Cenk Ünverdi Recognized Among Hozpitality's Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East for 2024
Cenk illustrious career spans 17 years, and he has held several leadership positions, including Regional General Manager and Managing Director.
Hozpitality Group proudly announces that Cenk Ünverdi, Chief Operating Officer of Rixos Hotels and AIC, has been named one of the Top 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East for 2024. This recognition highlights his significant impact on the region's hospitality sector and his role in driving innovation and growth at Rixos Hotels.
Cenk Ünverdi's journey in the hospitality industry is an inspiring tale of passion, dedication, and leadership. Starting his career as an intern at Rixos Hotels in 2007, Ünverdi has risen to become a key figure in shaping the brand's presence in the Middle East. His impressive career path spans over 17 years, during which he has held multiple leadership positions, including Regional General Manager and Managing Director.
Ünverdi has cultivated a profound connection to the hospitality industry, fueled by a passion that emerged early in his life. He embarked on his journey as an intern, gradually advancing through diverse roles, including that of a management trainee in Kazakhstan. His experience includes overseeing significant projects, notably the pre-opening of Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, where he held the position of Operations Manager.
One of his most notable achievements was the transformation of Rixos The Palm Dubai into a luxury multi-concept resort in 2016. Following that, he led the pre-opening of Rixos Premium Dubai in 2017, further solidifying his reputation for delivering excellence in hospitality management. His leadership skills earned him the role of Cluster General Manager, where he managed both hotels. In 2019, he was promoted to Regional General Manager of Rixos Hotels UAE.
Cenk Ünverdi's strategic vision for the brand continues to shape the development of Rixos Hotels across the region. He has played a pivotal role in expanding Rixos into new markets, particularly with the opening of Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha and the upcoming Rixos Qetaifan Island Doha.
Ünverdi expressed excitement about the ambitious projects underway, emphasizing the goal of creating a significant presence in Doha with the highly anticipated Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, followed by Rixos Qetaifan Island Doha. The newly renovated Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha stands as a modernized version of one of the city’s most recognized landmarks, reflecting the brand's commitment to combining heritage with contemporary luxury.
Rixos Qetaifan Island Doha is set to be a landmark project featuring a 345-key luxury resort, a theme park, and the region's largest waterpark. The waterpark at Qetaifan Island promises to be the go-to destination for adrenaline seekers, with its thrilling rides and extensive activities, including the Icon Tower, the world's tallest water slide at 85 meters high.
As Chief Operating Officer, Cenk Ünverdi oversees the continued expansion of the brand and drives its strategic initiatives across the Middle East. His leadership enhances Rixos Hotels' reputation and contributes significantly to the region's thriving tourism and hospitality landscape.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE