Ahmed Jarkass has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Raffles Jeddah
Raffles Jeddah, the city's most anticipated new luxury destination overlooking the Red Sea, has announced the appointment of Ahmed Jarkass as Director of Sales and Marketing ahead of its anticipated opening. A distinguished commercial leader with more than two decades of regional experience, Jarkass brings an exceptional track record across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt. His professional journey spans senior roles with some of the world's most recognisable luxury hospitality brands, including Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Rixos Hotels.
Widely regarded for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership style, Jarkass has consistently shaped commercial strategy, strengthened market positioning, and delivered sustainable revenue growth across luxury and lifestyle sectors. His expertise spans sales, marketing, business development, and commercial planning, underpinned by a deep understanding of regional market dynamics and an ability to build high-performing teams within complex luxury environments.
In his most recent role as Chief Commercial Officer at Wujha Real Estate Development, Jarkass led the commercial strategy for two major mixed-use developments, achieving a 35% increase in sales through strategic market expansion, data-driven decision-making, and refined commercial leadership. His achievements underscore a proven capability for driving long-term business value and creating meaningful commercial impact.
As Director of Sales and Marketing at Raffles Jeddah, Jarkass will oversee the Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Revenue, and Conference & Events divisions, leading the commercial strategy for the hotel.
He will be responsible for driving market penetration, developing innovative sales and marketing initiatives, and cultivating strategic partnerships that position Raffles Jeddah as the city's most distinguished waterfront destination. His leadership will also support the Kingdom's evolving luxury hospitality landscape and contribute to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing guest experiences, nurturing local talent, and attracting global travellers seeking cultural discovery and elevated service.
Celebrated for his ability to inspire high-performing teams and his commitment to excellence, Jarkass brings a strategic mindset and customer-centric approach that will shape the pre-opening momentum of Raffles Jeddah and help set new benchmarks for luxury hospitality in the region.
With this appointment, Raffles Jeddah continues to build a world-class leadership team that reflects the property's commitment to refined service, thoughtful design, and transformative luxury experiences. Upon opening, the property will introduce a new benchmark in luxury hospitality, offering elevated experiences in gastronomy, wellness, and design, while upholding the Raffles legacy of timeless elegance and bespoke service.
Ahmed Jarkass is an alumnus of Cornell | Executive and Professional Education – Class of 2012.