GLH appoints Oliver Kahf as GM of Hard Rock Hotel London
The new Hard Rock Hotel London, which is set to open in early 2019, has appointed Oliver Kahf as general manager.
The 900-bedroom hotel will open near Marble Arch following the transformation of the Cumberland hotel, owned by property company L+R, headed by brothers Ian and Richard Livingstone. It will continue to be operated by GLH Hotels following the signing of an agreement last year with music-inspired brand Hard Rock International.
Kahf's most recent job has been as chief executive of Ambiance Hospitality in Muscat, Oman, since January. He was previously general manager for three years at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski hotel in Cairo in Egypt, having worked for Marriott for 10 years.
Kahf said that he aims to make the Hard Rock Hotel London one of the capital's most exciting hotels. "The new hotel will benefit from an amazing location right in the heart of one of the greatest cities on the planet," he said.
"Bringing together the iconic Hard Rock name with a prestigious hotel site that has played host to legends including Jimi Hendrix and Martha Reeves is a phenomenal opportunity and I am truly looking forward to it."
Neil Gallagher, chief executive of GLH Hotels, said: "Oliver brings with him an exceptional skill-set and a wealth of international experience in hotel management, conversions and hotel openings. Hard Rock Hotel London, the capital's first true destination hotel, will deliver unforgettable guest experiences, because, in reality, everyone wants to be treated like a rock star."
Hard Rock International is located in 73 countries, with 178 cafés, 24 hotels and 11 casinos. GLH operates 17 hotels in London under the Amba, Every, Guoman, Thistle and Thistle Express brands.
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