Jan. 29–Marriott International has appointed Jerome Briet as its chief development officer for the Middle East and Africa. In his new role, Briet will oversee and drive the company's growth through new-build, conversion and franchise opportunities across new and established markets in the region.

Briet was previously the regional vice president for mixed use development for the Middle East and Africa. He takes on his new role from Samir Baidas who served as the chief development officer. Baidas, who announced he would move on from his current role to focus on his family business, however, will remain as a development consultant for Marriott International.

"Jerome is an experienced leader who is well-respected among our global development executives and ownership groups, and we are delighted to have him lead our development efforts in the region," said Tony Capuano, executive vice president and global chief development officer, Marriott International.

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added: "The Middle East and Africa is a dynamic region that continues to present great opportunities for us to grow and diversify our brand portfolio across new and established markets. Under Jerome's leadership, we look forward to building on the positive momentum and results our team has achieved over the past years."

Briet has over 15 years of hospitality experience and holds an MBA in international hospitality and real estate management from the IMHI ESSEC Business School in Paris, France.