Sandeep Walia is the Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International in the Middle East and also oversees the company’s luxury portfolio across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). With a remit that includes over 260 operational properties in the Middle East and more than 180 luxury hotels across EMEA, his leadership is defined by strategic growth, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to people.
Widely respected for his authentic, people-first leadership style, Sandeep has become a transformative force within Marriott International, not only delivering strong commercial performance but also championing a culture built on trust, empowerment and purpose. Under his direction, the company continues to expand its footprint across diverse markets, introducing new brands, entering high-potential destinations and maintaining Marriott’s position as a hospitality leader in the region.
A cornerstone of Sandeep’s leadership philosophy is investing in local talent and creating inclusive opportunities for career advancement. He has played a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives such as Tahseen, Marriott’s bespoke leadership development programme designed in partnership with local authorities to identify and train future hospitality leaders in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. In Turkey, he has supported the launch and expansion of Gelişim Okulu, a similar programme tailored to the local context. These initiatives are not only growing the next generation of hoteliers but also reinforcing Marriott’s commitment to localisation and long-term regional impact.
Sustainability is another area where Sandeep’s leadership has driven significant progress. By 2024, over 90 percent of Marriott properties in the Middle East achieved sustainability certification, a clear reflection of the company’s broader environmental goals. From accelerating emissions reduction and investing in renewable energy to driving waste reduction and responsible sourcing, Sandeep ensures that sustainability is embedded in operations, not treated as an afterthought. His leadership is helping shape a more resilient and responsible future for hospitality in the region.
Sandeep is also at the helm of Marriott’s expanding branded residential business, with the company now recognised as the largest branded residential operator in the lodging industry. With over 130 open residences globally and another 100 in the pipeline, including a growing number across EMEA, this segment continues to gain momentum. In 2024 alone, 11 new residential projects were signed in the region, reflecting strong demand from consumers and developers seeking world-class living environments anchored by the trust and service of globally recognised hospitality brands.
Across every market he touches, Sandeep’s leadership is felt not just in numbers, but in culture. He is known for his humility, open-mindedness and integrity, the kind of leader who greets every person in the room with genuine respect, regardless of title. Colleagues describe him not only as admired and respected but deeply appreciated. For Sandeep, leadership is not about hierarchy or power, it’s about listening, learning and creating space for others to thrive.
His career journey which spans roles across India, Egypt, Russia, Germany and the UAE has shaped a global perspective rooted in empathy and adaptability. Today, as one of the most influential leaders in the region’s hospitality sector, Sandeep Walia continues to lead with heart, build with purpose and inspire a generation of hoteliers to do the same.
