Rolf Lippuner, who spent significant time contributing to tourism development in AlUla as Acting CEO and Chief of Asset Operations at the AlUla Development Company, has been appointed Vice President of Operations for the Middle East for Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In his previous role at AlUla, Lippuner led negotiations with world-renowned hospitality brands to support investment and shape the region’s luxury tourism landscape as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Now stepping into a key regional leadership role for Accor’s luxury brands, Lippuner will oversee the operational strategy for 19 Raffles and Fairmont properties across the Middle East. His responsibilities include some of the most high-profile hotels in the region, such as Fairmont Dubai, Raffles The Palm Dubai, Fairmont Doha, and Raffles Doha. He reports to Sami Nasser, Global COO for Fairmont, and Guy Heywood, SVP of Global Operations for Raffles.
“Rolf’s experience within the luxury hospitality industry is unparalleled, and what truly sets him apart is his invaluable insight and instinctive understanding of the Saudi market,” said Sami Nasser. “With his direction, our Middle Eastern hotel portfolio will thrive on an all-encompassing level.”
Lippuner’s three-decade career in luxury hospitality began in the United States, where he started in front office management and advanced through operational and leadership roles across international markets. He held senior positions with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, including as General Manager of the flagship Four Seasons in Washington DC, and later at Four Seasons Riyadh, where he implemented a five-year strategic investment plan and repositioned the F&B offering as a market leader.
Following his contributions at AlUla, he joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, most recently serving over the past year as General Manager of Fairmont Riyadh. In that role, he led efforts to elevate service standards, optimise operational performance, and position the hotel as one of the capital’s leading luxury properties.
Reflecting on his appointment, Lippuner said: “Luxury hospitality has always been about storytelling—not just in how we build guest experiences, but in how brands integrate local heritage. Raffles represents elegance and ultra-luxury at its finest, curating deeply personalized, culturally immersive experiences, while Fairmont blends historical heritage with spectacular design, redefining modern luxury across its extraordinary global portfolio.”
His immediate focus will include strengthening operational performance across the region, driving financial growth, and continuing to support talent development. A noted advocate for leadership diversity, Lippuner places a particular emphasis on empowering women in executive roles.
The appointment comes at a time of considerable expansion for both brands. Together, Raffles and Fairmont currently operate 19 properties in the region, with a pipeline of 40 more under development. Upcoming launches include Fairmont Red Sea, Raffles Jeddah, and Raffles Trojena in NEOM.
Lippuner’s appointment reinforces both brands’ commitment to the Kingdom’s tourism goals and broader regional growth, leveraging his deep operational experience and strategic insight into Saudi Arabia’s evolving luxury travel landscape.
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