Marc Dardenne named among Hozpitality's Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East for 2023
Marc Dardenne, Chief Operating Officer at PIF Projects, has been recognized as one of the Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East by Hozpitality Group.
After graduating from the prestigious Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland, Marc embarked on a successful global career in the hospitality industry. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the PIF Group in Riyadh. Marc's expertise in hotel operations spans renowned establishments like Grand Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2008, Emaar, the Middle East's leading real estate company, approached him to establish their hospitality division. Under his leadership, he created the luxury five-star brand, The Address Hotels and Resorts, and collaborated with Giorgio Armani to launch two Armani Hotels in Dubai and Milan. Marc also oversaw the expansion of the company's leisure division, managing spas, golf courses, a polo club, and a yacht club.
In 2011, Marc joined Pontiac Land in Singapore, owned by the Kwee family, known for their prime real estate holdings. He spearheaded the creation of their ultra-luxury hotel brand, Patina Hotels and Resorts, overseeing projects in Singapore, Shanghai, the Maldives, and Sydney. Marc served as Interim CEO and Group COO of Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts in Dubai, managing their iconic properties, including the seven-star Burj Arab, and expanding their presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He later became the COO of Amaala, an ultra-luxury resort development in Saudi Arabia.
In 2019, Marc joined the Accor group in Europe as the COO, leading their Luxury Group with 50 hotels under the Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel brands, along with 15 ongoing projects. Currently, he has returned to the PIF Group in Saudi Arabia, taking on the role of COO for a confidential hospitality project.
Marc's contributions extend beyond his professional achievements. He has served on various boards, including the Bali International School, Raffles Warsaw, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, and Swisshotels. Marc, a Belgian native raised in Switzerland, is fluent in four languages. He has been happily married to his wife Rima for three decades, and they are proud parents to two children residing in Miami and San Francisco. Apart from his dedication to the hospitality industry, Marc is passionate about sports, health, and philanthropy. He actively supports charities such as Doctors without Borders and The Red Ribbon while enjoying his love for world travel and immersing himself in diverse cultures.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE