Mark Kirby is an accomplished hospitality executive with over 25 years of experience leading luxury hotel operations, design, and pre-opening initiatives across the GCC and the United Kingdom. Currently serving as Head of Hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group, he oversees an impressive portfolio of more than 32 hotels and mixed-use residences spanning ultra-luxury to midscale segments. This expansive portfolio includes over 7,400 hotel keys and nearly 5,600 residences, alongside more than 30 upcoming projects, positioning Mark at the forefront of regional and international hospitality development.
Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated exceptional skills in operational planning, commercial strategy, and stakeholder management. He expertly cultivates and maintains relationships with a wide range of partners—spanning owned properties, third-party operators, hotel management agreements, and joint ventures. His collaborative approach ensures alignment and success across complex, multi-layered organizations.
Mark’s leadership philosophy emphasizes nurturing talent and empowering his teams. He is widely recognized as a people-centric leader dedicated to succession planning, coaching, and professional development. With a global team exceeding 4,200 employees under his guidance, Mark actively fosters a culture of continuous learning and engagement at all organizational levels.
Earlier in his career, Mark held key managerial roles with renowned hotel brands such as Armani Hotel Dubai, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Grosvenor House Dubai, and The Park Tower, A Luxury Collection Starwood Hotel. His extensive background spans front office management to complex operations leadership, providing a rich foundation that informs his strategic insight today.
Mark Kirby’s blend of operational expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to people development makes him a transformative force in the hospitality sector. His contributions continue to shape some of the world’s most prestigious hotel experiences, elevating standards and driving innovation across globally recognized portfolios.
We celebrate Mark Kirby’s impactful journey and honor his continued dedication to excellence in hospitality leadership. His work remains an inspiration to professionals striving to blend operational brilliance with a profound commitment to people and service.