since 2010
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait Appoints Kemal Sirtikirmizi as General Manager
CHEVROLET GROOVE DRUMS UP FAN SUPPORT BY CREATING A WHOLE NEW GENRE OF MUSIC: ME-POP
Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, the highly anticipated luxury hotel opening in End Q1 2022, has appointed Kemal Sirtikirmizi as general manager. Located within The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait will feature 200 contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline. Kemal brings more than twenty years of international hospitality experience across North America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Turkey, having worked with many luxury brands including St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Luxury Collection, and W Hotels. As general manager, Kemal envisions a holistic approach to hospitality that perfectly communicates and delivers unforgettable guest experiences through Waldorf Astoria’s globally renowned and personalised True Waldorf Service. Adding further value, Kemal’s former experience in F&B operations includes a renowned portfolio of culinary brands, such as Buddha Bar and Beach, Paper Moon, and Jean-Georges, enabling him to play an instrumental role in the partnership between Waldorf Astoria Kuwait and ROKA Kuwait, which is being brought to the country for the first time by award-winning restaurant business Azumi Group. On his appointment, Kemal said: “I am honoured to be entrusted by our owners, Mabanee, to lead a world-class management team for the opening of Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, which will no doubt be one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks. I, along with my team, will strive to provide our guests with memorable experiences, upholding the traditions and exceptional service that Waldorf Astoria has become synonymous with and emulating them in Kuwait.” Also speaking on Kemal’s appointment, Mr Waleed Alsharian, Chief Executive Officer of Mabanee, said: “We are pleased to welcome Mr Kemal Sirtikirmizi to Waldorf Astoria Kuwait. We believe he will be an excellent asset to the team and the new property, bringing his extensive experience in the industry to this remarkable hotel.” Commenting on Kemal’s appointment, William Costley, Senior Vice President - Operations, Arabian Peninsula and Turkey, Hilton, said: “Kemal’s extensive background in hospitality and F&B will make him a valuable leader at this incredible new property and iconic luxury brand that we are bringing to Kuwait. We wish Kemal every success as he prepares to launch Waldorf Astoria Kuwait – what is set to be the country’s most coveted address for exquisite gastronomy and refined hospitality.” Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is owned and managed by Mabanee, a leading real estate developer known for its modern vision and excellence in innovation projects. Guests will enjoy a transformative journey of the senses at this ultra-luxurious property, from exquisite dining venues to the awe-inspiring 13,560sqft Waldorf Spa that will leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Meanwhile, beautiful meeting and event spaces – including a spectacular Grand Ballroom – will provide idyllic venues for unforgettable celebrations or tailored corporate events. 66
DECEMBER 2021
Every ride needs a suitable soundtrack to get your motor running, and memorable auto-companions like Chevrolet even share the spotlight in iconic tracks. Whether it’s driving that Chevy to the levee, down old country roads, with Snoop Dog or Taylor Swift, or towards a love that’s gonna last, music and Chevrolet have been going together like steering and suspension. Now, the American automaker, is revving up its music act in the Middle East. Chevrolet Groove, the all-new compact SUV arriving in the region later this year, has chimed in to headline a new boost for the local music scene, creating a brand-new genre of music in collaboration with some of the region’s hottest talent. Bringing together 12 eclectic and wholly original artists from across the Arab world, Chevrolet Groove is launching an album of its signature ME-Pop sound, titled Find Your Groove, coming soon to your favorite music streaming platforms. SUVs often offer drivers tech features or an affordable price, but the Chevrolet Groove bucks the trend, with segment-leading features from the base trim up. This unusual combination served as the inspiration behind the album which challenged musicians with their own unique groove to collaborate and create something never-heard-before. Big Hass, Radio Host and Music Blogger said, “The regional music scene is always developing, but this is the first time we’ve brought together such high-profile talented artists and challenged them to collaborate and create a whole new genre of music. When Chevy came to us with the idea, we were excited by the opportunity to create something fresh to take the region’s sound to next level and we believe the best to do so is collaboration.” “The Groove is a young, fun, exciting SUV, bringing a new dynamic to the region with its tech-savvy offering and affordable price tag. As Groove carves out its own unique place in the motoring mix, we were delighted to work with these talented musicians to create an album as unique as the inspiration. Chevy has always been part of pop culture, starring in movies and music, but now we take an active step forward in helping to shape pop culture in real time with the launch of the soon-to-be-stuck-in-your-head ME-Pop album. We can’t wait to show you more!” said Sharon Nishi, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Middle East & Africa.
