Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai has unveiled its pre-opening leadership team as the luxury hospitality brand prepares to welcome guests in October 2025. The highly anticipated property will debut in the striking new Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, marking the Group’s second hotel in the city.
At the helm is General Manager Benjamin Ackhurst, a seasoned hotelier with extensive experience in luxury hospitality. Ackhurst, who joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2016, previously held senior leadership roles with Jumeirah Group and played a pivotal role in opening several flagship hotels across the region.
Speaking about the upcoming opening, Ackhurst said:
“Bringing to the city of Dubai a property as bold in vision as Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai – the Group’s second hotel in the city – is both a privilege and a responsibility. In contrast to its beachfront sister property, this hotel brings an urban energy and perspective to the brand’s presence in the region. It takes a remarkable team to bring that vision to life, and that’s exactly what we’ve built. I’m proud to be working alongside such passionate, dedicated professionals, each playing a key role in shaping what promises to be one of the most memorable openings in the region.”
The newly appointed executive leadership team includes:
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Joachim Hafner – Hotel Manager
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Sheila Mazou – Director of People & Culture
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Luka Savic – Director of Commerce
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Claire Wilson – Director of Marketing & Communications
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Tom Kooij – Director of Food & Beverage
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Ali Reda – Director of Rooms
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Sara Codner – Area Director of Spa & Wellness, Middle East
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Sunny Norohna – Director of Engineering
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Lokesh Swami – Director of Finance
Together, the team brings global expertise and deep regional knowledge to the brand’s newest flagship.
Set within the architecturally iconic Wasl Tower, the hotel will feature 259 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a two-storey Mandarin Oriental Spa, and 10 dining venues, including three home-grown concepts that will add a distinctly local flavor to its international offerings.
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is poised to redefine the urban luxury hospitality experience in the region, blending the brand’s legendary service with a contemporary, city-centric vision.
