Al-Kadry to head Le Meridien sales in Kuwait

Following its takeover of the Ritz Kuwait hotel, Le Meridien has appointed Belal Al-Kadry as sales and marketing manager, tasked with promoting the property as an independent five-star option in the country's business centre.

A Lebanese national with joint Canadian/Lebanese citizenship, Al-Kadry completed a degree in business administration with emphasis on hotel management and marketing at the American University of Beirut.

His work experience has included spells at hotels and restaurants in North America, following which he moved to Kuwait to join the Sheraton there, boosting his sales, marketing and PR expertise.

Al-Kadry then joined Hilton International, taking on responsibility for the launch of that group's resort in Kuwait before his new appointment as Le Meridien's key sales management contact for the first of six properties under development.

The Ritz Hotel, which will be relaunched as Le Meridien Kuwait later this year, is currently undergoing a refurbishment and expansion programme, and will be extended with a new tower and purpose-built convention centre in 2004.

In addition, Le Méridien will launch its famous design concept in the region with the launch of Le Meridien Art+Tech Kuwait, and follow this up with a second similar hotel in the Mubarakia area in 2004, followed by Le Méridien Residence in Salmiya in 2006.

"Kuwait is undergoing a renaissance as a business centre, and Le Meridien is positioning to be at the forefront of the hospitality sector in the country," said Al-Kadry. "Our exciting development strategy in tandem with the A'amal Holdings means Le Meridien is a name to reckon with, and one I am delighted to represent."