Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club have appointed Ileshaa Nijhawan as their new Cluster Commercial Director. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nijhawan has previously worked as Director of Events Groups & Conferences at Waldorf Astoria Lusail in Doha, Qatar. She will lead the commercial sales and marketing strategy for both properties, focusing on enhancing revenue streams, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing Fairmont’s reputation as the preferred choice for luxury hospitality experiences in Kenya.
Ileshaa Nijhawan said, “I am honoured to join the Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club and the Accor family. I am looking forward to this new challenge and immersing myself in the African market. My focus will be on leveraging my extensive hospitality experience to build and nurture relationships with key travel partners in Africa, developing strategic partnerships, leveraging the USPs of these iconic properties, and collaborating closely with the Accor MENA HQ to leverage synergies and drive significant growth in corporate, leisure and MICE business.”
During her tenure at Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Nijhawan led the preopening strategy for Waldorf Astoria’s flagship resort launch during the FIFA World Cup, positioning it as a premier VVIP Events destination. She leveraged her personal relationships to penetrate the Indian Destination Wedding market, developing strategic partnerships with Qatar Tourism and globally renowned wedding and event planners. Her leadership was instrumental in contributing to significant revenue milestones and securing leading MICE conferences such as the Institute of Travel & Tourism conference and Destination Wedding Planner Congress in Qatar to name a few.
Nijhawan’s career highlights include her role as Multi-property Associate Director of Sales & Events for the cluster of six properties including Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Le Méridien Fairway and leading the preopening strategy for Aloft & Elements Al Mina and Aloft & Elements Dubai Airport. During her tenure she achieved a remarkable 237 per cent increase in MICE business and elevated the cluster’s profile as a hub for luxury weddings and events in Dubai’s highly competitive hospitality market.
She brings a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and elevating brand recognition. She is renowned for her customer-centric strategic approach, prioritizing the client’s interests with the hotel’s commercial priorities, developing sustainable relationships, and driving significant repeat business.
