Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club proudly announce the appointment of Ileshaa Nijhawan as their new Cluster Commercial Director. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in the luxury hospitality sector, Ileshaa brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in driving revenue growth and enhancing guest experiences. She joins the Accor Group from her previous role as Director of Events, Groups & Conferences at Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha, Qatar. Ileshaa’s global exposure includes stints in the UAE, Qatar, India, UK, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Spain, enriching her with a unique multicultural perspective.
Ileshaa Nijhawan’s Extensive Experience
Ileshaa Nijhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry is marked by numerous achievements and accolades. At Waldorf Astoria Lusail, she played a pivotal role in the preopening strategy for the flagship resort during the FIFA World Cup, establishing it as a premier destination for VVIP events. Her strategic alliances with Qatar Tourism and top-tier wedding and event planners propelled the property to significant revenue milestones. Notably, she secured high-profile events like the Institute of Travel & Tourism conference and the Destination Wedding Planner Congress.
Strategic Vision and Leadership
“We are thrilled to have Ileshaa Nijhawan join our team,” said Nils Rothbarth, General Manager of Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club. “Her strategic vision, leadership expertise, customer-centric approach, and track record for driving revenue growth align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining our hotels’ differentiation.”
Building and Nurturing Relationships
Ileshaa’s approach to her new role is centered on leveraging her extensive hospitality experience to build and nurture relationships with key travel partners in Africa. She aims to develop strategic partnerships, capitalize on the unique selling propositions of Fairmont’s iconic properties, and collaborate closely with Accor MENA HQ to drive significant growth in corporate, leisure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business.
Previous Achievements and Recognitions
Ileshaa’s career is decorated with significant roles and achievements. As the Multi-property Associate Director of Sales & Events for a cluster of six properties, including Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre and Le Méridien Fairway, she led the preopening strategy for Aloft & Elements Al Mina and Aloft & Elements Dubai Airport. Her leadership resulted in a remarkable 237% increase in MICE business, elevating the cluster’s profile as a hub for luxury weddings and events in Dubai’s competitive hospitality market.
Her exceptional performance has earned her multiple awards, including the ‘Marriott Award of Excellence for Sales Excellence Leader’ in the MENA region and the Hotelier Middle East Awards for ‘Best Sales Person’ – Highly Commended consecutively for two years. These accolades recognize her ability to turn around business post-COVID-19 and exceed revenue targets.
Customer-Centric Strategic Approach
Ileshaa is renowned for her customer-centric strategic approach. She prioritizes clients’ interests while aligning them with the hotel’s commercial priorities. Her ability to develop sustainable relationships and drive significant repeat business is a testament to her expertise in the hospitality industry. Ileshaa’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences is evident in her consistent track record of exceeding revenue targets and enhancing brand recognition.
Vision for the Future
Ileshaa Nijhawan said, “I am honored to join the Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club and the Accor family. I am looking forward to this new challenge and immersing myself in the African market. My focus will be on leveraging my extensive hospitality experience to build and nurture relationships with key travel partners in Africa, developing strategic partnerships, leveraging the USPs of these iconic properties, and collaborating closely with the Accor MENA HQ to leverage synergies and drive significant growth in corporate, leisure and MICE business”.
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