The Rezidor Hotel Group - one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide - announces the appointment of Elie Younes as Vice President Business Development Middle East & Africa. Based in Dubai, Younes will directly report to Puneet Chhatwal, Rezidor's Chief Development Officer at the group's head office in Brussels.

In his new role, Younes will work with the Rezidor Middle East team to drive Rezidor's growth strategy in the Middle East, focusing on new and emerging markets, while at the same time reaffirming the firms growing portfolio of hotels and resorts in key destinations. Younes also will further strengthen and support Rezidor's ambitious and rapid business development in Africa.

"Following a record year of openings for the Middle East in 2009 our commitment to growth remains firmly in place and with Elie's skills, depth of industry experience and strong Middle East background; I feel confident that we will continue to establish and develop a strong hold in the Middle East and Africa", commented Puneet Chhatwal, Rezidor's Chief Development Officer.

Younes, a Lebanese national, began his career in managerial roles in Lebanon before joining HVS International in London in 2001. During his 5 years with HVS International, Younes quickly progressed to the position of Director, overseeing a number of projects, feasibility studies and contract negotiations as well as advising on over $8 billion worth of hotel real estate.

In 2007, Younes joined Starwood Hotels as Director of Acquisitions and Development EMEA, before being promoted to Senior Director of Acquisitions and Development in 2008. Younes joined Hilton Hotels Worldwide as Vice President Development for the Middle East in 2009, his most recent position.

A published writer and experienced public speaker; Younes is fluent in Arabic, English and French.