He was most recently general manager at Le Royal Meridien Bahrain, responsible for a major overhaul of the hotel�s systems, procedures and processes that resulted in a significant increase in market share and revenues. On his third posting in the capital, he said he is thrilled to be back in Abu Dhabi, and particularly appreciative of the green environment that makes the city one of the most appealing places to live and work. �Even on Lulu island in front of my hotel,

Francesco Borrello

Borrello originally came to the UAE capital in 1983 with Sheraton, and had another spell at the hotel in 1994, leaving in 1999 for Lebanon where he headed up that group�s Levant development.

Italian-born and fluent in English, Italian and French, Borrello graduated from university in England before gaining an MBA from Washington International University. He has since worked in the hotel industry in the Far East, Europe and the Middle East.

At the Abu Dhabi Grand, he will see the property through turnkey extension works that encompass a new restaurant and entertainment centre, a new guest building with additional rooms, ballroom and lobby and new pool and health club, to be followed by renovation and upgrade of existing rooms and facilities.

First phase of the project is due for completion during the second quarter of next year, when the hotel will be renamed as Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.

Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of more than 140 luxury and upscale hotels (38,000 rooms) in 55 countries worldwide. Headquartered in London, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Ltd is owned by Nomura International Plc and managed by Terra Firma Capital Partners.