Emre Kirazci

It is Monday, August 29. Welcome to season 8, episode 2. In today’s episode, I am taking you to the third smallest nation in Asia after the Maldives and Singapore. A country situated between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia. Today, I am taking you to Bahrain, situated on the Persian Gulf with a population of 1,501,635 of which 712, 362 are Bahraini nationals.

It makes me happy to introduce you today to Mr Emre Kirazci, the Director of Operations at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. I met Emre for the first time on my first trip to the Middle East, more than 12 years ago. At that time, he was the Director of Global Accounts for FRHI Hotels and Resorts based in Dubai. After more than five years with FRHI, Emre moved to Bahrain and back on property as Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for two hotels, before he became Commercial Director at Sofitel. Since April 2022, Emre has received the promotion to Director of Operations.

Emre and I talked about the start of his career, his definition of luxury hospitality as well as the importance of mentors.

Knowing Emre for such a long time and following his development is fantastic and for me, having a commercial background, it’s great to see him now in an operational role.

I hope you enjoy the article and please let me know any questions in the comments.

Question 1: Can you take us through your career? Where did you start and what do you do in your current role?

Emre Kirazci (EK): “Originally from Turkey, I am a dynamic hotelier with a background in the luxury hospitality industry based in the Middle East region.

Holding a BA degree with a dual major in business and tourism from Middlesex University and MBA in Hospitality Management from Cornell, I’ve worked in the hospitality industry since 2006 in Dubai working for various brands such Kempinski and FRHI Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissotel Hotels) and Accor Hotels. I’ve been based in Bahrain since 2017, initially heading the Commercial team at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa.

Our successes in the role include significant growth in incremental hotel revenue through targeted strategic action plans for feeder markets which include GCC, Russia and Indian markets. I recently took the position of Director of Operations in charge of Sales & Marketing.

As the recently appointed Director of Operations, my key responsibilities are all aspects of the hotel and its day-to-day operations, including rooms, food and beverage, Spa & recreation to ensure operative success and enhance the guest experience. Apart from my new duties, I will still be in charge of Sales & Marketing division.”

Question 2: What does luxury hospitality mean to you?

EK: “Luxury hospitality means to me the ability to read and understand guests’ emotions and to anticipate their needs, engaging with them to prioritise the service and personalization of their overall experiences. Communication amongst our people to enhance the guest experience is a fundamental part of it.”

“Luxury hospitality means to me the ability to read and understand guests’ emotions and to anticipate their needs, engaging with them to prioritise the service and personalization of their overall experiences. ”

 Question 3: What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned during your previous role that will be valuable in your new role?

EK: “With an extensive Commercial and Global Sales background, I have developed a natural client-oriented mindset. I am keen on adding further commercial value to the operations. It will be a great privilege to inspire the team and work together with fellow Department Heads and our General Manager .”

 Question 4: Have you had a mentor/role model/hero in your career? Who was it and did she/he gave you a piece of advice you still follow? What was the most powerful advice you have received so far?

EK: “Luckily I can say that I’ve had multiple mentors during my career. To name some of them, I would mention hospitality leaders like Mr. Samer Achcar, Mr. Paul Ryan, Mrs. Menaaz Lilani and Ms. Neyran Tan.

Some of their most valuable advice was the attention to detail (perfectionism) as well as the importance of always maintaining a customer-centric approach and attitude within our business.”

“always maintaining a customer-centric approach and attitude within our business.”

Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment?

EK: “To be passionate and to have the focus on continuous improvement. They will have the opportunity to travel around the world as there are no borders in this industry, but with patience, because is the combination of experience and a positive attitude that will help them achieve their goals. To enjoy the process and learning along the journey.”

Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc. 

EK: “For a mindful living and career growth, I would suggest the following books to anyone:

“ 48 laws of power” – Robert Greene

 “The power of now” – Eckhart Tolle”

Question 7: Which other industry expert would you like to see o answer these questions as well? And what question would you ask him/her?

 EK: “Raki Phillips, CEO at RAK Tourism Authority

Yigit Sezgin, CCO at Accor Hotels”

 Question 8: Do you have a favourite hotel and why?

 EK: “Raffles Udaipur, because of its unique setting, its cultural experiences, and its extravagant hotel design. I am an admirer of Indian culture, food and history – there are a lot of individual hotels in India where they have managed to combine luxury along with history & heritage.”

Question 9: when you’re not working, what do you do or where do you go to relax in Bahrain?

EK: “I am a passionate traveller as I have been intrigued with exploring different cultures since I was a kid. This passion together with my outgoing personality is what brought me to the hospitality industry, and finally to this amazing country. In love with the gastronomic choices that the country offers, I spend my spare time discovering new restaurants and hotel concepts and getting inspired by new trends that are always useful to enhance the experience of our guests. I enjoy cycling, reading and practicing martial arts.”

Thank you very much for your time Emre. I am really looking forward to seeing you soon, either in Bahrain or Doha.