Emaar Hospitality Group appoints Olivier Harnisch as Chief Executive Officer

Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality Group has appointed Olivier Harnisch as its Chief Executive Officer, reinforcing the leadership team of the hospitality and leisure division of Emaar Properties.

The appointment brings a seasoned global hospitality leader to the organisation as it continues to expand its portfolio of hotels, serviced residences, and lifestyle hospitality brands across the UAE and international markets.

Experienced Global Hospitality Leader

Harnisch joins Emaar Hospitality Group with more than three decades of experience in the global hotel and tourism sector. Prior to his new role, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Brussels.

In that position, he managed operations across a portfolio exceeding 350 hotels operating under various ownership and management structures throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His leadership responsibilities included strengthening operational performance, enhancing brand standards, and supporting international expansion strategies.

Strengthening Emaar’s Hospitality Vision

Leadership at Emaar believes Harnisch’s appointment will support the group’s ambition to deliver innovative guest experiences while strengthening its global footprint.

The company continues to invest in hospitality as a key pillar of Dubai’s tourism ecosystem. With new projects under development, Emaar Hospitality aims to expand its portfolio while maintaining strong service standards and differentiated hospitality concepts.

Career Across Major International Hotel Brands

Harnisch began his professional journey in hospitality in 1986. Early in his career, he gained operational experience in hotel properties, airline services, and food and beverage operations.

He later joined Hilton Worldwide, where he spent over 14 years in various senior leadership roles. During his tenure, he served as Vice President for Northern and Central Europe, overseeing regional operations and strategic development.

In 2012, he moved to Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, further expanding his expertise in international hotel management and global hospitality operations.

Academic Background and Expertise

Harnisch combines operational experience with strong academic credentials. His educational qualifications include:

• MSc in Organisational Labour from the University of London

• MBA in International Finance from Heriot-Watt University

• Degree in Hospitality Management from Berlin School of Hotel Administration

Fluent in six languages, Harnisch has built a career that spans multiple continents and diverse hospitality markets.

Development Pipeline and Growth Plans

Emaar Hospitality Group continues to grow its presence in both domestic and international markets. The company currently has more than 35 hotels and serviced residences under development.

These projects reflect the group’s strategy to expand its hospitality portfolio while supporting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading tourism and leisure destinations.