Hyatt has appointed two general managers for the Hyatt branded hotels at The Red Sea Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Grand Hyatt The Red Sea and Miraval The Red Sea – both of which are set to open by the end of 2025.

Jean-Francois Durand has been appointed General Manager of Grand Hyatt The Red Sea – a luxury property with 430 rooms, and the largest of 11 hotels set to open on the island. It occupies a prime position within the innovative tourist destination.

He is a seasoned General Manager with over 30 years of experience with Hyatt.

Throughout his career, Durand has held various positions at properties across several regions, garnering numerous awards and recognitions, particularly for his expertise in successfully opening hotels and resorts.

He brings a wealth of expertise to the kingdom, spanning sustainability, people's career development, creative food and beverage concept development, and unparalleled guest experiences’ initiatives.

After an extensive and impactful career in Russia, Durand returned to the Middle East to lead the operations of Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla in Jordan in 2019 and most recently moved to Saudi Arabia to oversee the exciting launch of the upcoming, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea.

Juan Paolo Alfonso has taken on the role as General Manager of Miraval The Red Sea. This highly anticipated luxury wellness resort is set to mark the international launch of the Miraval brand outside the US.

The resort boasts 180 rooms, suites, and luxury villas as well the island’s largest spa complemented by extensive fitness and wellness facilities.

Alfonso is an accomplished General Manager, who started his hospitality career in 2003, and progressed his way across various departments, including front office and housekeeping, before advancing to leadership positions.

His career spans iconic resorts in multiple destinations, including the US, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Oman.

Alfonso has a proven track record of leading award-winning properties, most recently serving as General Manager of Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah, Oman. Prior to that, he was the helm of Alila Ubud in Bali, where he began his journey with Hyatt in 2019. – TradeArabia News Service