Marriott Appoints First-Ever Female General Manager in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International made history for women in hospitality. Marriott announced the appointment of its first-ever female general manager in KSA: Marina Krasnobrizhaya at The St. Regis Riyadh.

Journey to Marriott’s first female general manager in Saudi

Krasnobrizhaya brings almost 17 years of international experience in the hotel industry. A Marriott International stalwart, she joins The St. Regis Riyadh following her recent position as director of operations at The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel in London. Prior to this, she held senior roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow and Hotel Arts Barcelona.

One of her earliest roles with Marriott was in her home country of Russia where she worked as a front desk agent of The Ritz-Carlton Moscow. Staying with the five-star Ritz-Carlton brand for a decade, she went on to become front desk supervisor, assistant front desk manager and front desk manager at the hotel over four years.

“Marina brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are delighted to have her join The St. Regis Riyadh,” said Ahmed Hozaien, area VP – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Egypt, Marriott International. “Marina’s appointment adds valuable leadership to the property, and highlights Marriott International’s commitment to championing the advancement of women in executive positions.”

Commenting on her appointment, Krasnobrizhaya said, “I am delighted to take on this new role and look forward to working with the team to deliver an uncompromising level of bespoke service and exquisite experiences in the city’s best address.”

Marriott growing female talent in Saudi

Marriott also used its statement announcing the appointment to address the progress it is making for wider female representation in the Kingdom’s hotel field.

Its Saudi edition of Tahseen – a leadership fasttrack programme – recorded 50 candidates in 2021, of which nearly 50 percent were women – marking the highest enrollment of women into the programme since its launch in 2018. Since inception, Tahseen’s Saudi edition has had over 100 graduates the majority of which are now employed at Marriott International properties across the Kingdom in managerial, supervisor and director roles across functions such as sales, HR, F&B, marketing, finance and operations.

The company plans to launch the fourth edition of its Tahseen programme in the Kingdom this year, said the statement.

Doors opening

Krasnobrizhaya’s appointment has also been announced during the same week Marriott’s first-ever female GM in the whole Middle East announced her retirement.