Ileshaa Nijhawan Joins Accor Group As Cluster Commercial Director

EE News Desk Jun 26, 2024

She will oversee commercial sales and marketing strategies for two Fairmont properties - Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club

Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club have onboarded Ileshaa Nijhawan as their new Cluster Commercial Director. With over 15 years in luxury hospitality, Nijhawan joins the Accor Group from her previous role as Director of Events, Groups & Conferences at Waldorf Astoria Lusail in Doha, Qatar. Her international experience spans the UAE, Qatar, India, the UK, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Spain.

In her new role, Nijhawan will oversee commercial sales and marketing strategies for both Fairmont properties. Her objectives include increasing revenue, strengthening partnerships, and elevating Fairmont’s luxury brand presence in Kenya. During her tenure at Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Nijhawan orchestrated the preopening strategy for the resort during the FIFA World Cup, establishing it as a premier destination for VVIP events. She cultivated alliances with Qatar Tourism and global wedding planners, significantly boosting revenue and securing major conferences such as the Institute of Travel & Tourism Conference and the Destination Wedding Planner Congress.

“We are thrilled to have Ileshaa Nijhawan join our team,” mentioned Nils Rothbarth, General Manager, Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mara Safari Club. "Her strategic vision, leadership expertise, customer-centric approach, and track record for driving revenue growth align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining our hotel differentiation.”

Previously, as Multi-property Associate Director of Sales & Events overseeing six properties, including Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Nijhawan delivered a 237 per cent growth in MICE business. Her achievements have been acknowledged with awards, including the 'Marriott Award of Excellence for Sales Excellence Leader' in the MENA region and the Hotelier Middle East Awards, where she was commended as 'Best Sales Person' for two consecutive years.

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.”