Name: Seema Pande
Title: Group Director of Sales and Marketing
Company, city: Emaar Hospitality Group, Dubai
Number of employees: 80-plus on the sales and marketing team
Recent project: Opening Manzil Downtown Dubai in December 2014, a modern boutique hotel that celebrates authentic Arabesque design aesthetics and regional culinary flavors
First job: Front office assistant, Crowne Plaza, New Delhi
Little-known fact about you: I enjoy spending time alone — not always obvious given my outgoing nature.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Focus on preserving strengths while evolving thoughtfully.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Embrace change when it makes sense, and listen to younger team members — they bring fresh, creative ideas.
Yardstick of success: Happiness and satisfaction that come from doing a job well.
Seema Pande as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? A hair dryer, assuming my iPad and mobile are already packed.
How do you spend your time on board? Catching up on films and reading.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? A small restaurant in Berlin that serves exceptional Italian cuisine.
What is your favorite destination in the world? Italy — for its culture, food and timeless appeal.
About Emaar Hospitality Group
The Address Hotels + Resorts celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2014; what is the philosophy behind the brand’s success, and what makes it stand out from other luxury brands in the region?
The Address Hotels + Resorts is Emaar Hospitality Group’s signature five-star brand. As the hospitality arm of Emaar Properties PJSC, the brand has built a strong presence across Dubai and is expanding into markets such as Egypt, Turkey and Kenya. From the outset we established a clear niche with a distinct positioning: “where life happens.” That positioning drives a focus on delivering personal, approachable service in vibrant lifestyle environments for business, leisure and group travelers. This balance of premium service and accessible warmth has supported our growth and given momentum to international expansion.
What unique amenities do you offer business and leisure travelers?
The Address properties prioritize tangible guest benefits and consistently high service standards, which have set industry benchmarks and earned international recognition. Guests enjoy a variety of on-site dining options, premier health and wellness facilities, and convenient access to iconic attractions. These combined elements create an elevated guest experience that distinguishes the brand from competitors.
Please share any news on hotel openings with our readers.
An important international development is The Address Residence Istanbul, a premium collection of five-star serviced residences within the Emaar Square integrated community in Turkey. This project represents The Address Hotels + Resorts’ first full-scale hotel and serviced residence offering in an international market, marking a key step in the brand’s global expansion.