MARAM KOKANDI
Riyadh
Summary
Award-winning hospitality executive with over 18 years of senior leadership experience across Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the UAE. Recognized as the first Arab and Saudi female General Manager within international hospitality brands. Specialized in asset management, hotel pre-openings, post-COVID re-openings, and leadership of complex hospitality environments, including sacred destinations. Trusted by owners, investors, and boards to drive asset value, financial governance, and strategic alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Hotel Manager / Acting General Manager
JW Marriott Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
01.2025 - Current
- Overseeing full operational, financial, and brand governance performance of a flagship luxury hotel. Representing ownership interests in strategic reviews, performance oversight, and risk management.
Hotel Manager
Hilton DoubleTree Makkah
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
12.2022 - 01.2025
- Led post-COVID re-opening and full operational recovery of a high-volume religious destination hotel. Rebuilt teams, restored service standards, and stabilized performance through pilgrimage demand cycles, ensuring cultural, regulatory, and brand compliance.
General Manager (Pre-Opening)
Dar Al Tantora Boutique Hotel, AlUla
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Directed the complete pre-opening lifecycle including governance setup, recruitment, budgeting, and operational readiness, aligning asset positioning with destination strategy.
General Manager
Park Inn by Radisson, Jeddah
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Led end-to-end hotel pre-opening and long-term stabilization, achieving strong Saudization outcomes and receiving the Best Hotelier Award (2017) for leadership excellence.
Senior Property Consultant, Hospitality Sales & Projects
Emaar Middle East
08.2015 - 02.2017
- Held asset-focused commercial responsibility for hospitality real estate sales and hotel-related projects. Worked closely with investors and developers on hospitality assets, strengthening portfolio value and market positioning.
Education
Asset Management in Hospitality
eCornell University
01.2025
B.Sc. - International Hospitality Management
Cardiff Metropolitan University
UKHigher Diploma - International Hospitality & Tourism Management
London Metropolitan University
UKAsset Management in Hospitality
eCornell University
01.2025
Skills
- General Management & P&L Ownership
- Asset & Portfolio Management
- Hotel Pre-Opening, Re-Opening & Stabilization
- Owner & Investor Representation
- Financial Governance & Cost Control
- Brand Compliance & Corporate Governance
- Sacred Destinations Operations (Makkah)
- Revenue Optimization
- Saudization & Talent Development
- ESG & Vision 2030 Alignment
Accomplishments
- Led multiple hotel pre-openings and strategic re-openings across Saudi Arabia, including post-COVID operational recovery.
- Successfully re-opened and stabilized a large-scale religious destination hotel following COVID-19 disruptions.
- Consistently optimized financial performance and cost discipline across managed hospitality assets.
- Recipient of Best Hotelier Award – Worldwide Hospitality Awards (2017).
- High Recommendation – Best Hotel Manager, Hotelier Saudi Arabia Awards (2026).
- Demonstrated leadership success across religious, leisure, and business hospitality destinations.
LANGUAGES
Arabic (Fluent)
English (Fluent)
EXECUTIVE RECOGNITION & AWARDS
Best Hotelier Award – Worldwide Hospitality Awards (2017), High Recommendation – Best Hotel Manager, Hotelier Saudi Arabia Awards (2026)
Timeline
Hotel Manager / Acting General Manager
JW Marriott Riyadh
01.2025 - Current
Hotel Manager
Hilton DoubleTree Makkah
12.2022 - 01.2025
General Manager (Pre-Opening)
Dar Al Tantora Boutique Hotel, AlUla
06.2022 - 11.2022
General Manager
Park Inn by Radisson, Jeddah
01.2017 - 01.2022
Senior Property Consultant, Hospitality Sales & Projects
Emaar Middle East
08.2015 - 02.2017
B.Sc. - International Hospitality Management
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Higher Diploma - International Hospitality & Tourism Management
London Metropolitan University
Asset Management in Hospitality
eCornell University
Asset Management in Hospitality
eCornell University