June 24, 2024| Press Release

Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club has appointment of Ileshaa Nijhawan as their new Cluster Commercial Director. Nijhawan brings over 15 years of luxury hospitality experience, joining from her previous position as Director of Events Groups & Conferences at Waldorf Astoria Lusail in Doha, Qatar.

Nijhawan, a seasoned hospitality leader with extensive multicultural experience, has lived and worked in the UAE, Qatar, India, the UK, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Spain. In her new role, she will oversee the commercial sales and marketing strategies for both Kenyan properties. Her focus will be on enhancing revenue streams, strengthening partnerships, and reinforcing Fairmont’s reputation as a premier luxury hospitality provider in Kenya.

“We are thrilled to have Ileshaa Nijhawan join our team,” said Nils Rothbarth, General Manager of Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club. “Her strategic vision, leadership expertise, customer-centric approach, and track record for driving revenue growth align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining our hotels’ differentiation.”

Nijhawan expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honoured to join the Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club and the Accor family. I look forward to immersing myself in the African market and leveraging my extensive hospitality experience to build and nurture relationships with key travel partners in Africa. My goal is to develop strategic partnerships, highlight the unique selling points of these iconic properties, and collaborate closely with Accor MENA HQ to drive significant growth in corporate, leisure, and MICE business.”

At Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Nijhawan led the pre-opening strategy for the flagship resort’s launch during the FIFA World Cup, establishing it as a premier VVIP events destination. She successfully penetrated the Indian destination wedding market and developed strategic partnerships with Qatar Tourism and globally renowned wedding and event planners. Her efforts contributed to significant revenue milestones and secured high-profile MICE conferences such as the Institute of Travel & Tourism conference and the Destination Wedding Planner Congress in Qatar.

Nijhawan’s career highlights include her role as Multi-property Associate Director of Sales & Events for six properties, including Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre and Le Méridien Fairway. She led the pre-opening strategy for Aloft & Elements Al Mina and Aloft & Elements Dubai Airport, achieving a 237% increase in MICE business and elevating the cluster’s profile in Dubai’s competitive hospitality market.

Recognised with multiple awards, including the ‘Marriott Award of Excellence for Sales Excellence Leader’ in the MENA region and the Hotelier Middle East Awards for ‘Best Sales Person’ – Highly Commended, Nijhawan has a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and enhancing brand recognition. She is known for her customer-centric strategic approach, prioritising clients’ interests alongside the hotel’s commercial priorities, developing sustainable relationships, and driving significant repeat business.

Ileshaa Nijhawan’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership promise to bring significant growth and continued success to Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club.