Powering Up for Success: Meet the Game-Changing Leadership Team Set to Redefine the Strategies and Commercial Success Stories of Two Iconic IHG Properties in Abu Dhabi\
InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi proudly introduce their newly appointed Cluster Commercial Leadership Team, a trio of industry experts set to drive the cluster’s strategic growth and elevate its market presence. With a strong focus on sales, revenue, and marketing, this team is poised to reinforce the properties as leading 5-star hospitality service standards for sophistication and excellence, solidifying their position as leaders in hospitality.
Khattab Mohamed, Cluster Director of Sales, will leverage his deep experience in hospitality sales and business development to craft impactful strategies that drive revenue and enhance key partnerships. Shamil Samsudeen, Cluster Director of Revenue, will apply his analytical expertise in revenue management and pricing strategies to optimize market share and ensure sustainable growth. Meanwhile, Niza Martinez, Cluster Assistant Director of Marketing, will lead innovative marketing initiatives, combining creativity and data to elevate brand visibility and strengthen guest engagement. She will maximize digital ads, drive content production, and utilize PR to tell compelling stories about the properties’ rich History, Heritage, and Culture, further enhancing their commercial success. Together, this dynamic team is poised to redefine the strategies and success stories of these iconic IHG properties in Abu Dhabi.
Meet the Cluster Commercial Leadership Team
Khattab Mohamed Appointed as Cluster Director of Sales
The two properties proudly welcome Khattab Mohamed as Cluster Director of Sales. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development, Khattab is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and forging strategic partnerships.
Throughout his distinguished career, Khattab has held key leadership roles at Rotana Hotels, Aldar Hospitality, and IHG properties, where he consistently delivered exceptional sales performance, enhanced market positioning, and led high-performing teams. His tenure at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Complex, Yas Island Rotana, and Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi (IHG) highlights his ability to craft innovative sales strategies, build lasting client relationships, and lead teams to success.
In his new role, Khattab will spearhead data-driven sales initiatives, elevate team performance, and implement proactive client engagement strategies to maximize revenue and strengthen brand positioning. His strategic vision focuses on leveraging market intelligence, personalizing guest experiences, and fostering key collaborations to ensure both properties remain top choices for business and leisure travelers.
A firm believer in continuous learning, Khattab is currently pursuing an MBA in Global Management & Leadership at the Swiss School of Management, reinforcing his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and leadership excellence. His appointment marks a pivotal step in driving commercial success for both properties, further solidifying InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading hospitality destination in the region.
Shamil Samsudeen – Cluster Director of Revenue
Bringing over 25 years of expertise in revenue optimization, strategic pricing, and market intelligence, the two properties appoint Shamil Samsudeen as Cluster Director of Revenue. A seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, Shamil’s data-driven approach and deep market insights will be instrumental in strengthening the cluster’s competitive edge and driving sustained profitability.
With a career spanning Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, Shamil has held key leadership roles at InterContinental Bahrain and Jeddah Hilton, where he successfully implemented high-impact revenue strategies, advanced forecasting models, and dynamic pricing initiatives. His ability to adapt to global market trends and evolving guest behaviors makes him a major force in revenue management.
In his new role, Shamil will lead data-driven revenue strategies, leveraging analytics, technology, and cross-functional collaboration to maximize market share, optimize pricing structures, and enhance guest value. His strategic vision is centered on balancing short-term revenue gains with long-term sustainable growth, ensuring both properties remain industry leaders in Abu Dhabi.
Committed to innovation and excellence, Shamil will drive personalized pricing models, loyalty-driven incentives, and forward-thinking revenue solutions to cater to both corporate and leisure segments. His leadership is set to elevate the cluster’s performance, reinforcing its status as a premier destination in Abu Dhabi’s competitive hospitality landscape.
Niza Martinez – Cluster Assistant Director of Marketing
The two properties are ecstatic to appoint Niza Martinez as Cluster Assistant Director of Marketing. A dynamic force in marketing, Niza brings expertise in brand strategy, digital engagement, content production, and revenue-driven marketing. As a visionary leader in 360-degree marketing, she has a proven track record of executing high-impact campaigns that amplify brand presence, drive guest engagement, and maximize significant commercial success.
Recognized as one of the Top 30 Hospitality PR Hotshots 2024 and featured in the Marketing Power List 2024 by Hotelier Middle East, Niza has been a driving force behind the pre-opening success of major hospitality brands such as Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park and McGettigan’s Dubai Science Park. Her strategic mastery spans brand positioning, digital marketing, PR & media, affiliation & influencer partnerships, and community engagement, all underpinned by a sharp focus on driving leads and delivering direct revenue growth and securing market dominance.
Niza’s illustrious career spans key leadership roles at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, and Holiday Inn Bur Dubai, where she successfully led high-impact brand campaigns and strategic partnerships have set new standards of success. Her innovative approach has garnered multiple prestigious industry accolades, with several of her initiatives and colleagues earning top awards and nominations from leading publications across the Middle East.
In her new role, Niza will lead transformational marketing strategies that tell the rich History, Heritage, and Culture of InterContinental Abu Dhabi. By reinforcing the hotel’s brand strength, digital innovation, and guest-centric engagement, Niza will ensure the cluster not only thrives but remains undisputed as a market leader in Abu Dhabi’s fast-evolving hospitality landscape.
A Message from Sayed Tayoun, General Manager
“We are thrilled to welcome Khattab, Shamil, and Niza to our leadership team. Their combined expertise, strategic vision, and dedication to excellence will be key in shaping the future of InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi. This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey as we continue to deliver unmatched hospitality experiences and drive commercial growth.”
This leadership expansion aligns with InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation, guest satisfaction, and market leadership, ensuring continued success in the region’s dynamic hospitality industry.
