From left, Karin Cohen, Multi-Property Director of Marketing; Elie George Zgheib, Director of Events Planning and Operations; and Liliane Vargas, Director of Recreation and Lifestyle at JW Marriot Marquis Hotel DubaiJW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai has appointed othree leaders across its marketing, recreation and events departments. Karin Cohen has been named Multi-Property Director of Marketing; Liliane Vargas has been chosen as Director of Recreation and Lifestyle; and Elie George Zgheib has been picked for the role of Director of Events Planning and Operations.
By choosing these industry leaders – each of whom brings a wealth of expertise and vision to their roles – JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai intends to reaffirm its commitment to innovation, guest-centric service and operational excellence.
Karin Cohen, Multi-Property Director of Marketing at JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai
An award-winning marketing strategist, Karin Cohen joins JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai with nearly two decades of experience in hospitality marketing, branding and communications across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the USA.
In her new role, Cohen will lead marketing and communications efforts for JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai; Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites; Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai; and Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah, where she will oversee brand positioning, digital strategy, PR and guest engagement initiatives.
She previously served as Multi-Property Director of Marketing and PR for the Marriott Al Jaddaf cluster, where she managed marketing strategies for three properties.
Cohen previously launched 13 F&B concepts worldwide, collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs, world-renowned design firms and top-ranking bartenders from The World’s 50 Best Bars.
She also has worked as Global Brand Director for celebrity chef David Myers, spearheading F&B concept launches in Doha, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi and Miami. She also played a key role in shaping Dubai’s hospitality scene with Solutions Leisure, where she established the group’s creative communications department and led the launch of Asia Asia and Q43.
Originally from Sweden, Cohen has lived and worked in Spain, the UK, Seychelles and Dubai, where she has been based since 2011.
Liliane Vargas, Director of Recreation and Lifestyle at JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai
A visionary leader in wellness and fitness, Liliane Vargas brings more than 20 years of global experience in multi-site operations, innovative programming, and guest experience enhancement.
As Director of Recreation and Lifestyle, Vargas will oversee the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai’s wellness, fitness, and lifestyle offerings, introducing cutting-edge wellness programs, driving guest engagement, and elevating recreational experiences. Her focus will be on delivering world-class fitness and wellness experiences tailored to the evolving needs of guests.
Vargas previously worked as Head of Group Exercise and Signature Programme Manager/Regional Fitness Manager at Fitness First Middle East, where she spearheaded innovative fitness concepts and managed multi-site operations.
Her international expertise spans leadership roles at FitnGlam, Taimly Fitness Oman, The Wellness Center Oman, and Pilot Fitness China, as well as owning and managing Brazil Fitness Studio in Malaysia.
With her deep industry expertise, dynamic leadership, and passion for wellness, Vargas aims to redefine recreation and fitness at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.
Elie George Zgheib, Director of Events Planning and Operations at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
A seasoned hospitality professional, Elie George Zgheib brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury event planning and operations to JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.
As Director of Events Planning & Operations, Zgheib will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing event operations at the hotel, ensuring seamless execution of corporate conferences, large-scale gatherings, and exclusive social celebrations.
His expertise in strategic planning, revenue growth, and delivering exceptional guest experiences will further solidify JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai’s reputation as the go-to destination for world-class events in the region.
Zgheib previously served as Director of Sales – Groups and Events at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, leading business development for large-scale events and corporate groups.
His career also includes leadership roles as Multi-Property Director of Event Innovation at Le Royal Méridien Doha & Palais Vendôme, Director of Event Management at One&Only Royal Mirage, and Director of Event Planning at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in curating high-profile events, developing business strategies and enhancing guest experiences.
With his extensive industry expertise and commitment to operational excellence, Zgheib will elevate the events offering at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.
