Yazan Ghokah
Nepean,Canada
Summary
Results-driven Hotel Management Professional with 18 years of international experience in sales, operations, and guest services within 4- and 5-star properties. Expertise in pre-opening operations, revenue optimization, and cross-departmental leadership enhances profitability and guest satisfaction. Multilingual communicator skilled in financial planning, cost control, and strategic growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Project manager
Rimap Hospitality Project
Ottawa, Canada
01.2024 - Current
- Facilitated planning and execution of hotel pre-opening process from construction handover to operational launch, ensuring readiness for guest operations.
- Coordinated with contractors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure the timely delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
- Supervised room setup, including classification of room types (standard rooms, suites, and premium categories) and ensured brand standards were met.
- Monitored budget tracking and maintained cost control for pre-opening expenses, contributing to financial oversight.
- Contributed to pre-opening tasks for AC Marriott Hotel and Moxy Hotel in Downtown Ottawa, supporting successful hotel launches.
Executive Manager
Armitage Hotel
Damascus, Syria
09.2019 - 12.2022
- Successfully managed a 60-room, 3-restaurant hotel in Damascus, Syria during a time of conflict and instability, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership under extreme conditions.
- Maintained financial stability through effective cost control and innovative revenue strategies, fostering a motivated team dedicated to hospitality excellence in high-pressure environment.
- Oversaw P&L analysis, developed pricing strategies, and led contract negotiations to optimize profitability.
- Led and motivated a team of 120+ employees, improving retention by 25%.
- Coordinated daily hotel functions and managed Finance, HR, and departmental managers to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw daily operations and managed staff and guest services to maintain safety and service quality.
- Reduced costs through cross-functional collaboration while maintaining service excellence.
- Boosted guest satisfaction scores by enhancing F&B offerings and service standards.
- Successfully managed a 60-room, 3-restaurant hotel in Damascus, Syria during a time of conflict and instability.
Operations Manager
Armitage Hotel
Damascus, Syria
07.2016 - 09.2019
- Oversaw front desk operations, reservations, and sales activities to enhance guest experience.
- Optimized 24/7 workforce scheduling with HR to ensure full coverage.
- Increased efficiency in group reservation handling for corporate and organizational clients.
- Reduced financial losses by streamlining billing with Finance.
- Performed employee evaluations and initiated targeted training programs to improve team performance.
Sales Manager
Armitage Hotel
Damascus, Syria
10.2013 - 07.2016
- Increased room sales revenue through strategic pricing and client negotiations.
- Strengthened corporate relationships, securing long-term contracts and increasing group bookings.
- Enhanced hotel positioning by aligning sales strategies with shifts in tourism market, boosting visibility.
- Developed promotional offers based on competitor analysis and market trends, driving customer engagement.
Sales Representative
Blue Tower Hotel
Damascus, Syria
01.2008 - 10.2013
- Consistently exceeded sales targets and secured repeat business from key accounts.
- Expanded client base by developing new sales channels with agencies and corporations, enhancing market reach.
- Collaborated with Reservations to deliver seamless service for corporate clients, improving overall client satisfaction.
Education
Hospitality Management Certificate -
Cornell University (ECornell)
01.2024
Bachelor's - Social & Cultural Service and Tourism (Administration of Service & Tourism)
KBSU University
Russia01.2005
Skills
- Leadership & Strategy
- Team building
- Staff training
- Decision-making
- Performance management
- Financial & Sales Management
- Budgeting
- P&L analysis
- Revenue planning
- Contract negotiation
- Operations & Guest Services
- Front desk & housekeeping supervision
- F&B coordination
- Event management
- Pre-Opening Expertise
- Operational planning
- Inventory management
- Service quality assurance
Certification
- Understanding Financial Statements
- Pricing and Revenue Management Essentials
- Services Marketing Planning and Management
- Building High-Performing Teams
- Building Guest Loyalty
- Introduction to Hotel Operations
Languages
- English
- Russian
- Arabic, Native
- English, Fluent (Reading/Writing)
- Russian, Fluent (Reading/Writing)
Timeline
Assistant Project manager
Rimap Hospitality Project
01.2024 - Current
Executive Manager
Armitage Hotel
09.2019 - 12.2022
Operations Manager
Armitage Hotel
07.2016 - 09.2019
Sales Manager
Armitage Hotel
10.2013 - 07.2016
Sales Representative
Blue Tower Hotel
01.2008 - 10.2013
Hospitality Management Certificate -
Cornell University (ECornell)
Bachelor's - Social & Cultural Service and Tourism (Administration of Service & Tourism)
KBSU University