The First Group Hospitality has announced several senior leadership appointments. All roles are newly created and reflect the company’s expanding hotel and food and beverage operations across the Middle East and international markets.
Brendan McCormack has been appointed Vice President – Business Development, Food & Beverage. He moves into the role after serving as Vice President of Marketing and has been part of the leadership team since 2020. McCormack first joined the business as Vice President of Operations, F&B. In his new position, he will focus on growing the company’s food and beverage portfolio, with an emphasis on brand expansion through franchising. The portfolio includes concepts such as Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery and The Blacksmith Bar & Eatery.
Robyn James-O’Connor has been named Senior Vice President – Marketing. She will lead brand, advertising, public relations, social, digital, and development marketing across the group. James-O’Connor brings more than 20 years of experience from Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, where she progressed from Marketing Communications Manager at Burj Al Arab in 2005 to Vice President of Marketing. Her work supported global brand visibility and commercial performance across the Jumeirah portfolio.
Antonio Bissoni has joined as Vice President – Commercial. He will oversee revenue management, distribution, guest engagement centres, and commercial strategy. His remit includes pricing, market segmentation, and the use of data and analytics to support profitability. Bissoni joins from Marriott International, where he most recently served as Regional Senior Director of Sales & Distribution. His career also includes 15 years with Hilton.
Sohail Pedari has been appointed Vice President – Sales, with responsibility for sales operations and performance across the group. He brings senior commercial experience from global hospitality brands including Hilton, Marriott International, and Rocco Forte Hotels. His background also includes service as Head of Commercial & Cultural Affairs at the Italian Consulate General in Dubai, supporting work across public and private sectors.
Maria Kuzeva has joined the company as Corporate Director of Wellness & Spa. She brings more than 20 years of experience in wellness operations, concept development, and brand creation. Her previous roles include senior positions at Madinat Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal. She will lead the development of a consistent wellness approach across the group’s growing hotel portfolio.
Commenting on the appointments, Apo Demirtas, Chief Strategy Officer of The First Group Hospitality, said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome these talented leaders into their new roles. As our portfolio continues to grow both regionally and internationally, it is essential that our leadership structure evolves in parallel. These newly created positions are a direct response to our current scale and future pipeline, strengthening our capabilities across commercial, marketing, F&B, and wellness, ensuring we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for our owners and partners in every market we enter.”
The leadership changes come as The First Group Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio. Recent milestones include the launch of Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, the world’s tallest hotel, new franchise agreements with Marriott International and IHG, and the company’s entry into Europe with the Gennadi Seaside Resort.