Raffles, Fairmont appoint new VP of Operations for Mideast
Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have appointed Rolf Lippuner as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East.
Lippuner will oversee the strategic direction and operational excellence of 19 Raffles and Fairmont hotels and resorts across the region, including iconic properties like Fairmont Dubai, Raffles The Palm Dubai, Fairmont Doha, and Raffles Doha.
He will report to Sami Nasser, Global Chief Operating Officer for Fairmont, and Guy Heywood, Senior Vice President of Global Operations for Raffles, ensuring alignment with each brand's distinct vision.
Lippuner brings over 30 years of experience in hotel operations, brand strategy, and high-end guest experiences across key international markets.
With the region experiencing an unprecedented evolution in the luxury travel sector, Lippuner's expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that both brands continue to set new benchmarks in ultra-luxury and modern refined hospitality.
Lippuner built a strong foundation in operations at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, where he honed his leadership, financial acumen, and luxury service expertise.
His tenure included leading the flagship at Four Seasons Washington DC, where he oversaw the operational structure of a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond property, ensuring an exemplary guest experience, financial performance, and timeless brand positioning.
As the next generation of hospitality leaders is cultivated, Lippuner is committed to fostering the next generation of hospitality leaders, placing a strong emphasis on empowering women in executive roles.
His passion for curation, fine dining, authentic cultural immersion, and memorable travel influences his approach to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Sami Nasser, Global Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, commented on the appointment, 'Rolf's experience within the luxury hospitality industry is unparalleled, and what truly sets him apart is his invaluable insight and instinctive understanding of the Saudi market. Rolf's multi-dimensional leadership has proven highly successful in managing large teams, and we are confident that with his direction, our Middle Eastern hotel portfolio will thrive on an all-encompassing level.'
'Luxury hospitality has always been about storytelling—not just in how we build guest experiences, but in how brands integrate local heritage,' said Lippuner. 'Raffles represents elegance and ultra-luxury at its finest, curating deeply personalised, culturally immersive experiences, while Fairmont blends historical heritage with spectacular design, redefining modern luxury across its extraordinary global portfolio. In a region that is setting new benchmarks for high-end travel, I'm honored to be entrusted with leading their growth and transformation.'
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