in 2008; and key partnerships forged with F&B franchises like Blue Elephant, Trader Vic’s and Benihana. El Zyr also led other key initiatives such as the introduction of the company’s loyalty program, as well as its executive club and spa concepts.

We are truly proud of this recognition and we would appreciate your support with the voting. Please cast your vote at hotelsmag.com/how2017 & we thank you in advance for your continuous support to Rotana.