Kempinski in the News

Kempinski in the News

21 Jan 2025

Sébastien Mariette appointed General Manager of Kempinski Harbour Heights Bahrain and VP of Operations – Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, The Levant and Morocco

Sebastien Mariette (2).jpg

Geneva, 21 January 2025 — With Kempinski’s continued expansion in the Middle East and Africa, Sébastien Mariette has been appointed General Manager of Kempinski Harbour Heights Bahrain, a new mixed-use hotel and residential complex scheduled to open by the end of 2025. In addition to helming this landmark development in the capital city of Manama, Mariette will also hold the esteemed position of Vice President of Operations for Kempinski Hotels in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, The Levant and Morocco.

Kempinski Harbour Heights Bahrain marks the return of Kempinski to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Occupying one of the highest towers in the Kingdom, the 74 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 186 Kempinski branded residences will offer elevated views across the Marina and Manama skyline with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The property will also feature a stunning rooftop pool; spa and wellness facilities; a fully equipped panoramic gym; and meeting and event facilities. Hotel guests and residents will enjoy access to over 60 retail boutiques and extensive food and beverage offerings in Bahrain Harbour.

In Mariette’s journey spanning 18 years with Kempinski Hotels, the French national has demonstrated a dynamic business approach, maximised operational profits and created a multicultural working environment while building successful teams.

"Sébastien is a seasoned hotelier who embodies the Kempinski values and ethics exceptionally well, reflecting them in his daily interactions with colleagues and business partners alike. His extensive knowledge and expertise in the luxury travel sector spans diverse cultural and multi-continental landscapes, where he has consistently demonstrated a results-driven approach. This commitment to excellence not only enhances the guest experience but also fosters strong relationships within the industry," says Xavier Destribats, Chief Operating Officer EMEA & the Americas.

Mariette’s tenure with Kempinski Hotels began in 2007 when he joined Kempinski in Bulgaria. An assignment in Africa subsequently followed before Mariette relocated to open and lead several Kempinski branded properties in China. In 2014, Mariette moved to the Middle East and Africa as General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan, before being promoted to Cluster General Manager for both Dead Sea and Aqaba properties. Mariette has also held significant roles in Dubai, Singapore and Egypt, where he managed multiple properties as Area General Manager. In 2021, he returned to Jordan as Cluster General Manager and subsequently took over the role of Area General Manager for The Levant and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The recipient of numerous awards including General Manager of the Year Jordan in the 2024 Hotelier Middle East Awards and Best General Manager in the Luxury Category in the 2013 Worldwide Hospitality Awards, Mariette is widely respected by his peers and recognised as a leader within the industry. Mariette holds an MBA in International Hospitality Management from the International Hospitality Management Institute (IMHI) in Paris, a joint venture between Cornell University and ESSEC Business School; a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in International Hospitality Management with distinction from the University of Toulouse II.

 

 

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