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.

The post 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 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.