Meet Our Team
Marloes Knippenberg
CEO
A trailblazer in the realm of modern mixed-use developments, Marloes has shaped the industry by emphasizing ESG as a central aspect of operations, business processes, and the entire value chain. Her approach has transformed a single brand in one country into a global lifestyle group encompassing over 45 projects. Unwavering in her commitment, Marloes seeks to expand the lifestyle footprint in carefully selected destinations where collaboration and shared purpose unite all stakeholders. Her career began at Hilton, where she held prominent operational and commercial management roles. Today, she serves on multiple industry boards and actively supports the next generation of professionals.
Christian H. Muhr
COO
Christian is a strategic and goal-oriented hospitality leader with over 30 years of experience. His distinguished career includes roles such as Vice President of Operations for Hilton in Central Europe, where he led the integration of a large number of new hotels and implemented regional strategies, as well as Vice President Egypt and Levant area, after a long standing career in numerous operational functions. During the last years, Christian leveraged his vast experience to provide consultancy services, focusing on change management and profitability optimization for various hotels and businesses. A record of success in challenging market conditions and a commitment to customers, investors, and team members defines his leadership style. With honors like the Hilton Worldwide Long Service Award and recognition in the Annual Hotelier Middle East Power 50 list, Christian continues to be an influential figure in the hospitality industry, fostering growth and innovation.
Aman Malhotra
CFO
Aman is an astute finance leader having an established track record with various global hotel players for the last 15 years. Aman oversees the Finance vertical of the Group including all operational and upcoming properties, playing a key role in delivering returns to the Owners on their assets. Prior to this, he has played key roles in various hotel groups in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. His strength lies in the implementation of controls and effective finance strategies leading to enhanced returns on the Owners’ investments.
Tara Marlow
Group General Counsel
Tara is a seasoned lawyer both in Real Estate and the Hotels & Leisure industries. She has been consistently ranked by international legal directories Chambers Global and Legal 500 as a leading individual and was recognised by Who’s Who Legal as a ‘Global Elite Thought Leader in Hospitality – EMEA’ 2020. Previously as a Partner and Regional Head of Real Estate and Hotels & Leisure, with the MENA region’s largest law firm, Al Tamimi & Co, she created the firm’s Hotels Practice. As VP Legal for MAF Hospitality, she worked with professionals of international brands, and established the legal function. She is an active member of the Advisory Committee of AHIC and a regular speaker at industry forums in the Middle East.
Antony Doucet
CxO
Antony is a seasoned hotelier with passion for creating memorable guest experiences since the beginning of his career. Ever since the birth of the hospitality group, he has been fully involved and led the development of all 100% owned brands of the Kerten Hospitality Portfolio. He started his hospitality journey as part of the opening team of Park Hyatt Paris and Park Hyatt Istanbul. Prior to that, he was the editor of the Louis Vuitton City guide; community build has always been his commitment and responsibility. Building communities is one of the many focus points within the guest journey at Kerten Hospitality, which is essential to deliver successful mixed-use products and to connect people.
Felix Nees
Development Director
Meet Felix, a hospitality aficionado since a young age. As the Development Director at Kerten Hospitality, his journey began with an extensive apprenticeship at Rocco Forte in Germany, where he earned recognition as a Hotel eExpert from the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He then honed his skills at the prestigious Hotelschool The Hague in the Netherlands. Felix went on to spend over five and a half years at Cushman & Wakefield, where he gained a comprehensive expertise in the (hospitality) real estate sector. In his roles within the Development Advisory and Capital Markets departments, he successfully concluded numerous deals and built valuable international relationships. Now, Felix is focused on identifying the right partners for Kerten Hospitality. His goal is to develop a portfolio of bespoke assets that create mutually beneficial situations for both operators, owners and other stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable approach for the long term.
Mishary Alhajery
Country Director KSA
Mishary is a prominent Riyadh-based real estate owner who has developed multiple hospitality projects in the past and who is an avid advocate for value-driven partnerships with organisations such as Monshaat, the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority), and other innovative drivers of the Smart City infrastructure. He is not only steering the continuous growth of Kerten Hospitality’s projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but he has been proactively building communities around mixed-use projects. With his extensive experience and passion for the industry, he heads all the activities in KSA, one of the fastest emerging countries of the region.
Maria Bou Eid
Senior Director of Projects and Operations KSA
Maria, an industry veteran with 15+ years under her belt, has worked closely with owners, clients, teams and different stakeholders throughout her years of experience allowing her to create ecosystems that work, not just on paper. Maria currently leads all of Kerten Hospitality’s lifestyle projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prior to this, Maria worked with small family businesses, as well as big hospitality chains and part of hotel groups in Lebanon, Qatar and the GCC. One of her greatest strengths, besides her dedication and attention to detail, is her ability to connect with people and bring communities together. All by genuinely working with others and curating young talents to create loyalty and engagement. As a firm believer in innovation from various sources and individuals, she understands that empowerment and trust are crucial for achieving success and growth.
Mohamed Yacoubi
Advisor – Development & Growth, Morocco
Jaume Puigdengolas
Corporate Executive Chef
Jaume is a Michelin Star Chef and he is the man behind the creation and development of the company’s growing portfolio of current and future food and beverage concepts. The menus of several successfully opened outlets within the mixed-use projects across the global footprint have been curated under his guidance, carefully applying a blend of local and international flavours, yet always with a twist and his signature touch. Prior to joining the hospitality group, he has gained extensive experience in the Middle East through various encounters within the industry; also, he has been the Head Chef of numerous restaurants throughout various regions of Spain, practicing his culinary passion.
Giacomo Nicolodi
Group Marketing & Communications Director
Giacomo is a marketing and communication expert with over 30 years in the field, notably spending 25 years at OTB Group in Europe as the Global Marketing, Communication, and Events Manager. There, he led influential fashion brands through comprehensive 360-degree strategies. Transitioning into the art world, Giacomo served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Cardi Gallery in Milan and London, blending his marketing expertise with a passion for contemporary art. Currently, as the Group Marketing & Communications Director at Kerten Hospitality, he guides a diverse team, driving the company’s global growth and reinforcing his status as a visionary in the hospitality industry.
Tulay Bourne
Head of People Services
With over 15 years of experience in the People Services and Operations Tulay is result-focus leader with dedication to creating cultures that promote continuous business growth and cultivate guest loyalty by empowering and motivating employees to realize their full potential and their best to do the job. Having started her career at Hilton, Tulay brings many years of experience in talent management and community work especially, inclusivity of Gen Z and creating opportunities for the people with disadvantages. She has received awards and recognition for her work, she has been invited and presented her work ” Integrating people with down syndrome into the workforce” at the United Nations Head Quarters in 2018. Tulay holds a Human Resources Management Degree, she lives in Istanbul and enjoys spending time with her two children.
Karolina Krol
Group Revenue Director
Karolina is a well experienced revenue professional, with a demonstrated footprint of 15 years in the hospitality sector. Her capability of connecting the dots and an in depth understanding of the multiple sides of hotel operations, have always been her focus points. She started her journey at one of the Hilton hotels in London in the Housekeeping department. Through her dedication for understanding the entire cycle of guest experience, she filled different roles in the Front Office and Reservations departments, eventually finding herself in what she calls “a favourite field” – Revenue Management. She successfully implemented the various revenue and reservations systems and platforms throughout the portfolio.
Khaled Hesham
E-Commerce Manager
With a wealth of experience in revenue management and digital transformation across ultra-luxury hospitality brands, Khaled guide the E-Commerce and Digital department at Kerten Hospitality. Having worked across all commercial functions—including Sales, Revenue Management, Digital marketing and E-Commerce—he brings a holistic approach to driving performance across Rooms, F&B, Spa and more, Khaled has enhanced his expertise through studies at Cornell, HSMAI, and Dubai College of Tourism, equipping him with cutting-edge knowledge in digital strategies, hospitality management, and data-driven decision-making. His ability to align strategy, technology, and guest experience makes him a key player in optimizing commercial success across multiple touchpoints.
Mina Anziani
Group Special Projects
Mina is a hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience, in charge of Kerten Hospitality’s Group Special Projects, supporting the overall company strategy and new operational projects. Her previous role was as part of the Hospitality and Tourism team of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Zurich where she worked across different regions for independent and major hotel operators, supporting a footprint of multiple projects and brands. Prior to that at Shaza Hotels, a venture of Kempinski Hotels, she contributed to the development and growth of the brand in the Middle East. Her last position with the Group was as Director of Pre-Openings. Her passion for curated guest experiences is her key asset.
Rashma Rajan
Group Finance Manager
Rashma is well versed in numbers, a hobby, and a passion she has developed from a very young age. With 6+ years of experience as an Accountant with a leading retail group of Companies in UAE, she joined the Kerten Hospitality corporate team. Her previous role was with Welcome Group of Companies, in Dubai, where she worked at the Head Office, with a team managing 25 retail outlets in UAE. Her aspiration is to become a Chartered Accountant and she is planning to pursue her higher studies along with her job. Rashma is an MBA graduate with a focus on Finance & Human Resource Management from the Mahatma Gandhi University in India where she previously gained a bachelor’s in Commerce and Accounting.
Wissam Karaky
Director of Hotel Operations
Wissam is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in the hospitality industry across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He has demonstrated a strong track record in pre-opening phases, successfully launching eight hotels, including Dar Tantora The House Hotel. Additionally, Wissam is a master trainer and certified in Micros-Fidelio for Property Management System installation. His career encompasses various leadership roles in notable hotel groups, where he has been adept at leading multinational teams, managing operations, and implementing quality objectives in diverse hospitality environments.
Claartje Bakker
Operational Excellence and Culture Director
Claartje has accumulated an impressive 15 years of experience across various sectors within the hospitality realm. She has successfully navigated the intricacies of events management, food and beverage operations, and the unique demands of luxury lifestyle hotels. Her journey began in the picturesque South of France, which instilled in her a genuine appreciation for refined hospitality. Subsequently, her time in India further enhanced her ability to adapt and thrive in diverse cultural settings. Claartje is a proud alumna of the Hotelschool The Hague, where she honed her skills and expanded her knowledge of the industry. Driven by a desire to give back to the community, she joined the Sumba Hospitality Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering the local community in Sumba, Indonesia. Here, she served as an F&B manager, utilizing her expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Claartje has contributed her talents to renowned establishments such as DoubleTree by Hilton, Hotel Jansen, and The Bellhop Hotel with a unique blend of hands-on experience, academic foundation, and a commitment to community engagement.
Sandra Anido
Project Manager
Sandra is an experienced hotelier with a background in opening and managing luxury boutique hotels and resorts in London and Turkey in over a career spanning for almost 20 years. Her key strengths are planning, project management, general management, operations and brand implementation. She joined Kerten Hospitality to support the current hospitality projects of the Group globally. Her vision is to support the properties by building successful and dynamic teams, implementing a guest focused and genuine hospitality service culture, with great attention to detail offering warm, personalized and heartfelt service.
Harsha Ramamurthy
Director of Technical Services & Projects
Rooted in a technical and varied engineering background, Harsha has excelled for over 20 years in the construction and development industry.Beginning his career in the exhilarating and challenging profession of commercial diving in South California, Harsha progressed to the Petrochemical industries of Northern California. Technical, practical, and managerial experience opened a pathway into senior level construction and development, delivering major projects for clients such as Accor S.A., Hyatt (HHC), and Marriot International, in the U.A.E.Fostering strong relationships with notable corporate and private clients across the hospitality sector, commercial and luxury development projects, his network extends from the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates, and beyond.
Yahya Maghrebi
Franchise Strategy Manager
Yahya joined Kerten Hospitality to support the project management team with pre-opening of new projects and the operations on the ground for currently operational projects. In his last role, he was a Franchise Operations Manager for a French Food and beverage Franchise Company in France. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in Hospitality and F&B Management from CY University Paris. As an avid sports aficionado, Yahya was one of the finalists in the French National University Trail Championship and a finalist in the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge in Dubai – pioneered by Hotelschool the Hague.
Thimme Gowda
Finance Manager KSA
Thimme is a highly skilled hospitality professional with over 12 years of experience, specializing in Finance. His career has been shaped by his work in pioneering organizations, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving organizational goals. Known for his dedication, proactive approach, and positive attitude, Thimme has successfully blended his financial expertise with the hospitality industry. His experience also includes working on a pre-opening hotel project, showcasing his ability to manage and oversee complex tasks during the initial stages of a hotel’s operation. Thimme’s passion for his work and focus on efficiency and excellence have made him an asset in every organization he’s worked.
Pamela Nohra
Legal Counsel
Pamela is an experienced legal professional whose dual expertise is in corporate contract drafting and compliance related to data privacy in addition to other compliance related topics. Previously she was part of the Legal and Compliance department at Arabia Insurance Company, a multi-national insurance company that exists and operates across the Middle East. She has earlier worked at Allianz Lebanon where as part of the Legal and Compliance department she was part of the global Allianz SE group established in Germany. She has a Law Degree and a Masters in Law degree in International Comparative law. Currently, she is undergoing her second Maters in Law degree in International Business Law with the University of London.
Liliya Gateva
Creative Director
Liliya brings a wealth of expertise in creative direction, design leadership, and brand strategy to her role as Creative Director at Kerten Hospitality. With a career spanning global campaigns and innovative projects, she is known for transforming ideas into visually compelling stories and cohesive brand experiences that captivate diverse audiences.
At Kerten Hospitality, Liliya leads the creative vision across a dynamic portfolio, ensuring every project reflects the company’s sustainability, innovation, and community-driven design ethos. Her empathetic leadership style and meticulous attention to detail foster collaboration and deliver impactful results that leave a lasting impression.
Beyond the office, Liliya’s passion for creativity extends into her personal life. Whether practicing yoga, experimenting with food photography, or shaping pottery, she finds inspiration in the balance between structure and imagination.
Shahnaz Amro
Graphic Designer
Shahnaz possesses a solid academic background from the Lebanese University, holding a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and visual communications. She further refined her skills through a specialized 2D animation program, contributing to an award-winning animated short film that showcased her proficiency in storytelling and visual expression, earning her third place in the 28th European Film Festival 2023. Shahnaz’s diverse portfolio includes work in branding, illustrations, packaging, and animation. Committed to continuous learning and growth, she actively advances her career in graphic design with Kerten Hospitality.
Gheed AlOthman
Strategic Business Development Executive
With a passion for driving growth and building meaningful connections, Gheed Alothman brings a unique blend of experience in business development, communications, and event management. She thrives on organizing impactful initiatives and creating solutions that meet and exceed our clients’ goals.
Leveraging her background in psychology, Gheed has a deep understanding of human behavior and decision-making processes. She is skilled at navigating complex business environments, fostering strong partnerships, and crafting tailored solutions that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
Valeria Bortolotti
Strategic Business Development Executive
Valeria is a result-driven Strategic Business Development Executive passionate about decisive collaborations that lead to success. Her journey with Kerten Hospitality began as an intern in Business Development and Marketing at the Dubai Head Office. Since then, she specialized in business development, focusing on expanding the company’s presence with a particular focus in Italy, her home country. Having moved abroad at an early age, Valeria studied in international environments, that shaped a global perspective and strong adaptability. With a background that also includes real estate practice, she leverages interpersonal skills and strategic thinking to build and nurture key investors relationships. Her role is dedicated to driving business growth and identifying new exciting opportunities to strengthen the company’s market position.
Alicia Ezcurra
Business Development Coordinator
Alicia Ezcurra is part of the Business Development team at Kerten Hospitality. She graduated with honors from the Glion Institute of Higher Education, earning a BBA in Finance and Hotel Management. With experience gained through various internships, Alicia is now focused on expanding Kerten Hospitality’s projects in Europe. She speaks Spanish, English, and French, offering a diverse perspective in the hospitality industry.
Laman Akhundzada
People Services Specialist
Karolina Szymanska
Revenue Executive
Karolina Szymańska is a seasoned hospitality professional with a wealth of experience in revenue management and distribution strategies. She has honed her expertise through years of working in diverse roles within the hospitality industry, where she mastered dynamic pricing, forecasting, and optimizing operational efficiency. At Kerten Hospitality, Karolina serves as a Revenue Executive, leveraging her deep industry knowledge and analytical skills to drive profitability and support strategic growth. Her dedication to innovation and precision has positioned her as a key player in maximizing revenue potential across the company’s global portfolio.
Aljoharah AlGhamdi
People Services Admin Specialist
Al Joharah is a passionate and dedicated Human Resources professional with over 4 years of experience in the hospitality and HR sectors. Holding a bachelor’s degree in information science. After excelling in HR operations in Mariott and Accor, Al Joharah moved to Riyadh to expand her career, taking on key responsibilities such as recruitment, onboarding, and compliance with Saudi labor laws. With a proven track record of adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to growth, Al Joharah continues to contribute to building strong, efficient teams while advancing her career in Human Resources.
Kimberly Manaig
Administrative Specialist
With nearly six years of dedicated experience, Kimberly is a skilled administrative professional recognized for her proficiency in operational support and organizational management. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to efficiency, precision, and seamless coordination. Whether streamlining workflows, managing client operations, or optimizing daily processes, Kimberly excels at building an organized and effective administrative foundation that enhances the productivity and success of any team or organization.
Arshielina Gonong
Senior Executive Assistant
Arshielina is an experienced Executive Assistant with nine years of expertise, previously working with Walt Disney. She holds degrees in Mass Communication and Business Administration, where she gained valuable knowledge at the Swiss School of Management. With a strong background in executive support, administration, and organization, she excels in managing complex schedules and ensuring seamless operations. She thrives in fast-paced environments, and she is dedicated to delivering efficiency and excellence in every role she takes on.