Grand Hyatt Muscat has appointed Joerg Wickihalder as general manager. The globetrotting hotel leader has more than three decades of hospitality experience. Having worked throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean, Wickihalder is drawn to the Sultanate for its vibrant culture of hospitality.
In his first role in Oman, Wickihalder stepped into the country for him “the warm hospitality of the Omani people, as well as the country’s attitude to pursue neutrality, ensure stability and promote peace”, Hyatt explained in a statement. As GM, he handles the day-to-day operations of the hotel’s 278 keys and eight dining outlets, with a focus on celebrating local cultures and upskilling his teams.
He began his career as a chef in his hometown in Switzerland, where he worked in several five-star hotels gaining experience in hospitality roles, from kitchen to reception, to housekeeping and administration. Wickihalder moved to Baur au Lac, a five-star luxury property for five years. Previously, he completed his internship as a waiter in the property. He continued his career journey in the hotel, promoted from head waiter to F&B director, to assistant executive manager.
Wickihalder moved overseas in 2006 as General Manager of II Villaggio Restaurants & Lounges in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In 2010, Wickihalder joined the flagship Movenpick Hotel in the Dead Sea in Jordan as F&B Manager, and in 2012 he moved to Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Trinidad & Tobago as Hotel Manager.
His next promotion took him to Cairo, Egypt as group director of food and beverage at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers, where he was responsible for 24 dining venues. He later stepped into the role of acting general manager for the property’s brand transition to Hilton.
In September 2018, Wickihalder joined Hyatt as director of operations to open Hyatt Regency Algiers Airport, where he was promoted to hotel and acting general manager after three years.
Grand Hyatt Muscat
Muscat
Oman
