The Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca, a 184-room property with four food and beverage outlets, eight meeting rooms and around 190 staff, has appointed Ismail Ben Younes as its General Manager with effect from July 2026. The Tunisian executive takes up his post at a pivotal time for the hotel, which is currently preparing for a full renovation.
This appointment comes against the backdrop of the acquisition of Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca by Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts, a deal notified to Morocco’s Competition Council in May 2026 involving Sanlam Maroc and its subsidiary Luxor SA. The Egyptian group, which already owns the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, is thereby continuing to strengthen its position in the Moroccan hotel market.
A career built with major international groups
Ismail Ben Younes brings more than fifteen years of experience in international hospitality, gained successively with Iberostar Group, Radisson Hotel Group, Accor and Louvre Hotels Group. This diversity of brands has enabled him to build cross-functional expertise spanning operations, revenue management and renovation project oversight.
At Radisson Hotel Group, he spent nearly five years as Cluster Food & Beverage Manager in Libreville, Gabon, where he oversaw the food and beverage operations of the Radisson Blu and the Park Inn by Radisson, leading a team of more than 120 people. During this time, he coordinated the organisation of international events, including a conference that brought together more than 1,200 participants. This trajectory echoes the international growth currently being pursued by Iberostar, notably in Mexico and Zanzibar.
Djerba: a proving ground for hotel project management
Before moving to Morocco, Ismail Ben Younes served as General Manager of the Iberostar Selection Eolia in Djerba from September 2024. Prior to that, he served as Deputy General Manager, responsible in particular for the opening of the renovated 217-room and suite property, which comprises two restaurants, three bars and a conference room, with a team of more than 300 employees.
He subsequently led a five-month renovation and development project that added 97 rooms and suites, opened a new themed restaurant and two additional meeting rooms, and launched a private rooftop lounge with a swimming pool. The hotel’s main lobby and swimming pool were also fully refurbished.
A Tunisian hospitality education
Ismail Ben Younes holds a Master’s degree in Hotel Administration from IHEC Carthage, completed between 2007 and 2009. He began his career in Tunisia, working with Vincci Hoteles and TUI Hotels & Resorts, before joining Louvre Hotels Group and Accor brands in Tunis.
Casablanca: a hotel market in the throes of change
The appointment of Ismail Ben Younes comes as Casablanca consolidates its position as Morocco’s economic capital, driven by a dense business landscape and a growing international clientele. Several recent moves reflect the dynamism of the local hotel market, including the appointment of Thomas Greggory to head the Casablanca Marriott Hotel.
At the helm of the Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca, the new General Manager will need to combine day-to-day management of the property with support for the renovation project led by Pickalbatros, in a Moroccan market where international and regional groups are strengthening their presence.
At a Glance
Ismail Ben Younes appointed General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Casablanca
184 rooms, 4 F&B outlets, 8 meeting rooms, approximately 190 employees
In role since July 2026, hotel currently in a pre-renovation phase
Over 15 years of international hospitality experience with Iberostar, Radisson Hotel Group, Accor and Louvre Hotels Group
Previously General Manager of Iberostar Selection Eolia in Djerba, Tunisia
Hotel subject to an ongoing acquisition process by Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts from Sanlam Maroc
Holds a Master’s degree in Hotel Administration from IHEC Carthage, Tunisia
