Speaker

Karim Cheltout

Senior Vice President - Lodging Development, Middle East & Africa
Marriott International

In his current role, Karim oversees the growth of Marriott International's footprint across the Middle East & Africa region. He is also leading the company All-Inclusive hotel development across EMEA. Prior to this role, Karim was Regional Vice President of Development, Africa and All-Inclusive EMEA, where he was instrumental in expanding Marriott International’s presence on the continent. Karim joined Marriott in 2010 as Vice President of Development for Africa. He has more than 25 years of experience leading strategic hotel development and investment. Prior to joining Marriott, Karim was Director of Investments at Istithmar PJSC, where he was responsible for the origination and acquisition of hotel and leisure assets globally. Earlier in his career, he worked in hotel consulting with Ernst & Young’s Transactions Real Estate Advisory, and Arthur Andersen, advising hospitality companies, investors, and lenders on M&A transactions, strategy, and investment opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Karim holds a Master’s in Hospitality Administration from the École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland.