Mark Hehir, General Manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, has had a remarkable career spanning 38 years in the luxury hospitality sector. Since joining Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in 2022, Mark has significantly elevated the resort’s standing, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional family destination on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Here are some of his most successful achievements:
• Revenue and market share growth: o Under Mark’s leadership, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has experienced robust growth, achieving a Revenue Generating Index (RGI) increase of 13%. This growth reflects his strategic initiatives and effective management in driving the resort’s financial performance.
o Guest satisfaction and sentiment scores have improved by 6% over the past year, showcasing Mark’s commitment to enhancing guest experience.
• Innovative F&B concepts: o With his experience as a former dual Executive Chef and Director of F&B, Mark brings a unique insight into new and exciting F&B concepts. His innate understanding of the luxury hospitality sector has been instrumental in driving the resort’s success.
o Mark has introduced new, revenue-generating gastronomy concepts, such as the sustainable dining concept Arcadia and the beach club Zenzi Beach. These innovations have resulted in a 33% increase in footfall from external residents.
o He also spearheaded the creation of unique dining experiences like Tori Tori, offering contemporary Japanese sharing-style dishes, adding to the resort’s diverse F&B offerings. Notably, dining outlets such as Amala and Al Nafoorah have climbed to top positions on TripAdvisor. o Amala has ranked 3rd out of 1,093 Indian restaurants in Dubai, and Al Nafoorah ranked 5th among 1,047 Lebanese restaurants.
• Awards and recognition: o Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has received numerous international accolades under Mark’s leadership, including seven awards in 2023 alone. The Talise Ottoman Spa was notably recognized among the top 10 spas in Dubai by Forbes. o Most recently, Talise Ottoman Spa has also been awarded the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024. This esteemed recognition places the Spa in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, cementing Mark’s commitment and leadership to delivering unparalleled luxury and exceptional experiences at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
• Employee development and wellbeing: o Mark has introduced comprehensive programmes to support and nurture team members, focusing on training, mentoring, and career development. His initiatives have significantly bolstered employee pride and morale, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
• Sustainability initiatives: o Mark has overseen the implementation of several sustainability initiatives, leading to an 89% reduction in waste by weight, a 93% reduction in waste value, and 32,000 meals saved. These achievements were made possible through an intensive waste management programme, extensive colleague training, and a full transition to reusable glass bottles on-site. o The introduction of Arcadia, a pioneering sustainable dining concept featuring an urban hydroponic farm, has further underscored the resort’s commitment to sustainability. It facilitates a more sustainable approach to ingredient sourcing, with 210kg of fresh produce monthly for use across the resort’s signature restaurants.
Why is this person considered a hospitality heavyweight?
Mark Hehir is considered a hospitality heavyweight due to his extensive experience, innovative leadership, and remarkable achievements in the luxury hospitality industry. His career, spanning 38 years, has taken him across the globe, managing high-end resorts in countries like the Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. Here are the key reasons why Mark is regarded as a heavyweight in the hospitality sector:
• Global expertise and leadership: o Mark’s career includes key positions in esteemed hotel chains such as The Ritz Carlton, Hilton, One & Only, and Anantara. His expertise in managing hotel operations, pre-openings, and rebranding has made him a sought-after leader in the industry. o Prior to joining Jumeirah Group, he successfully opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives on Fari Islands, showcasing his ability to manage complex projects and deliver exceptional results.
• Strategic vision and innovation: o At Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Mark’s strategic vision has driven significant growth and market presence. His focus on fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and elevating service standards has created a distinctive and emotionally resonant experience for guests. o His introduction of new F&B concepts and sustainability initiatives has set new benchmarks in the industry, reflecting his commitment to delivering unique and impactful guest experiences.
• Sustainability and community engagement: o Mark’s leadership in sustainability has led to substantial reductions in waste and the implementation of eco-friendly practices, positioning Jumeirah Zabeel Saray as a leader in environmental responsibility. o His engagement with stakeholders and the community has strengthened the resort’s reputation and fostered positive relationships, contributing to its long-term success.
• Recognition and awards: o The numerous awards and accolades received by Jumeirah Zabeel Saray under Mark’s tenure highlight his excellence in hospitality leadership. These recognitions not only reflect his achievements but also enhance the resort’s global standing. Mark Hehir’s profound impact on Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, characterized by innovation, guest-centricity, and sustainability, epitomizes excellence in hospitality leadership. His remarkable achievements and strategic vision make him a deserving candidate for the title of hospitality heavyweight.
