The Rocco Forte Collection has appointed Karim Naffah as managing director with immediate effect.
Founder and executive chairman of the group Sir Rocco Forte said the appointment would allow him to devote more time to spearheading the expansion of the business, primarily via management contracts.
He said he would also be able to focus more on working with the hotels and the company’s sales and marketing teams to develop the brand.
Naffah, 47, has acted as a consultant to the company since July 2009 during which he has assisted with the company’s re-financing and helped drive improvements in the performance management and corporate governance of the group of luxury hotels and resorts.
Forte said that the company had been looking to strengthen its senior team as the group continued to expand.
“The growth of our portfolio requires the fortification of our management structures as well as business planning, performance and governance processes to ensure its continued success and out performance within a highly competitive marketplace," he said.
Naffah will lead a team of directors including finance director Alan Clark, brand managing director Richard Power and operations director Martin Elsner.
By Linsey McNeill
