I am delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Hartley FIH as the Institute of Hospitality Ambassador for the Middle East. His appointment has been approved by the Executive Council, and his area of responsibility will cover all countries in the Middle East, including Turkey and Egypt. The primary role of the Institute's ambassadors is to promote the hospitality industry's professional body within their respective areas of responsibility, and to provide encouragement to Institute branches and individual members.

Commencing his career in the Merchant Navy as an Assistant Purser, Christopher saw service with Booth Line, Shaw Savill Lines, Cunard SS Company and many other well known companies, eventually rising tot the position of Chief Purser. His first appointment in the Middle East region was in the late 70s in Egypt where he was the Port Catering Superintendent for oil rigs and shore establishments working for Offshore International. This was followed by posts in Saudi Arabia, and the Sudan where he worked as General Manager for institutional and industrial catering companies, such as GrandMet Site Services, Taylorplan and ORS.

He then returned to his nautical origins, becoming Chief Purser onboard the MV Corbiere with Channel Island Ferries, before coming ashore as General Manager of the St. Mellion Golf Hotel & Country Club in Cornwall, UK. In 1991 he returned to the Middle East, to join Kuwait-based Safir International Hotel Management as the Project Director for the upcoming GCC summit at Bayan Palace. This was followed by stints as the General Manager of Safir Nile Cruises and Safir Hotel Hurghada in Egypt before moving in 1996 to the Caribbean, where he worked in St. Lucia and Jamaica at two of the top resorts in the area, Anse Chastanet Resort and CocoLaPalm Resort.

In 2004 Christopher was back in Kuwait at Failaka Heritage Village on Failaka Island, owned by 'Masharee Al Khair' a Kuwait charitable company, and managed by Safir Hotels & Resorts. He has been responsible for the complete refurbishment of the old village, transforming it into a Heritage Village/Resort. He is also responsible for the catamaran fleet sailing from Kuwait to Failaka Island, as well as being Director of Training for all Safir Hotels and Resorts in the region.

From this resumé of his career, you will see that Christopher has excellent credentials to undertake the role of Ambassador. I know that you will give him a warm welcome should he be in your neighbourhood.

Yours sincerely

Phiippe Rossiter FIH

Chief Excecutive