Cenk Ünverdi’s leadership has helped redefine what luxury all-inclusive hospitality can be, scalable, culture-driven and unapologetically premium. As the Chief Operating Officer of Rixos Hotels and the ALL Inclusive Collection, his influence extends across continents, brands and guest expectations.
In June 2025, Ünverdi spearheaded one of the year’s most strategically significant regional openings with Rixos Obhur Jeddah, marking the brand’s first operational property in Saudi Arabia. Beyond being a key market debut, this milestone aligns directly with Saudi Vision 2030 and supports the Kingdom’s broader tourism agenda. The resort launch followed a growing partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, and it set the stage for continued growth with projects like Rixos Murjana, a major flagship development currently underway on the Red Sea coast. These openings are not simply about expansion; they are about creating long-term brand value in a market poised for transformational growth.
Unverdi’s vision doesn’t stop at the Middle East. In early 2025, he announced the launch of Rixos Phu Quoc in Vietnam, marking the brand’s first official step into Southeast Asia. Set to open in December, this resort will combine Rixos’ signature All-Inclusive, All-Exclusive model with Vietnamese heritage, family-centric programming and eco-conscious design. For Ünverdi, international growth isn’t about replication, it’s about localisation at scale. Each new market is approached with cultural sensitivity, strategic timing and a sharp understanding of the region’s tourism drivers.
At a global level, Ünverdi is behind the rapid growth of the ALL Inclusive Collection, a lifestyle-driven portfolio born from Accor’s collaboration with Rixos and infused with the spirit of high-touch hospitality. Under his guidance, the Collection’s pipeline has expanded to include six upcoming resorts in Mexico, bringing leading brands like Rixos, SLS and Hyde into the Americas’ all-inclusive space. This planned entry into one of the world’s most competitive resort markets is a bold move that signals the Collection’s readiness to compete on a truly global scale.
Ünverdi’s leadership style is best defined by a balance of brand innovation and operational discipline. He has played a pivotal role in transforming Rixos from a regional Turkish brand into a globally recognised luxury player, with operational properties across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia and now Latin America. He’s not only expanding the footprint, he’s elevating the entire category.
One of Ünverdi’s key differentiators is his deep understanding of the evolving definition of luxury. At a time when consumers are seeking both exclusivity and authenticity, he has helped reimagine the all-inclusive model to deliver more than just value, it delivers experience. From Michelin-level dining to world-class entertainment, immersive wellness and curated programming for families and couples, the Rixos experience under his watch is anything but ordinary.
His commitment to sustainability has also shaped the brand’s new properties, with a growing focus on environmental stewardship, local community engagement and long-term resource planning. For Ünverdi, sustainability isn’t a box to tick, it’s a business imperative that ensures luxury remains viable and responsible.
Over the course of his career, Ünverdi has received wide recognition within the industry. Under his direction, several Rixos resorts have earned major international awards, including the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort accolade, a result of his team’s consistent delivery of excellence across guest satisfaction, innovation and operational performance.
In an increasingly competitive global landscape, Cenk Ünverdi stands out for his ability to scale with precision, localise with purpose and lead with conviction. He’s not just building resorts, he’s building relevance. And in the world of all-inclusive luxury, that may be the hardest achievement of all.
