Dubai’s Jumeirah appoints Four Seasons VP as new CEO

Dubai hotel company Jumeirah has announced the appointment of former Four Seasons vice president Jose Silva at its new chief executive officer.

Silva, who has 35 years of hospitality industry experience, replaces Stefan Leser following his departure in May last year.

Read: CEO of Dubai hotel group Jumeirah departs

He previously served as regional vice president for France, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal at Four Seasons and acting as general manager of Hotel George V in Paris.

Jumeirah described Silva as “an innovative mind” who is “consistently redefining the new norm of luxury” in its announcement.

Among his key tasks will be international expansion and continuing to elevate the brand’s global status.

“We are determined to continue developing Jumeirah into a globally recognised national champion; setting new industry benchmarks for world class service and quality,” said HE Abdulla Al Habbai, the chairman of Jumeirah owner Dubai Holding.

“I am confident his [Silva’s] passion for designing unique guest experiences and driving innovation in the sector will build on Jumeirah’s strong growth, as we continue to enter new markets and open new hotels both at home and abroad.”

Jumeirah manages 19 properties around the world, including the iconic Burj Al Arab, and has 25 under development.

These include at least five that will open this year in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bali, China and Oman.

Read: Dubai’s Jumeirah to open at least five new hotels in 2018