Elie Sassine takes the helm at The Westin Ottawa
Elie Sassine has been appointed General Manager of The Westin Ottawa, a Westin Hotels & Resorts property located in the heart of Canada’s capital.
He succeeds Ross Meredith, who has announced his retirement effective 1 November 2026, following more than twelve years at the helm of the hotel.
The transition forms part of a management restructuring involving two Marriott properties in Ottawa. Since 2020, Ross Meredith has jointly overseen The Westin Ottawa and Delta Ottawa City Centre. The two leadership positions are now set to be separated.
For Elie Sassine, the appointment marks a new chapter within Marriott International, following two years in Toronto as General Manager of W Toronto.
From W Toronto to The Westin Ottawa
Since October 2024, Elie Sassine had served as General Manager of W Toronto, part of Marriott International’s lifestyle brand portfolio.
He previously held the position of Hotel Manager at The St. Regis Toronto from March 2023 to December 2024, further strengthening his experience in luxury hospitality.
These operational leadership positions followed an extensive career in sales, marketing and revenue development.
At The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, he spent almost nine years as Executive Assistant Manager – Director of Sales & Marketing, from 2014 to 2023.
His responsibilities encompassed commercial strategy, market development, pricing performance and sales team coordination.
This experience enabled him to combine in-depth expertise in revenue management with broader general management responsibilities.
An international career beginning in the Middle East
Before relocating to Canada, Elie Sassine held several positions in Qatar.
From 2010 to 2014, he served as Director of Sales & Marketing for two Ritz-Carlton properties in Doha, having previously overseen event sales and conference services for the brand.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Marriott International, initially in food and beverage operations and subsequently in events, as well as with Rotana Hotel Management and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
His career began in hotel operations in 1999, before progressing gradually into commercial management and ultimately hotel leadership.
This combination of operational and commercial experience is one of the defining strengths of his professional background.
The Westin Ottawa: a strategic property in the convention market
Located at 11 Colonel By Drive, in central Ottawa, The Westin Ottawa benefits from a prime position close to the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill and ByWard Market.
The property offers approximately 490 rooms and suites, alongside extensive meeting and event facilities.
Directly connected to the Rogers Centre Ottawa, the capital’s principal convention centre, and the Rideau Centre shopping complex, the hotel serves a combination of business travellers, conference delegates and leisure visitors.
Its food and beverage offering includes Shore Club and Daly’s, while its facilities feature an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and sports amenities.
This configuration places the hotel at the centre of Ottawa’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market, where institutional and government-related demand plays an important role.
Taking over during a major refurbishment programme
Elie Sassine’s appointment coincides with a period of investment at the property.
In September 2025, the owners of The Westin Ottawa and Delta Ottawa City Centre announced a modernisation programme exceeding CAD 55 million, covering both hotels.
The works include guest rooms and several communal areas.
At The Westin Ottawa, certain refurbishment activities remain ongoing, particularly in the lobby and guest room floors.
For the new General Manager, the challenge will be to oversee this transformation while maintaining service standards and the hotel’s commercial performance.
LTH Analysis | Commercial expertise supporting general management
Elie Sassine’s career illustrates a common progression within major international hotel groups: moving into general management after extensive experience in commercial development and revenue management.
At a property as closely connected to the convention market as The Westin Ottawa, this expertise represents a strategic advantage.
The management team must balance the commercialisation of substantial accommodation capacity, relationships with event organisers and the delivery of the refurbishment programme.
The appointment also comes at a significant leadership transition, following more than a decade under Ross Meredith’s management.
Preserving team cohesion, commercial relationships and service standards will therefore be central priorities during the first months of the new leadership.
At a Glance
Executive: Elie Sassine.
Appointment: General Manager.
Property: The Westin Ottawa.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Effective date: October 2026.
Hotel brand: Westin Hotels & Resorts.
Group: Marriott International.
Previous position: General Manager, W Toronto.
Earlier role: Hotel Manager, The St. Regis Toronto.
Career background: The Ritz-Carlton Toronto and Doha, Marriott International, Rotana and Starwood.
Experience: More than 25 years.
Predecessor: Ross Meredith, retiring in November 2026.
Property profile: Approximately 490 rooms and suites, directly connected to the Rogers Centre Ottawa.
Current context: Ongoing hotel refurbishment.
LTH perspective: Leadership transition combining commercial expertise, operational management and asset repositioning.
