Makram El Zyr is the Corporate Vice President – Development at Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye (MENAT).

El Zyr has held the position since April 2012, during which he has played an instrumental role in Rotana’s rapid expansion into new geographic territories. In his current role, El Zyr is responsible for expanding and growing the company’s portfolio of hotels and product brands. The industry stalwart has led well-calculated forays into strategically important markets for the homegrown hospitality group, including Rotana’s international expansion into the United Kingdom, Georgia, Senegal and more.

Under his leadership, Rotana has thus far opened 72 properties across the Middle East and beyond, with an additional 30 planned openings expected by 2026. His extensive functional and industry expertise, combined with a deep understanding of market dynamics and needs, allows him to identify and effectively pursue emerging market opportunities to drive growth and expansion.

El Zyr also oversaw the successful launch of Rotana’s latest brand, Edge by Rotana in 2022, which is a collection of independent hotels that maintain their individuality, while capitalising on access to Rotana’s extensive network and systems. Since its launch, Rotana has successfully opened three Edge by Rotana-managed hotels in the UAE — Arabian Park and Park Apartments in 2022, and Damac Hills 2 in 2023. These openings are in line with Rotana’s target to operate 30 Edge by Rotana properties by 2027.

Prior to his current role, El Zyr gained several years of experience at Rotana in various senior management roles, including Associate Vice President – Development and Director of Development. He began his journey with the company in 2003 when he joined its Food and Beverage Department – working across different Rotana properties in the region. This role provided him with hands-on experience in business operations that proved invaluable in his subsequent efforts to help Rotana broaden its portfolio and footprint.

El Zyr holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and a Bachelor of Science degree from École hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.