Specialist mixed-use operator Kerten Hospitality appointed Saudi national Mishary Alhajery to spearhead the company’s plans for expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Kerten Hospitality manages a collection of lifestyle-driven brands in the mid-market and upscale segments, from hotels and serviced apartments to residential, offices, F&B and retail, with every element purposefully designed to meet the needs of a well-connected, savvy generation of travelers. 

The group’s first project Ouspace – Ouspace Madinah Road – opened in Jeddah earlier this year and is a modern workspace and business club offering tailormade office spaces for short and long-term let, enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to work flexibly and collaboratively. A second outlet is due to open soon in the 114-key ‘The House Hotel Jeddah’ – a luxury boutique property which is part of a prestigious mixed-use destination, also operated by Kerten Hospitality. Other concepts in the pipeline include Cloud7, a new innovative and trendy hotel brand for the next-generation guest, and the tech-and design-driven gourmet burger concept, Frikadell. 

Mishary brings more than 15 years’ experience in roles influencing the development of residential, commercial and industrial products and he has held executive roles across a variety of industries and organisations, including Hamad Almosa Trading Group and Luluah Water Factory Co. As Country Director for Saudi Arabia, Mishary will be Kerten Hospitality’s most senior representative in KSA, driving the company’s forward-thinking ideas and creative concepts with a focus on building communities and establishing inspiring lifestyle destinations that suit today’s modern travellers, residents, foodies, businesses and entrepreneurs. 

The new Ouspace at The House Hotel Jeddah highlights this approach, with the classical meeting floor being replaced by a level dedicated to a mix of business and leisure (‘bleisure’), creating a convenient work and social space which optimises how the space can be utilized at all hours of the day, seven days a week. 

Under Mishary’s leadership, the company is also committed to local talent career development through localisation programs with the group’s first hotel – The House Hotel Jeddah – looking forward to reaching 75 percent Saudization.