Bahige Kabbany

Hospitality executive with over 10 years of progressive leadership experience across the Middle East and Africa, specializing in the full operational, financial, and commercial management of 4- and 5-star hotels and resorts. Proven track record in driving profitability, elevating guest satisfaction, and executing successful pre-opening strategies. Adept at transforming underperforming properties through hands-on leadership, innovative service concepts, and a guest-centric culture.

Recognized for delivering brand excellence, optimizing P&L performance, and building high-performing teams across diverse markets.

Hotel General Manager at The Proud Hotel (2021-01 – Present)

Directed all hotel departments and ensured seamless daily operations and guest satisfaction. Spearheaded pre-opening phase, implementing sustainable solutions and developing strategic business initiatives.

• Directed all hotel departments including Sales, Marketing, Food & Beverage, Culinary, Engineering, Finance, Housekeeping, Front Office, and Guest Services to ensure seamless daily operations and guest satisfaction
• Spearheaded the hotel's pre-opening phase, resolving critical infrastructure and maintenance issues to achieve operational readiness and compliance with regulatory standards
• Implemented sustainable engineering solutions, resulting in significant reductions in energy and utility costs
• Developed and managed annual operating budgets, conducted financial feasibility studies, and delivered accurate forecasts to support strategic planning and investment decisions
• Established and enforced financial controls across P&L, payroll, inventory, procurement, and monthly reporting, enhancing transparency and cost efficiency
• Led finance team training on budgeting, forecasting, internal audits, and cross-departmental financial tracking to improve financial literacy and accountability
• Designed innovative F&B concepts and seasonal menus, launching high-margin promotions including Ramadan buffets, wedding packages, and executive lunch offerings
• Achieved top-tier guest satisfaction ratings across major OTAs: Booking.com (8.8), Google Reviews (4.4), and Expedia; increased repeat guest rate by 35% through a targeted loyalty program
• Executed a data-driven digital marketing and OTA strategy, boosting direct bookings by 40% and elevating online brand visibility
• Developed and implemented SOPs across all departments, supported by weekly training, quality audits, and performance reviews to maintain service excellence
• Cultivated strategic partnerships with local tourism boards and corporate clients to drive occupancy during low seasons and diversify revenue streams

Hotel General Manager at Auris Group (2016-01 – 2021-12)

Managed operations across two hotel properties ensuring consistent service standards, profitability, and brand alignment. Developed P&L strategies and launched banqueting services.

• Managed operations across two hotel properties, ensuring consistent service standards, profitability, and brand alignment
• Developed and executed annual business plans and profit & loss (P&L) strategies aligned with ownership goals, driving financial performance and operational efficiency
• Launched on-site banqueting and event services, resulting in a 22% increase in Food & Beverage revenue through targeted offerings and enhanced guest experiences
• Trained and mentored cross-functional department heads to elevate service delivery, streamline operations, and strengthen guest relations
• Achieved a 25% revenue increase by implementing dynamic room pricing strategies, seasonal promotions, and targeted upselling initiatives

Hotel General Manager at Vie Boutique Hotel (2014-01 – 2016-12)

Oversaw daily operations of a luxury boutique hotel catering to high-net-worth individuals. Designed VIP packages and directed comprehensive renovation initiatives.

• Oversaw daily operations of a luxury boutique hotel, catering to high-net-worth individuals and delivering personalized, high-touch service experiences
• Managed all guest interaction points, designing and launching elite VIP experience packages to elevate brand perception and guest satisfaction
• Increased guest retention and loyalty by implementing one-to-one concierge services tailored to individual preferences and travel behaviours
• Directed comprehensive renovation and rebranding initiatives, resulting in improved online reputation scores, increased occupancy rates, and enhanced market positioning

Hotel General Manager at Safir Group (2012-01 – 2014-12)

Directed full pre-opening operations including architectural design approvals, talent acquisition, and licensing. Maintained high occupancy during regional instability.

• Directed full pre-opening operations, including architectural design approvals, talent acquisition, licensing, and regulatory compliance
• Developed the hotel's operational framework and led successful classification alignment with the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism
• Maintained 70% average occupancy while navigating regional instability, achieving zero guest incident reports through proactive risk management and staff training
• Oversaw cross-functional departmental teams, ensuring consistent service delivery and operational efficiency across all hotel functions

Hotel General Manager at Beverly Hills Hotel (2011-01 – 2011-12)

Directed daily operations of a 4-star city hotel. Developed and executed citywide corporate sales strategy exceeding target occupancy within six months.

• Directed daily operations of a 4-star city hotel, overseeing budget planning, departmental coordination, and team leadership to ensure service excellence and profitability
• Developed and executed a citywide corporate sales strategy, successfully exceeding target occupancy levels within six months through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach

Hotel General Manager at Concorde Hotel (2009-01 – 2011-12)

Oversaw all facets of a 223-room conference and leisure property including casino and multiple F&B outlets. Directed 300+ staff and led financial strategy implementation.

• Oversaw all facets of a 223-room conference and leisure property, including a casino, three banquet halls, and multiple F&B outlets, with full P&L accountability
• Directed a team of 300+ staff across hospitality, culinary, security, engineering, and finance departments, ensuring operational excellence and service consistency
• Spearheaded financial strategy encompassing budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management; implemented rigorous financial controls and feasibility studies that improved profitability and operational efficiency
• Cultivated strategic relationships with government officials and dignitaries, securing high-value MICE and F&B accounts and significantly increasing revenue
• Introduced new culinary concepts and upgraded banquet facilities, positioning the hotel as a premier destination for conferences and events and expanding market share
• Led daily operational briefings with department heads to align strategic objectives, monitor performance, and drive guest satisfaction and sales targets
• Managed comprehensive renovations and maintenance schedules, coordinating all functions to minimize guest disruption and preserve long-term asset value
• Negotiated and managed vendor and supplier contracts, enhancing cost-effectiveness and ensuring seamless operation of hotel amenities, including sports and leisure facilities

Operations Manager at Concorde Hotel (2008-01 – 2009-12)

Supported GM in all operational areas including staffing, finance, and purchasing. Led productivity improvement plan reducing department overheads.

• Supported GM in all operational areas including staffing, finance, and purchasing
• Led productivity improvement plan that reduced department overheads by 12%

Front Office Manager at Acropolis Hotel (2006-01 – 2007-12)

Supervised all front office staff and concierge operations. Reduced check-in times and implemented up-selling strategies.

• Supervised all front office staff and concierge operations
• Reduced guest check-in times by 25% and implemented up-selling strategies

Night Auditor at Beirut Homes (2005-01 – 2006-12)

Managed night shift accounting functions including guest billing and revenue posting. Performed end-of-day reconciliation and reporting.

• Managed night shift accounting functions including guest billing, revenue posting, and operational audits to ensure financial accuracy and compliance
• Performed end-of-day reconciliation and reporting, delivering precise financial summaries for management review prior to daily operations

Front Office Agent / Shift Leader at Park Residence – Howard Johnson – King Suite (1999-01 – 2005-12)

Managed guest arrivals and departures ensuring smooth check-in/check-out processes. Supervised shift teams and maintained front desk efficiency.

• Managed guest arrivals and departures, ensuring smooth check-in/check-out processes and personalized service for VIP clientele
• Supervised shift teams to maintain front desk efficiency, resolve guest inquiries, and uphold brand service standards

AA in Business Management – Lebanese International University

Diploma in Commercial Sciences – Accounting & Information Technology – PIGIER SUPEC