Thomas B. Meier

Spear’s Review

The Dubai-based Jumeirah Group is an increasingly powerful name in the international hospitality industry. One of the figures responsible for overseeing its global expansion and operational excellence is COO Thomas B. Meier, who, as of September 2024, also serves as interim CEO following the departure of Katerina Giannouka. 

Having studied hotel management at the world-renowned École Hôtelière de Lausanne (now EHL Hospitality Business School), Meier cut his teeth in roles across Asia, eventually rising through the ranks to become the vice president of global operations at Raffles. Later, he moved to the chain’s parent company, where he oversaw hotel openings and integration in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia. A five-year stint at Minor Hotels followed before Meier joined Jumeirah Group as COO in 2021. His appointment was viewed as a reflection of the brand’s commitment to expanding outside the Middle East.

The group manages 26 properties, including the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, and hotels in Bali, the Maldives and London, among many other locales. As part of its growth strategy, Jumeirah plans to double the size of its portfolio by 2030, with a renewed focus on boutique properties and residences.