Mark Kirby of Emaar Hospitality Group Clinches Gold Award for Hospitality Leader of the Year
Emaar Hospitality Group’s COO has been voted as the industry’s favorite for hospitality excellence.
In a grand celebration of excellence, Mark Kirby, Chief Operating Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, emerged triumphant at the Middle East F&B Excellence Awards on December 6, 2023. The prestigious ceremony took place at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club in Dubai, where Mark was honored with the Gold Award for Hospitality Leader of the Year. The award was presented by Shubhojit Mahalanobis from Danube and Raj Bhatt, CEO of Hozpitality Group.
Mark Kirby is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, boasting a remarkable career spanning over 25 years. His journey reflects a proven track record in diverse facets of the field, including design, operational planning, pre-opening strategies, operations management, commercial endeavors, and adept leadership within the GCC and the UK.
Presently at the helm of a portfolio comprising over 32 hotels and mixed-use residences, Mark steers Emaar Hospitality Group across the Ultra Luxury, Luxury, Upper Midscale, and Midscale segments. This extensive portfolio includes an impressive total of 7428 hotel keys and 5610 residences, both internationally and within the GCC, with an additional 30+ hotels in the pipeline.
Mark Kirby is renowned for his adept relationship management skills, seamlessly navigating stakeholder relationships internally and externally. Whether dealing with owned properties, third-party collaborations, Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs), or Joint Ventures (JVs), Mark's ability to forge and maintain strong connections is a hallmark of his leadership.
At the core of Mark's leadership philosophy is a profound commitment to people development, succession planning, and coaching. Overseeing a team of 4200+ employees, he thrives on encouraging and empowering individuals at all organizational levels. Mark's skills span a spectrum, encompassing hotel design, marketing, sales, opening hotels, project management, and event management.
Mark Kirby's dedication to guest and staff satisfaction is unparalleled. Described as immaculate, detailed, and incredibly knowledgeable, Mark's passion for enhancing the guest experience is contagious. He is a leader who leaves no stone unturned in anticipating and exceeding guest needs. More than just a manager, Mark is an inspiring mentor who believes in the power of constant guest interaction, attentive listening, and passionate over-reaction to ensure that every guest's stay exceeds expectations.
In a world where hospitality is an art, Mark Kirby has masterfully crafted an approach that elevates guest satisfaction to an art form. His relentless pursuit of excellence has rightfully earned him the title of Hospitality Leader of the Year, a recognition that reflects the impact of his leadership on the industry and those he serves. As Mark continues to inspire and innovate, the future of hospitality looks brighter under his seasoned guidance.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE