Hospitality group Rotana has made two key leadership appointments. Ghazi Mousharafieh has joined as chief financial officer, while Joseph Abou Yaghi returns to the group as VP of human resources.

Both hires underpin Rotana’s ambition to develop across both local and international markets, according to the group.

Mousharafieh’s has years of experience working across the UAE’s finance and accounting spheres.

He previously worked with the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority for 11 years and this marks his first role within hotels.

“We are fortunate to have this calibre of talent join our leadership group. Ghazi Mousharafieh brings tremendous experience that will no doubt be invaluable in aligning our corporate vision and evolving market needs,” said Rotana president and CEO Guy Hutchinson.

Yaghmi returns

New CFO Abou Yaghi will play a crucial role, overseeing the group’s full financial performance and providing governance and financial planning.

He is no stranger to hospitality, having previously worked with Rotana for 16 years. His career started with IHG in 1999 as a training manager for Crowne Plaza Dubai before joining Rotana in 2002 as the HR manager.

After being made corporate VP of human resources in 2006, he stayed in the role for 13 years before moving on to Marriott International. Hutchinson spoke of his enthusiasm for Yaghmi’s return.

“The return of Joseph Abou Yaghi to the team will fortify the company’s Human Resources vision and strategy, leading the continued development of our unique Human Capital platform,” he said.

“The addition of these two dynamic leaders will further strengthen our team and ensure we continue to meet the needs of our key stakeholders, colleagues, and guests in today’s fast-changing and ever-evolving industry. We look forward to leveraging the expertise and strategic insight of these passionate professionals as we navigate recovery and continue our journey of growth,” Hutchinson concluded.