Name:  Ulrich T. Eckhard
Job Title: President Middle East & Africa
Company Name: Kempinski Hotels

A seasoned hotelier, Ulrich T. Eckhardt has an impressive track record, with more than three decades of experience in a variety of senior positions for prestigious hotel groups, including ITT Sheraton Corporation.

Eckhardt joined Kempinski Hotels in 1995 as Senior Vice President – Latin America & Caribbean, based in Brazil, followed by a posting as Managing Director of
Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center in China. Eckhardt arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 1998 to oversee the final months of construction and pre-opening phase of Kempinski Hotel Ajman, which he has managed ever since.

In line with Kempinski’s strategy of expansion in key markets, Eckhardt was appointed Senior Vice President Middle East & Africa in 2002.  After five dedicated years in this post, in 2007 he was appointed to President Middle East and Africa, responsible for spearheading the luxury hotel group’s development drive in the region.

Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels was founded in Germany in 1897. Kempinski’s impressive portfolio of distinctive properties includes historical landmarks, unique hide-away resorts and vibrant city hotels throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.