Martin van Kan appointed as General Manager, Fairmont Palm Jumeirah

　　Henning A. Fries, Regional Vice President, United Arab Emirates & General Manager, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin van Kan as General Manager, Fairmont Palm Jumeirah, opening in Fall 2012.

　　Henning A. Fries, Regional Vice President, United Arab Emirates & General Manager, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin van Kan as General Manager, Fairmont Palm Jumeirah, opening in Fall 2012.

　　"Martin joins us at a pivotal time as we accelerate opening preparations for the hugely anticipated Fairmont property on the Palm Jumeirah," states Fries, adding, "His extensive operational experience in multiple destinations, combined with his strategic vision will ensure that the brand enjoys continued prominence in the UAE."

　　The prestigious hotel, one of four major projects being developed by IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) on the Palm Jumeirah, made headlines in December 2010 as the first hotel construction project in Dubai to secure millions in foreign financing following the global economic crisis.

　　Joe Sita, President of IFA Hotel Investments - IFA HR"s asset management company - said, "Van Kan"s appointment marks another milestone toward bringing the hotel online. We look forward to working with Martin and his team on further strengthening our operational relationship with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts."

　　In this role, van Kan will be responsible for the opening and subsequent performance and day-to-day operations of the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah, the 381-room luxury resort including 2600 square metres of meeting space, outdoor leisure facilities with a beach restaurant and a private beach club, a pool complex and children"s activity center, as well as a variety of dining facilities featuring sea, garden or pool views, Fairmont Gold product and a Willow Stream spa.

　　Van Kan brings a wealth of experience to this position with a career spanning close to 25 years, where he has held executive positions within leading hotel companies, from over ten years with InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) in various destinations, including China, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, to over nine years with Hyatt International in the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and Nepal.

　　His previous position as Director of Operations Oman and General Manager of Al Bustan Palace, an InterContinental Hotel, saw several achievements in business performance, environmental and community relations, including natural disaster relief campaigns for beleaguered countries oversees, as well as working with local technical schools to develop talent and assist students in finding employment.

　　Van Kan is a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelièr Les Roches, in Switzerland. He lives in Dubai with his wife Mira and their two sons.