HUSSEIN CHARIF HACHEM
Livonia,MI
Summary
With over 43 years of comprehensive experience in the hospitality industry, I have honed my expertise working with prestigious international hotel brands, including Sheraton and Rotana Hotels. For the past 28 years, I have served as a General Manager, primarily in Dubai, and, more recently, in Saudi Arabia. My career has been marked by successful hotel openings in Dubai, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing my ability to drive operational excellence and deliver exceptional guest experiences in dynamic environments.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Madinah, Saudi Arabia
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Led preopening planning for Al Manakha Rotana Hotel which boasted 512 rooms and suites. Preopening included developing operational procedures, and assembling and training a high-performing team to ensure a successful launch and seamless transition to full operational status.
- Implemented a robust preopening checklist and timeline, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration and addressing potential issues before the official launch.
- Conducted market research and competitive analysis to refine service offerings and pricing strategies, positioning the hotel to effectively capture its target market upon opening.
- Maintained strong collaborative working relationships with hotel owners, providing regular updates and incorporating their feedback into the preopening planning process to ensure alignment with their vision and expectations.
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Suleymaniyah, Iraq
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Actively lead the pre-opening and expected opening of Slemani Rotana Hotel. The hotel is complete with 240 modern rooms and suites, a business centre, fitness facilities, five meeting rooms and a choice of four dining outlets.
- Managed the planning, budgeting, and leading marketing of the hotel, as well as selecting and ordering the FF&E and the operating equipment.
- Worked closely with the owner representative and the architect for the design of rooms, restaurants, ballroom as well as public areas furniture and fixtures.
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Baghdad, Iraq, Iraq
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Babylon Rotana Hotel features 284 rooms and suites, 4 enticing dining venues with indoor and outdoor seating areas, room service, conferences and a wedding venue that includes a ballroom capacity of 600 guests, recreation facilities including 2 Olympic size pools, tennis courts, massage & sauna rooms and a bodyline fitness gym.
- Managed shrink processes and inventory levels for corrective action planning to save costs.
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
03.2017 - 08.2019
- Al Bandar Rotana & Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Al Bandar Rotana Dubai was the newest Rotana 5-star hotel & hotel apartment in Dubai, with 190 rooms in the hotel & 90 rooms in Arjaan, totaling 280 keys.
- Successfully managed the Pre-opening stage in 2017 until the official opening on March 2018.
- In less than one year of operation from the opening of the hotel in Q1, already established a good reputation in the market in terms of service and product, with excellent scores in Booking.com (9.2 rating) and Net Promoter Score (78), a remarkable achievement for newly opened hotel.
Cluster General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
09.2009 - 02.2017
- Al Bustan Rotana & Al Murooj Rotana Dubai Al Bustan Rotana Dubai is Rotana hotels flagship hotel in Dubai since 1997 with 275 rooms and suites, ballroom capacity 1,200 guests, meeting rooms, recreation facilities i.e., swimming pool, sauna & massage rooms, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts and bodylines fitness gym.
- Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites opened in September 2005 with 253 rooms and suites, 27 semi-furnished offices, 140 deluxe furnished apartments, ballroom capacity 600 guests, meeting rooms, recreation facilities i.e., swimming pool, massage & sauna rooms, tennis courts and bodylines fitness gym.
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
03.2005 - 01.2009
- Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites, Dubai Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites consists of 253 luxurious rooms and suites, 27 semi-furnished offices, 140 deluxe furnished apartments, duplexes and penthouses, 10 dining outlets, executive lounge, grand ballroom, conference facilities and meeting rooms.
- Started in March 2005 with all the pre-opening preparations.
- Worked in planning, budgeting, staffing and marketing plan of the Hotel and Suites.
- Pioneered the successful opening of Al Murooj Rotana Suites on July 2005.
- Pioneered the successful opening of Al Murooj Rotana Hotel on September 2005.
- Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites has earned prestigious awards and recognition in hospitality industry and established a good reputation in a short period within eight months of operation, and continuously receiving accolade from guests and various organizations.
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
05.2001 - 02.2005
- The Jumeira Rotana Hotel, Dubai consisted of 116 rooms and suites, 4 meetings rooms, 3 Restaurants, Lobby Cafe and 24-hour room service.
- Directed financial turnaround and positioned hotel to upscale status; increased the Hotel occupancy and average room rate by 18% after my 1st year in the Hotel.
- Performed budget analysis and development.
- Ensured a common understanding of the expected code of conduct and work ethics in the company.
- Oversee renovation part of hotel property.
- Resulted in enhanced services and doubled revenue.
- Developed food and beverage department, including restaurant and banquet facility.
- Evaluated daily operations, guests’ issues and complaints, developed focus and strategic planning.
- Keeping the Area and Head Office advised of financial trends, issues affecting the property and current events.
- Also ensured that the hotel was covered to pre-determined minimum standards of insurance with the maximum financial protection possible.
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Damascus, Syria
10.1999 - 05.2001
- Started with Al-Sayeda Zeinab Rotana Hotel in October 1999. The hotel consisted of 158 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a take away restaurant, café, two meeting rooms and a banquet facility of 500 people.
- During my tenure, I prepared all the planning, budgeting and the marketing of the hotel, as well as selecting and ordering the FF&E and the operating equipment.
- I also worked closely with the owner representative and the architect for the design of rooms, restaurants, ballroom as well as public areas furniture and fixtures.
Executive Assistant Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
09.1998 - 09.1999
- Started with Al Ain Rotana Hotel six months during the pre - opening period.
- I have been involved in the planning, budgeting and marketing of the hotel.
- I was also heavily involved in selecting and ordering of the operating equipment.
- Recruiting and hiring of 140 employee of the hotel.
- Before and after the opening of the hotel, I have been working closely with the General Manager, assisted and fully in charge of the day-to-day operation during his absence.
- The Hotel consists of 100 rooms, suites and chalets.
- Three restaurants, two bars, café, banquet capacity of 3000 people and recreation facilities, i.e.
- Gymnasium, two squash courts, two tennis courts, sauna steam bath and swimming pool.
Food and Beverage Manager
Rotana Hotels, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
01.1997 - 07.1998
- Oversaw the Beach Rotana Hotel food and beverage operations, delivered day-to-day consistency and set and maintained highest food quality and service standards.
- Managed food and beverage operations for upscale urban hotels, including bar and restaurant service with relentless focus on hospitable and gracious guest services.
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
03.1993 - 01.1997
- Food and Beverage Manager Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi The Responsibility involved : Planned and run all F&B outlets since March 1993 (6 months pre - opening); Hotel opened in October 1993, consisting of 6 outlets, Room Service, Pool & Beach Bar, Banquets and Outdoor Catering.
- Managed the activities of 195 staff members of the Food & Beverage Organization and delegation of duties through outlet managers and executive chef.
- Planning and implementation of food promotions for 6 outlets and provoking marketing plans for all outlets.
- Preparation of budget, cost controlling and payroll control (scheduling of staff according to volume of business).
- Coordination of training programs for each outlet.
- Menu planning with food tasting and costing (production and portion control).
- Handling guests’ needs and comments to their satisfaction.
- Guest contact.
- Planning, organizing and scheduling of all entertainers.
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Sheraton Hotel & Resorts
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
02.1992 - 02.1993
- Managed inventory of dining room products, including condiments, linens and flatware.
- Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Sheraton Hotels
Munich, Germany
01.1991 - 02.1992
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort
10.1983 - 01.1991
- During the tenure of my service, my responsibilities involved the following :.
- Coordinating the work activities of 170 staff members related to the F&B Department.
- Assisting in the implementation of new food and beverage projects and outlets (4 new outlets: Iranian, Italian, Mexican and Chinese Restaurant).
- Supervising and overseeing every facet of restaurant service and operations.
- Menu planning, forecasting, budgeting, planning for the F&B operations.
- Assisting the F&B manager with necessary report and statistics.
- Organizing and implementing promotional activities within the outlets.
- Managing inventories, supervising food and beverage cost and administration.
- Handling guests` needs and comments to their satisfaction.
- Fully in charge of all state functions held at the presidency palace at the Crown Prince Palace.
- Opened (3) restaurants.
- Directly involved in planning and opening 3 restaurants.
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort
09.1983 - 12.1990
Banquet Manager
Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort
09.1979 - 09.1983
Education
Hotel School
Beirut1977
General Managers Program -
Cornell University
School of Hotel Administration
2007
Skills
- Experienced hotel manager with a keen understanding of all aspects of management and hotel departments
- Strong leadership skills, especially in conflict resolution and personnel motivation
- Budgeting and cost control strategies
- Excellent problem-solving abilities
Personal Information
Date of Birth : 8th March 1959
Place of Birth : Ain El Tineh, Lebanon
Permanent Address : 37467 Eagle Dr. Livonia, MI, USA.
Nationality : Lebanese
Marital Status : Married
Languages: Fluent in English and Arabic. Proficient in French
Awards and Honors
2019
Al Bandar Rotana Hotel, Dubai
1. Among the Best 50 Hotels in GCC by the Arabian Business.
2. Gusto Italian Restaurant ‘Favorite Newcomer - Fine Dining Restaurant in Dubai 2018’ by FACT Awards.
3. World Travel Awards 2014 - Middle East Leading City Hotel
4. TripAdvisor winner - Certificate of Excellence
2014
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai
1. World Travel Awards 2014 - Middle East Leading City Hotel
2. TripAdvisor winner - Certificate of Excellence
3. Al Bustan Rotana Certified for OHSAS 18001:2007
4. Al Bustan Rotana ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management Systems
2013
1. World Luxury Hotel Awards - Luxury Airport Hotel Middle East
2012
1. Dubai Green Tourism Award 2011 - Certificate of Recognition for outstanding performance to various Green Initiatives executed in Al Bustan Rotana Dubai in contribution to the Dubai Green Tourism Award 2011 (DTCM).
2011
1. International Hotel Awards Arabia 2011 - Best Convention Hotel by Bloomberg International
2. World Travel Awards 2011 - Dubai’s Leading City Hotel
3. Benihana Restaurant - Finalist, Best Family Restaurant by Time Out Awards 2011
4. Benihana Restaurant - Finalist Best Fine Dining Restaurant by Ahlan’s Best in Dubai Awards 2011
5. Blue Elephant Restaurant - Finalist, Best Asian Restaurant by BBC Good Food Awards 2011
2010
Benihana Restaurant - Finalist, Japanese Restaurant of the Year by Time Out Awards
Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, Dubai
2014
1. World Luxury Hotel Awards - Luxury City Hotel
2. TripAdvisor winner - Certificate of Excellence
2013
1. World Luxury Hotel Awards - Luxury Business Hotel
2. Chairman’s Award 2013 - Rotana Hotels
3. TripAdvisor winner - Certificate of Excellence
4. Arabian Hotel Awards - Best Hotel in Dubai by International Hotel Awards
5. Double Decker - Best Entertainment Venue by Sports Industry Awards
2012
1. World Travel Awards 2012 - Middle East Leading City Hotel
2011
1. Rotana Hotels Award 2011 - Hotel of the Year
2. Rotana Hotels Award 2011 - The Chairman’s Award
2010
1. 3rd Business Destinations Awards, UK - Best Luxury Hotel, Dubai 2010
2009
1. 2nd Business Destinations Awards, UK - Best Luxury Hotel, Dubai 2009
2. Zaika Restaurant - Silver ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ Silver ‘ Best Conference/Convention Hotel’ by MENA Travel Awards 2009
3. Dubai Leading Meeting Hotel by World Travel Awards 2009
4. Latino House - Highly Commended, ‘Best Latin American Restaurant in Dubai’ by Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards
2008
1. Dubai Leading Meetings Hotel by World Travel Awards
2. Gold Award ‘Best Conference/Convention Hotel’ by MENA Awards
3. Concierge of the Year Award - ‘Special Judges Award for the Best Concierge Team’
2007
1. Zaika Restaurant - Silver Award ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ by What’s ON Awards
2. Double Decker - ‘Favorite Pub Grub in Dubai & Favorite Bar in Dubai’ by What’s ON Awards
3. Latino House Restaurant & Bar - ‘First Highly Commended Latin American Restaurant in Dubai’ by Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards.
2006
1. Best Business Hotel in Dubai - 1st Runner up
by Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2006 - May 2006
2. Best Business Hotel Overall in the Middle East - 2nd Runner up by Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2006 - May 2006
3. Best 5-Star New Hotel for the year 2005 - Silver by MENA Travel Awards 2006
4. Latino House - ‘Best Latin American Restaurant’
by Time Out Dubai Restaurants Awards - March 2006
5. Double Decker Pub - ‘Favourite Pub Grub in Dubai’ by What’s ON Awards 2006 - April 2006
6. Waterside Seafood Restaurant - ‘Favourite Seafood Restaurant in Dubai’ Runner up by What’s ON Awards 2006 - April
2004
1. Annual Grumpy Gourmet Award for the Brauhaus German restaurant, Jumeira Rotana Hotel (Best German Cuisine Category).
2. Boston Bar, Favorite Bar in Dubai , What’s ON Award
3. MENA Award-Gold Category for the 4-Star Business Hotel.
2003
1. Annual Grumpy Gourmet Award for the Brauhaus German restaurant, Jumeira Rotana Hotel (Best German Cuisine Category).
Timeline
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
01.2024 - 07.2025
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
08.2021 - 11.2022
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
08.2019 - 07.2021
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
03.2017 - 08.2019
Cluster General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
09.2009 - 02.2017
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
03.2005 - 01.2009
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
05.2001 - 02.2005
General Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
10.1999 - 05.2001
Executive Assistant Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
09.1998 - 09.1999
Food and Beverage Manager
Rotana Hotels, Abu Dhabi
01.1997 - 07.1998
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
Rotana Hotel Management
03.1993 - 01.1997
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Sheraton Hotel & Resorts
02.1992 - 02.1993
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Sheraton Hotels
01.1991 - 02.1992
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort
10.1983 - 01.1991
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort
09.1983 - 12.1990
Banquet Manager
Abu Dhabi Sheraton Hotel & Resort
09.1979 - 09.1983
Hotel School
General Managers Program -
Cornell University
School of Hotel Administration