Mathieu van Alphen

Van Alphen has worked within InterContinental Hotels Group for 28 years and first began his career in 1987, working across Europe, Russia and the Middle East in the luxury arena, a statement said.

Van Alphen began his career accounting, progressing to financial controller roles, before assuming the position of hotel manager at the InterContinental Frankfurt, Germany. 

Reportedly, Van Alphen went on to accept his first general manager post at the InterContinental Köln, Germany, and subsequently held several other general manager positions in different InterContinental properties across Europe.

Van Alphen also worked in Abu Dhabi in 2005, where he was the cluster general manager of Beach Rotana's flagship location.

His present role as area general manager will see Van Alphen responsible for InterContinental, InterContinental Residence Suites, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn at Dubai Festival City, as well as the 6,000 m2 events venue Festival Arena.