Profile

Alison Grinnell

Group COO & CEO, Marjan Hospitality
Marjan

Alison Grinnell is the Group Chief Operating Officer of Marjan and Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Hospitality, the group’s hospitality arm. In these dual roles, she oversees the development and asset management of Marjan’s hospitality portfolio, ensuring operational excellence and seamless integration across the group. Previously, Grinnell served as Chief Executive Officer of RAK Hospitality Holding, following her tenure as Chief Financial Officer. She played a key role in the partnership with Wynn Resorts and Marjan to develop Wynn Al Marjan Island, a major driver of Ras Al Khaimah’s economic and tourism growth. She also led the company’s transformation into the emirate’s leading hospitality group, overseeing a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, leisure attractions, logistics operations and asset management subsidiaries. Her leadership supported the growth of luxury properties including The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert; Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah; and Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, alongside landmark developments across the emirate’s beach, desert and mountain destinations. Under her leadership, RAK Hospitality Holding also expanded its leisure and adventure portfolio, operating attractions including Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. She also oversaw the development and operation of a 2,300-unit hospitality staff accommodation campus. Before joining Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector, Grinnell spent nearly 15 years at PwC, where she led the firm’s Hotel Practice for the Middle East and advised international hotel operators, investors and developers on strategy, investment and performance optimisation. Grinnell was recognised among Forbes Middle East’s Top Travel and Tourism Leaders in 2024 and 2025.