Interviewee: Yahya Al-Sayegh, General Manager, Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel
Yahya Al-Sayegh has been a fixture in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, dedicating his career to creating standout guest experiences and pushing for operational excellence. Currently leading the team at Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel, his enthusiasm for the industry is as evident as ever.
Starting with a solid educational foundation, Yahya earned a diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Public Administration, coupled with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language from the College of Arts. His career kicked off in 1992 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel as a Hotel Management Trainee. Since then, he’s progressed through various significant roles, including Sales Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing, before becoming the General Manager at Makarem Riyadh Hotel. Each position offered him new challenges and opportunities to sharpen his leadership skills.
One of Yahya’s core beliefs is the importance of a workplace where everyone—guests and staff alike—feels valued. He’s committed to a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence, always encouraging his team to meet financial objectives and boost guest satisfaction.
As a committed Saudi national, Yahya is also passionate about developing local talent. He’s led several initiatives aimed at training and mentoring upcoming hospitality professionals, helping to secure a vibrant future for the industry in Saudi Arabia.
In our conversation, we delve into Yahya’s extensive career, his role at the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel, and his perspectives on regional property development. With a continuous passion for his work, Yahya remains a key player in advancing the hospitality industry in the region.
What have been the most significant changes in the hospitality industry during your career?
The digital revolution has profoundly influenced every aspect of hospitality. Innovations like mobile key systems, guest communications via mobile apps, and QR codes replacing traditional menus have all played a part.
What inspired your career in hospitality, and how has your education shaped your leadership approach?
My career began after earning a diploma in Hotel Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language. These academic foundations not only shaped my leadership style but also set the stage for my progression through various significant roles, ultimately leading to my current position as General Manager.
What unique challenges and opportunities come with managing a hotel at an international airport?
The primary challenge is managing the high volume of operations, including rooms, dining, catering, and events. Our guests often have tight schedules, demanding swift and efficient service, especially those in transit or airline crews needing rest between flights. Meeting these demands requires a highly responsive and well-coordinated team.
Can you share how you’ve enhanced guest experiences and operations at the Riyadh Airport Marriott?
We emphasise continuous training for our team to ensure top-notch service. By closely monitoring guest satisfaction and reviewing feedback, we identify improvement areas and implement changes to enhance both the guest experience and operational efficiency.
How do you identify and develop future leaders within your team?
We observe our team members to pinpoint their strengths and improvement areas, creating personalised development plans. This approach helps prepare them for future leadership roles by enhancing their skills and confidence.
How have you supported the Saudization initiative at your hotel?
Saudization is a priority for us. We support it by collaborating with universities to nurture emerging leaders, actively recruiting exceptional Saudi professionals, and offering extensive training and development programs.
What new trends or technologies are you exploring to enhance your hotel’s efficiency and guest satisfaction?
Being part of Marriott International allows us access to cutting-edge hospitality technologies. Our focus is to improve the Digital Guest Experience through Mobile Check-in, Mobile Room Key, and Digital Menus to align with evolving guest expectations.
What advice would you give to someone starting in hospitality and aiming for a leadership role?
Have a passion for guest service and maintain a keen interest in industry innovations. Keeping up-to-date through hospitality education, reading industry publications, and attending relevant seminars and conferences is essential for anyone aiming to lead in this field.
How do you balance meeting financial goals while ensuring the happiness of guests and staff?
Our approach prioritises team satisfaction, understanding that a happy team enhances guest experiences. Satisfied guests are more likely to return and recommend us, boosting loyalty and social media ratings, which in turn helps us meet our financial objectives.
What are your professional and the hotel’s goals for the next five years?
My goal is to position our hotel among the top hotels in Saudi Arabia, continuing to elevate our standards and guest experiences.
