General manager appointed to take the helm of InterContinental Dubai Marina

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the appointment of Michael Martin as general manager of InterContinental Dubai Marina and regional general manager overseeing 10 hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 
In his new role, Michael will open Dubai’s newest InterContinental hotel, due to open its doors in the final quarter of 2014. The much-anticipated luxury hotel will boast direct views over the water at Dubai Marina and feature 132 hotel rooms, 196 InterContinental Residential Suites and eight food and beverage restaurants and bars, including Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton’s first signature restaurant in the Middle East.
 
As regional general manager for the UAE, Michael will also oversee IHG’s growing portfolio of hotels in the country. Over the coming three to five years, IHG will add seven further properties (more than 1,800 rooms) in the UAE, which represents its second largest pipeline in the Middle East after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Michael brings with him more than 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry, out of which he has spent 22 years with IHG. He moves to the UAE from China where he lived for four years, first as Area General Manager in West Guangdong, and in the latter years as Area General Manager overseeing IHG operations across three brands in the Sichuan province. During his stint in China he opened two Crowne Plaza hotels and was responsible for the development of four other properties.

Prior to that, Michael worked extensively in Central London and across the UK, managing 22 properties across the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza brands.
 
Ignace Bauwens, Vice President, Operations, UAE, Near East & Africa, IHG said: “Michael’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of IHG’s brands and company structure makes him an indisputable choice to lead the high-profile opening of InterContinental Dubai Marina and to oversee our fast-growing portfolio of hotels in the UAE, which is a key market for IHG both regionally and globally. Having launched and managed a variety of properties throughout China and the UK, we are confident Michael will bring a fresh perspective and some exciting new ideas to our operations in this part of the world.”

Speaking on his appointment, Michael Martin, General Manager of InterContinental Dubai Marina and Regional General Manager, UAE for IHG, said: “Throughout my 22 years with IHG there have been opportunities for me to grow and learn in my various roles, and this is by far one of the most exciting ones I am taking up. I am delighted to join IHG’s team in this region and to be a part of its exciting growth plans. Launching our first hotel in Dubai’s vibrant Marina area will be an interesting experience and we look forward to delivering authentic local experiences and excellent service to both our guests and residents alike.' 

InterContinental Dubai Marina will be the fourth InterContinental Hotel in the UAE, joining InterContinental Dubai Festival City, InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai and InterContinental Abu Dhabi. IHG currently has 18 hotels in the UAE, with an additional seven to open in the next three to five years.