Based in Nairobi, Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has announced the appointment of Rob Kucera as Regional Vice President East & South Africa. The hire comes as the group continues to strengthen its regional presence and grow its portfolio across the continent.
An expanded remit spanning nine countries and six brands
In his new role, Rob Kucera will oversee the operation of more than 25 hotels across six brands and 20 destinations in nine countries throughout East and Southern Africa. He will also lead the development of the group’s future properties in the region, supporting the continued growth of Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio.
His remit covers the region’s financial, commercial and operational performance, strengthening relationships with hotel owners, overseeing regional human resources to develop talent and build high-performing teams, and supporting investment in the communities surrounding each of the group’s hotels.
A career built at Radisson Hotel Group
With more than 20 years of hotel management experience, Rob Kucera most recently served as Complex General Manager and District Director East Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, where he oversaw properties in Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Earlier in his career, he led the Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, the Pearl of Africa Hotel by Radisson in Kampala, and the Westin Cape Town, among other upscale and luxury properties. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Hospitality Property Fund, South Africa’s listed hotel REIT, and chaired the FEDHASA Cape board.
A strategic appointment in a fast-growing region
Bani Haddad, Founder and Co-CEO of Aleph Hospitality, underlined the strategic importance of the appointment: “East and Southern Africa is one of Aleph Hospitality’s most dynamic markets, and this is a truly strategic appointment for the group as we deepen our presence in the region. Rob brings a rare combination of regional expertise and operational excellence, having led some of East Africa’s most respected hotels and beyond. His leadership will be instrumental as we grow our portfolio, strengthen our owner relationships and continue building strong, community-rooted teams across the region.”
🔗 Read more on LTH Aleph Hospitality targets 100 hotels by 2029 and strengthens its leadership team
For his part, Rob Kucera said he was excited about the new challenge: “This is a particularly exciting time to be joining Aleph Hospitality. The group’s portfolio in East and Southern Africa is growing at an impressive pace, and I look forward to contributing to that momentum, supporting our general managers and delivering strong results while building stronger teams for our owners and stakeholders across the region.”
The appointment forms part of the continued strengthening of Aleph Hospitality’s leadership team, following the recent appointment of Abdellah Essonni as Regional Vice President North Africa, as the group rolls out new regional offices. It also comes as East Africa leads the continent’s hotel development pipeline, confirming the region’s growing appeal to international groups.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Rob Kucera joins Aleph Hospitality as Regional Vice President East & South Africa
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, effective July 2026
Oversees 25+ hotels across six brands in 20 destinations, spanning nine countries
Previously Complex General Manager and District Director East Africa at Radisson Hotel Group
20+ years of hospitality management experience, including roles in Istanbul, Kampala and Cape Town
Former COO of the Hospitality Property Fund, South Africa’s dedicated hotel REIT
Move aligns with Aleph Hospitality’s continued growth of its African portfolio
