A strategic appointment for Marriott in Riyadh
Marriott International has entrusted Constantinos Gavriel with the general management of Le Méridien Riyadh with effect from August 2026. His arrival comes as the Saudi market undergoes sustained hotel growth driven by Vision 2030, with major international groups strengthening their presence in the Kingdom’s capital.
In its official announcement, Le Méridien Riyadh notes that Constantinos Gavriel brings “more than thirty years of international hospitality experience within renowned luxury and lifestyle brands,” along with a long-standing connection to the Le Méridien brand.
A career built across Europe, the Middle East and Asia
Before joining Riyadh, Constantinos Gavriel spent nine years leading Le Méridien Dhaka, Bangladesh, from June 2017 to June 2026. This lengthy tenure reflects a pattern of loyalty to the Le Méridien brand seen repeatedly throughout his career.
His progression within Marriott International and its brands developed gradually. General Manager of the Renaissance Aktau, Kazakhstan, from December 2014 to May 2017, he had previously served as Director of Operations at the Renaissance Moscow from 2011 to 2014. That Russian posting followed a role as Executive Assistant Manager in charge of sales and marketing at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel in Abu Dhabi, between 2010 and 2011.
His career also includes experience in the Arabian Peninsula, with a stint as Vice President of the travel division at SAB Holding in Jeddah, as well as a position as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts cluster in Riyadh between 2007 and 2009 — a region he now returns to at the helm of Le Méridien Riyadh.
Early career with Le Méridien in London
Constantinos Gavriel’s career with the Le Méridien brand began in London, where he served as Executive Assistant Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing between 2003 and 2005. He had previously worked as a consultant for Restaurant Associates UK.
Holder of a BSc (Hons) in International Hotel Management from London Metropolitan University, Constantinos Gavriel is also Founding Chairman of the BD Marriott Worldwide Business Council. This industry involvement rounds out the profile of a hotelier engaged beyond operational management alone, echoing the career of Stéphane Dartois, General Manager of Le Méridien Nice, another figure within the Marriott network who has chosen continuity within the brand.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Constantinos Gavriel named General Manager of Le Méridien Riyadh, Marriott International.
Appointment effective August 2026
Previously General Manager, Le Méridien Dhaka, Bangladesh (2017-2026, 9 years)
Career includes GM roles at Renaissance Aktau (Kazakhstan) and senior positions in Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Riyadh
Career start with Le Méridien brand in London (2003-2005)
BSc (Hons) International Hotel Management, London Metropolitan University
Founding Chairman, BD Marriott Worldwide Business Council
