Hagar Samatar

Vice President Operations

Professional Overview

Hagar Samatar is a seasoned operations and asset management executive with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. As the Vice President of Operations at Sunray Group and Vice President of Asset Management at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., she is responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing asset performance, and leading strategic initiatives to enhance profitability and guest satisfaction.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Vice President Operations, Sunray Group (2018-Present)

• Oversees the operations of Sunray Group's diverse portfolio of hospitality assets, including hotels, resorts, and restaurants

• Develops and implements innovative operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the guest experience

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities, ensuring the company's long-term success

Vice President Asset Management, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (2015-Present)

• Manages a large portfolio of Starwood-branded properties, ensuring optimal performance and profitability

• Provides strategic guidance and decision support to hotel owners and operators, leveraging data-driven insights to drive asset value

• Leads initiatives to enhance brand standards, enhance operational processes, and implement best practices across the portfolio

Career Progression

Prior to her current roles, Hagar held several senior operations and development positions within the hospitality industry, including:

• Director of Operations, Accor Middle East (2009-2011)

• Group Operations & Development Director, Katara Hospitality (2005-2008)

• Group Operations Director, Palm Hospitality, Four Points by Sheraton Canada (1994-2005)

Throughout her career, Hagar has demonstrated a strong track record of driving operational excellence, optimizing asset performance, and leading successful strategic initiatives.

Academic Background

Hagar holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from the renowned École hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, where she graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

• Hospitality operations management

• Asset management and optimization

• Strategic planning and execution

• Financial analysis and performance enhancement

• Brand standards and quality assurance

• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the successful repositioning and rebranding of several underperforming hotels, resulting in significant improvements in guest satisfaction and financial performance

• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes and business intelligence tools to drive operational efficiencies and enhance profitability across Starwood's asset portfolio

• Played a key role in the expansion of Sunray Group's hospitality footprint, overseeing the successful integration and integration of new properties

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and demonstrated track record of success, Hagar Samatar is a highly accomplished and respected operations and asset management executive in the hospitality industry. She continues to drive innovation, optimize performance, and deliver exceptional value for her organizations and their stakeholders.