Philip Barnes

Philip Barnes is the Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, one of the region’s most established and influential hospitality companies. With over 40 years of global experience across five continents, Barnes assumed leadership at a pivotal time for Rotana as it accelerates its expansion and builds on a rich legacy that began in Abu Dhabi in 1992. Since joining in 2024, Barnes has been instrumental in shaping Rotana’s next phase of growth—strengthening operational agility, advancing the group’s strategic footprint, and guiding its evolution into new markets. Under his leadership, Rotana is enhancing its portfolio of over 114 properties in operation and under development across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye. A seasoned hospitality executive, Barnes is known for his expertise in hotel and resort openings, asset repositioning, and large-scale operational leadership. He spent 25 years at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in key roles including Regional Vice President for the UAE and Vice President for the Middle East, where he led growth strategies and developments across the Gulf, South Africa, and North Africa. His career also includes senior positions with Four Seasons and Shangri-La, reinforcing his strong track record across both luxury and lifestyle segments. At Rotana, Barnes leads a portfolio of six distinctive brands—including Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Centro, Rayhaan, Arjaan, Edge by Rotana, and The Residences by Rotana—while also supporting the group’s global visibility through its membership in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). With a forward-thinking approach grounded in operational excellence and guest experience, Barnes is driving Rotana’s ambition to deliver on its brand promise of Treasured Time while setting new benchmarks in regional hospitality.