YAZAN LATIF – BORN TO LEAD

Qatar Happening is thrilled to introduce Mr. Yazan Latif, the distinguished new General Manager of the acclaimed Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl in Doha, Qatar. With over two decades of experience in the luxury hotel industry, Yazan is a seasoned hospitality professional and an exceptional role model for those aspiring to excel in this field. He has showcased his remarkable skills while working with prestigious hotel brands like Four Seasons and Viceroy Hotel Group, and has received numerous awards and industry recognition for his exceptional leadership.

Originally from Canada and Jordan, Yazan has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, a Master's Degree in International Hotel & Tourism Management, and an Executive Leadership Certificate, all of which are testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence and his relentless pursuit of success.

Yazan is a man of many tastes. He admires boxing legend Mohammed Ali and fantasizes about switching his current job to be a Formula One driver just for one day. He also happens to be one of millions of global fans who love watching American sitcom ‘Friends’ to this day.

What made you choose a career in the hospitality industry and what do you love most about it?

I pursued hospitality due to the booming tourism and hotel industry in Jordan in the 90s. I enjoy meeting and engaging with people. I don't see myself in an office for eight, 9 hours. I like to walk around, mingle with people and be more engaged with either guests or our employees.

With your extensive experience in the industry, what has been your most memorable moment so far?

My most memorable moment was achieving my career goal of becoming a General Manager of a 5-star luxury hotel, specifically at the Ritz Carlton. It was the pinnacle of my career after working towards this goal for over 22 years.

What is your vision for Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pear, Doha, and what changes can we expect to see under your leadership?

Marsa Malaz Kempinski is a one-of-a-kind property - a Qatari heritage palace with European luxury branded by Kempinski. We aim to reposition and market the hotel with this unique blend reflected in our building, staff, uniforms, behavior, and business practices. We strive to provide exceptional service that perfects any stay within the walls of Kempinski. We are also easy to do business with

If you could have dinner with any celebrity or historical figure, who would it be and why?

For me, it would be Muhammad Ali because he revolutionized the sport of boxing by turning it into entertainment through his showmanship, PR, and pre-match publicity. He was able to create enthusiasm and excitement among the audience and had an absolutely wonderful career that changed the concept of boxing forever.

You've worked in various countries and cultures, what was the most challenging aspect of adapting to a new culture and how did you overcome it?

My first post outside Jordan in Canada was a big experience, shaping my personality. Adapting management style to different cultures became a journey. I worked in Mumbai, Mauritius, Jakarta, Turkey, Abu Dhabi, and now Doha. Adapting to different environments, hotels, and cultures is necessary. Judging culture and individuals is the worst enemy for management.

What do you think is the most important quality for someone in a leadership position, and how do you cultivate that quality in yourself?

I believe energy is the key as it fuels the team's productivity. Your energy sets the tone and inspires your team. Recently, one of my staff told me that my approach and energy inspired them to work harder. So, cultivating energy is crucial.

As a successful hotelier, what advice would you give to young professionals who are just starting their careers in the industry?

Understand that your career is a ladder with varying distances between each step. Equip yourself with education, energy, and motivation. Don't expect immediate results but know that it's a long-term investment that pays off with experience. Move, travel, change jobs and job descriptions to gain more experience for the future.

What is your favourite travel destination, and why?

For me, my favorite destination is the one I have not yet visited. I enjoy building the anticipation and excitement of exploring an unknown place such as St. Petersburg, Moscow, Cape Town, Rio, Oslo, or exploring the Viking culture in Scandinavian countries.

If you could switch roles with any other profession for a day, what would it be and why?

If I could switch jobs, I'd be a Formula One driver for a day. I'm a big fan of the sport and know the Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi well, having driven, ran, and biked on it. I'd love to exchange roles with a driver, preferably from Red Bull or Mercedes.

Lastly, can you share with us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?

I love ‘Friends’, the American TV sitcom. I still watch it almost daily.