Rotana has announced a key promotion within its executive team, with Shaikha Al Nowais, previously director of internal audit with the Abu Dhabi-based hotel company, taking up the position of vice president, owner relationship management.

The role has been created as part of Rotana’s ongoing drive to further enhance and strengthen the relationship with all of Rotana’s property owners.

Since joining Rotana in May 2011, Al Nowais has leveraged her considerable knowledge and expertise to successfully lead the company’s internal audit team, where her contribution has been central to maintaining consistently high standards and driving improved efficiencies throughout its operations.

The promotion will see Al Nowais report directly to the chief executive officer, with the objective of strengthening the close working relationships between Rotana and hotel owners and ensuring they are kept fully up to date on all the latest developments and initiatives implemented at their properties.

Her promotion in a traditionally male-dominated industry underlines the company’s ongoing commitment to career development and reputation as a progressive, equal opportunities employer.

Omer Kaddouri, outgoing president of Rotana, said: “Following her highly successful seven-year tenure as head of our internal audit team and her involvement in several of our operations like Yas Island Rotana, Park Rotana and lately the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, we are delighted to announce Shaikha Al Nowais’ appointment as vice president, owner relationship management.

“Shaikha’s deep understanding and knowledge of the industry and our owner’s needs in addition to her impressive communication skills demonstrated over the years makes her the ideal and natural choice for this highly important role.”

Shaikha Al Nowais is a graduate of Dubai’s Zayed University, where she attained a bachelor of science degree in business sciences – finance.

Rotana has been recognised as the World’s Leading Business Hotel Brand by the World Travel Awards for the past five years.