Multi-award winning Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of a new general manager, Victor Chalfoun, who has taken over from Gert Venter since 1 January 2015.
“The timing is perfect for Victor to take over and continue the sterling work accomplished by his predecessor Gert Venter. Victor’s tremendous experience as a hotelier will undoubtedly push Conrad Pezula to new levels and ensure that the resort continues to live up to the Conrad ethos of allowing our guests the perfect space to savour the luxury of being themselves,” said Jan van der Putten, Hilton Worldwide’s vice president operations, Africa and Indian Ocean.
Piano-playing, Reiki-practising and basketball-playing Chalfoun is an Elevator graduate, having undergone Hilton Worldwide’s Elevator program, one of the hospitality industry’s best training program aimed at grooming hoteliers. He has been in the hotel business for over 15 years with experience working in Dubai, Egypt, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Canada and South Africa.
He has worked across a number of functions in the hospitality industry from front office, food and beverage, revenue management and operations. Chalfoun was pivotal in the opening of Conrad Hotel in Dubai, UAE in March 2012, managing the development and implementation of luxury signature services, operations and market penetration. He has experience working on global events including FIFA World Cup, 2018 Winter Olympics Selection, Formula One and United Nations’ COP17. This wealth of knowledge speaks immensely to his in-depth understanding of the hotel business both from an operational and service perspective.
Chalfoun is an alumnus of Helwan School of Hotel Administration in Egypt and the prestigious Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in USA, and has tutored some of Hilton Worldwide’s Hilton University leadership programs.
“The hotel business is my passion and over the years I have developed my career across a number of Hilton Worldwide brands. Leading the team at Conrad Pezula is an incredible opportunity. I look forward to continue putting our best foot forward to give our guests the perfect space to relax and replenish, do business or play,” said Chalfoun.
In November and December of 2014, Conrad Pezula received prestigious awards at the World Golf Awards and the World Luxury Hotel Awards, a testament to the resort’s world class luxurious offering. From its unique location, flagship 18-hole golf course, four diverse eateries and its food philosophy, various accommodation offerings, the spa and many other elements, Conrad Pezula embodies the notion of luxury, sophistication and indulgence without exception.