Restaurant Chain PizzaExpress UAE Welcomes Michael John Abong with over a Decade of Experience in Hospitality, Travel and Digital Marketing as the New Head of Brand and Marketing

PizzaExpress UAE has appointed Michael John Abong as the new Head of Brand and Marketing, bringing with him over 15 years of experience in hospitality, travel and digital marketing within the UAE. Abong’s extensive background in premium hospitality and marketing will play a pivotal role in elevating the brand’s presence and growth across the UAE and MENA region.

With a track record of driving successful brand strategies and innovative marketing campaigns, Abong will lead PizzaExpress UAE’s efforts to strengthen its brand positioning while localizing its offerings to meet the unique preferences of the region. He will oversee integrated marketing campaigns, team operations and partnerships, ensuring the brand’s alignment with its UK counterpart to maintain consistency and integrity.

A New Chapter for PizzaExpress UAE

Abong’s appointment signals the start of a new era for PizzaExpress UAE, as the restaurant chain aims to evolve its marketing strategy in response to the dynamic landscape of the UAE’s hospitality sector. His focus will be on evolving the PizzaExpress brand through storytelling, strategic partnerships and customer-first experiences. Abong emphasized that hospitality today is about innovation that resonates with local culture and he is committed to making PizzaExpress more relatable and accessible to the people in the UAE.

Before joining PizzaExpress UAE, Abong held senior marketing roles with globally renowned hospitality brands such as Palazzo Versace Dubai, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences and Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. His expertise in pre-opening marketing, customer engagement and experiential marketing has made a significant impact on the hospitality industry, especially in elevating the visibility of luxury brands.

Driving Localized Campaigns and Innovation

In his role as Head of Brand and Marketing, Abong will work closely with the regional franchise marketing teams and collaborate with PizzaExpress UK to ensure a seamless brand experience across multiple markets. His appointment comes at a time when the hospitality sector is shifting towards more tailored, localized marketing approaches, with a focus on connecting with customers in a meaningful way.

Abong’s innovative strategies have been proven successful across his previous roles in hospitality and travel marketing. His work at Seera Group and ME Digital Group helped optimize digital marketing campaigns that improved customer journeys and enhanced conversion rates, ensuring the marketing strategies aligned with commercial objectives. Abong’s approach of blending brand storytelling with performance-driven execution will be instrumental in fueling PizzaExpress UAE’s growth and success in the region.

A Career Built on Strong Partnerships and Experience-led Marketing

Abong brings a wealth of experience from both the hospitality and travel sectors, where he held roles that allowed him to build and mentor high-performing marketing teams. His approach is rooted in creating experiences that engage customers and drive brand loyalty, a strategy that will be crucial in supporting PizzaExpress UAE’s ambitious goals.

Prashanth Menon, the Regional Director for PizzaExpress UAE, praised Abong’s appointment, stating that he is set to drive the brand’s evolution in the region, pushing for deeper localization and innovative campaigns. Menon highlighted Abong’s exceptional ability to deliver insight-driven campaigns that are agile and aligned with both customer needs and business goals. This ability will play a central role in the growth and accelerated expansion of PizzaExpress in the UAE and MENA region.

Abong’s leadership and expertise in hospitality, digital marketing and brand strategy make him an ideal fit for PizzaExpress UAE as the company continues to focus on expanding its reach and maintaining its competitive edge in the fast-paced restaurant industry.

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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla in West End Welcomes Lorenzo Maestripieri with Years of Hospitality Experience as the New Resort Manager

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has announced the appointment of Lorenzo Maestripieri as the new Resort Manager, marking an exciting chapter in the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and guest experiences. Maestripieri’s remarkable career in the hospitality industry spans nearly two decades, with significant roles across renowned Four Seasons properties worldwide, including Europe and the Caribbean.

A Distinguished Career in Hospitality

Lorenzo Maestripieri’s journey within the Four Seasons brand began in 2008, where he was part of the opening team at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Over the years, his expertise and leadership have shaped his rise through the ranks, with notable positions held at some of the brand’s most celebrated hotels. In 2011, Maestripieri joined Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane as a Mixologist, where his passion for hospitality took full flight. He later expanded his role to include management positions such as Restaurant General Manager, In-Room Dining and Lounge Manager. His time in London holds special significance for Maestripieri, as it is where he met his wife, Josefin, further adding to his connection with the city.

Maestripieri’s extensive experience also includes a key role at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, where he was tasked with contributing to the success of the renowned property. However, it was his move to Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla in 2018 that solidified his path to becoming Resort Manager. Originally joining as the Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, Maestripieri quickly adapted to the challenges posed by the global pandemic, leading his team through the difficulties of COVID-19 while maintaining high standards of service. His ability to pivot and excel led to his promotion to Director of Food and Beverage in 2021.

Transitioning to Resort Management

In 2023, Maestripieri took another bold step in his career by transitioning from Food and Beverage to the Rooms Division, assuming the role of Director of Rooms. This transition highlighted his eagerness to continuously learn and take on new challenges, ultimately preparing him for his new position as Resort Manager. Maestripieri’s leadership at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has already resulted in outstanding achievements, including record guest satisfaction and a reputation for leading with consistency, agility and exceptional attention to detail.

As the new Resort Manager, Maestripieri is now poised to further elevate the guest experience at this luxurious destination. His leadership philosophy, honed over years of experience across several high-profile Four Seasons properties, ensures that Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla continues to thrive as a premier destination for luxury travelers in the Caribbean.

Embracing Island Life and Community Engagement

Originally from a picturesque mountain village in Tuscany, Maestripieri has embraced island life with his wife and three children. The family, alongside their two Anguillan dogs, Hero and Freya, have settled into the vibrant community of Anguilla. Their commitment to the island extends beyond just residency, as they are actively involved in local initiatives and community outreach, further solidifying their deep connection to the place they now proudly call home.

Maestripieri’s journey with Four Seasons has been one of continuous growth and achievement and his appointment as Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is a testament to his dedication to hospitality excellence. With his wealth of experience and passion for the industry, Maestripieri is set to continue his legacy of delivering world-class service and creating unforgettable experiences for guests from around the globe.

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