Karim is a native New Yorker that has over 24 years of hospitality experience in some of the renowned properties in the United States and the Middle East, such as The Plaza Hotel – A Fairmont Managed Property in New York City, The Ritz Carlton Central Park New York, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, The Knickerbocker Hotel New York (the first luxury property in Times Square, NYC), The InterContinental Hotels Group in Dubai Festival City, managing three hotels and recently General Manager of InterContinental Al Jubail Resort in KSA. Karim has a strong background in the Food and Beverage and led a 5-star luxury and lifestyle hotels around the world with a great success rate and managed multi properties with multiple concept outlets, including Michelin star restaurants and very prestigious private dining functions, as well as huge meetings in thousands of meters convention centers with an impressive annual revenue returns.
Karim is a guest satisfaction enthusiast. He demonstrated the ability to increase guest satisfaction scores year over year, and with great hotel positioning in TripAdvisor’s ranking in his most recent hotel appointments. Karim completed his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at St. John’s University in New York City and Senior Hospitality Leadership Program at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.
Karim is American Citizen, married Parisian French lady Suzanne and with lovely kids, Adam and Jana. He loves to do horseback riding, is interested in water sports activities, and loves traveling while spending quality time with his family.
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job was as a Barista in New York City
What do you love the most about hospitality?
K.: Working with great people and crafting memorable experiences for our guests.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome on your way to success?
K.: Traveling the world and relocating to different cities and countries.
What makes one a true hotelier?
K.: The passion for the business and developing true leaders.
What would be your advice to beginners in the industry?
K.: Never quit or give up.
