Gerrit Schmitt

General Manager | Transforming Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah into a flagship of next-generation hospitality | Championing People, Performance & Purpose

United Arab Emirates

About

Hospitality is more than a business—it’s about creating enriching experiences where people, purpose, and performance converge. With 28+ years in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, I’ve had the privilege of leading world-class teams and reimagining what a resort can be. As opening GM of the first Marriott Resort in the UAE, I’ve transformed Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah into a flagship destination—delivering record-breaking growth while building a culture where 800+ associates feel empowered to serve with passion. From Dubai’s first licensed Korean steakhouse (Smoki Moto) to the vibrant rooftop Above Eleven, our F&B portfolio has become a magnet for global recognition, winning awards like Experiential Dining of the Year (2025), Best Italian Restaurant in the UAE (2025), and Most Loved Beach Club (2025). Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah itself has been honored with Middle East’s True Carbon Zero Community (2025) and shortlisted as Best Leisure Hotel at regional and global stages. Beyond accolades, my proudest achievement is cultivating a people-first culture: 176 promotions in 2024, employee satisfaction ranking in Marriott UAE’s top 20%, and over 19,000 volunteer hours invested in our community. For me, leadership is about leaving a legacy of sustainable growth, empowered people, and extraordinary guest journeys. That’s the Marriott promise—Wonderful Hospitality. Always.

Experience

  • General Manager at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai
    Mar 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 5 mos

    - Opened the first Marriott Resort in the UAE with 602 rooms and suites; positioned as flagship for Marriott Hotels in MEA. - Achieved +41.4% YOY sales growth in 2024; NOP up +68.9%. - Launched and currently operating 10 award-winning restaurants and bars including Dubai’s 1st licensed Korean steakhouse - Smoki Moto, Bangkok's Nikkei Peruvian rooftop restaurant and bar - Above Eleven, neighborhood Italian Cucina and more. - Introduced The Palm Arena (UAEFA fan zone) and the Manchester United Suite. - Elevated wellness offering with increase in Spa & Recreation revenue. - Spearheaded 105+ sustainability initiatives, surpassing 1.2M BeWtr bottles filled. - Embedded TEAM ONE framework—driving Operational Excellence, Employee Engagement, and Profitability. - 176 internal promotions in 2024; Leadership Index 90%+

  • Marriott International (United Arab Emirates)
    • Senior Director of Operations - United Arab Emirates
      Aug 2020 - Apr 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Area operations lead for United Arab Emirates hotel portfolio (65 properties), oversight of Rooms, Spa, Retail, Restaurant & Bars, Culinary and Event Management disciplines.

    • Senior Director of Operations Luxury - United Arab Emirates
      Sep 2018 - Jul 2020 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Area operations lead for United Arab Emirates luxury area (30 properties), oversight of Rooms, Spa, Retail, Restaurant & Bars, Culinary and Event Management disciplines.

    • Senior Director of Operations - Middle East
      Jul 2017 - Sep 2018 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Area operations lead Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Pakistan, oversight of Rooms, Spa, Retail, F&B, Culinary and Event Management disciplines (30 properties).

  • The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. (2 yrs 6 mos)
    • Assistant & Acting Director of Food & Beverage
      Aug 2011 - Jan 2014 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Leading the Food & Beverage Division for 2-property complex with 155 employees in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre. Large scale Banquets Operation, French 3-Meal-Restaurant, 2 Specialty Restaurants, In-Room-Dining for Hotel- and Executive-Residence Operation with total inventory of 448 rooms. Extensive Lounge and Bar operation including 2 night outdoor venues with live entertainment.

    • Pre-Opening Office F&B Operations - The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty
      Oct 2013 - Oct 2013 · 1 mo

    • Opening Trainer F&B Operations - The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
      Oct 2013 - Oct 2013 · 1 mo

  • Operations Manager, Events at IHG Dubai Festival City
    Nov 2009 - Aug 2011 · 1 yr 10 mos

    In charge of Events Service Operation for multi-property-complex of 3 hotels with 1026 rooms, InterContinental, InterContinental Resident Suites, Crowne Plaza, 22 Food & Beverage Outlets, Al Badia Golf Club and The Event Centre. Managing Events Operation of 7000 m² event facilities and 21.000 m² licensed outdoor catering- and concert venue.

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg (5 yrs 7 mos)
    • Director of Banquets
      Jan 2008 - Oct 2009 · 1 yr 10 mos

      In charge of Banquets Services, Stewarding Department, Breakfast Restaurant and Outdoor Terrace

    • Cross Exposure Food & Beverage Operations - The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
      Jul 2008 - Aug 2008 · 2 mos

    • Assistant Banquets & Stewarding Manager
      Oct 2005 - Dec 2007 · 2 yrs 3 mos