Andre A. Saade
Since joining in July 2021 Andre A. Saade’s leadership has had a transformative impact on every facet of the hotel’s performance. Under his guidance, the hotel embraced a pragmatic approach with a clear strategic vision that prioritized operational excellence, streamlined organizational structure, heightened guest experience and strategic repositioning as one of the most sought-after business hotels in Riyadh.
The strategic repositioning of the property encompassed a comprehensive approach to market penetration, revenue optimization, and an enhanced F&B strategy. These efforts played a pivotal role in driving significant growth, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a top choice for both business travelers and a premier event destination for corporate and social events.
Under Saade’s leadership, the hotel successfully launched new executive rooms and suites, expanding the property’s inventory to 310 units. This initiative, along with a targeted commercial strategy, drove a significant uplift in ADR and occupancy. The F&B division also experienced a substantial growth, driven largely by the strong performance of the hotel’s state-of-the-art convention center.
Guest satisfaction remained a top priority, with the hotel consistently maintaining strong ratings across multiple online platforms, including an excellent review rating on Booking.com. Digital initiatives, such as QR-coded business cards for reviews and enhanced service touchpoints, were instrumental in this success. The hotel also earned recognition through multiple awards and accolades, including the prestigious TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best award.
Saade prioritized talent development in line with Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity initiatives. This included substantially increasing female representation and enhancing opportunities for people with determination.
Loyalty enrolment and recognition surpassed the set targets, also exceeding the previous year’s performance, thanks to focused action plans. Sustainability initiatives under Saade’s leadership included the implementation of energy-efficient systems and water conservation strategies, resulting in a significant reduction in utility costs.
2024 concluded with Saade overseeing the hotel’s successful conversion to Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh Minhal, marking a key strategic transition. Despite the tight deadlines, high occupancy, and the complexity of daily operations, his leadership ensured a smooth deflagging and a seamless brand conversion, setting the stage for a strong start to the new year.
With a focus on operational efficiency, revenue growth and service innovation, Saade continues to drive long-term value, ensuring the property remains competitive in an evolving hospitality landscape. His ability to lead teams through complex transitions while maintaining high service standards has reinforced the hotel’s reputation in the market.
Looking ahead, Saade is determined to lead the hotel to even greater heights, fully embracing change with the brand conversion. He remains steadfast in his commitment to consistently meeting heightened expectations and driving continuous growth and excellence in every aspect of the hotel’s operations.