Accor appoints Rolf Lippuner as VP of Operations for Raffles and Fairmont in the Middle East

MIDDLE EAST – Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, both under Accor’s luxury portfolio, have announced the appointment of Rolf Lippuner as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East.

The new Vice President will oversee 19 luxury properties across the region.

These include iconic destinations such as Raffles The Palm Dubai, Fairmont Dubai, Raffles Doha, and Fairmont Doha.

In his new role, Lippuner will report to Sami Nasser, Global COO for Fairmont, and Guy Heywood, SVP of Global Operations for Raffles, ensuring each brand’s unique vision remains aligned and impactful.

With over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Lippuner is recognized for his leadership in hotel operations, brand positioning, and guest experience strategy.

His deep understanding of the Middle Eastern market, especially Saudi Arabia, is expected to be a vital asset as the region sees continued growth in high-end travel and tourism.

Lippuner’s career began at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, where he held several leadership roles, including at Four Seasons Washington DC and later as General Manager at Four Seasons Riyadh.

In Riyadh, he executed a five-year strategy that secured significant capital investment and repositioned the hotel’s F&B offerings.

 He later served as Acting CEO & Chief of Asset Operations at AlUla Development Company, where he helped secure partnerships with global hospitality brands under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Most recently, he was General Manager of Fairmont Riyadh, marking the beginning of his journey with Accor’s luxury portfolio.

Commenting on his new role, Lippuner said, “Luxury hospitality is about storytelling. Raffles offers ultra-luxury experiences rooted in cultural immersion, while Fairmont blends historical richness with contemporary design. I’m proud to help shape the future of these brands in a region redefining global travel.”

His leadership will focus on financial performance, service excellence, and talent development, with an emphasis on promoting women to executive roles.

Personally passionate about curated experiences, fine dining, and cultural exploration, Lippuner’s approach to leadership is informed by a deep appreciation for authenticity and innovation.

As Raffles and Fairmont expand their regional footprint, including openings like Raffles Jeddah and Fairmont Red Sea, Lippuner’s appointment signals a strategic step forward in delivering world-class luxury across the Middle East.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.