Savino Leone Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 GM Powerlist for the Middle East – 2024

In the dynamic landscape of Middle East hospitality, Savino Leone stands tall as a beacon of leadership excellence, earning a well-deserved spot in Hozpitality's prestigious Best 30 General Managers in the Middle East power list for 2024. With over 30 years of international hotel experience, Savino has left an indelible mark on the industry, steering the helm of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort with a commitment to excellence and a passion for sustainable and guest-centric practices.

Savino's journey in the hospitality industry spans over 30 years, starting with InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) in 1992. Savino held various senior management positions globally, including in France, Dubai, London, and Japan, and his diverse experiences shaped his career. Joining Jumeirah Group in 2017, he served as the General Manager of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers before assuming the role of General Manager at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort in November 2020.

Key milestones in the Middle East include his successful tenure at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, focusing on operational excellence and significantly improving revenue metrics.

Savino has implemented innovative strategies at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. Initiatives include product enhancements, locally sourced greens at The Farm, water sports, a new adult pool, and the SAL Lifestyle restaurant. His focus on eco-conscious practices, personalized guest services, and streamlined operational processes demonstrates his commitment to innovation.

Savino relies on his extensive experience and local knowledge to navigate challenges specific to the Middle Eastern hospitality industry. His strategic adaptability has been evident from dealing with competition to addressing cultural considerations and geopolitical factors. He has successfully managed crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic by exceeding stakeholder expectations.

Savino's leadership style is characterized by empowerment, education, and inspiration. Fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, he believes in empowering his team members to excel. This approach positively impacts team morale and contributes to overall hotel success.

An example of his leadership style in action is motivating his team members to achieve their best, setting a compelling vision, and fostering innovation. His close involvement in strategic decisions, regular communication with department heads, and support for innovative projects underscore his commitment to empowering the entire team.

Furthermore, in his tenure at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Savino led the team to achieve best-in-class service and maximize occupancy levels, resulting in improved RevPar and ADR. Empowering his team to take the lead and take full responsibility for immediate actions, he maintains close communication with the Director of Revenue, Sales and Marketing, and the Food and Beverage leader to ensure collaborative success. This inclusive approach extends to department leaders and junior team members, empowering them to make decisions and resolve issues effectively.

Fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, Savino promotes open communication and recognizes achievements. His investment in training programs, mentorship initiatives, and leadership workshops empowers team members and enhances their skills. Supporting cross-training opportunities, career advancement programs, and participation in industry events, he ensures the professional development of his staff.

Supporting departmental trainers and preparing them for career advancement exemplifies his commitment to team development.

Prioritizing exceptional guest satisfaction, Savino and his team at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort consistently monitor guest feedback. Promptly addressing concerns and implementing improvements based on guest insights demonstrate their commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Regular reviews of guest feedback and a focus on root cause analysis contribute to continuous improvement. Guest feedback has directly influenced positive changes in offerings and services, such as revamping menu options, enhancing amenities, and implementing new technologies to enhance the overall guest experience.

Savino Leone's leadership at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his profoLeone'sact on the hospitality industry in the Middle East. This recognition in Hozpitality's Best 30 GM's Power List demonstrates his exemplary leadership journey.