Igor Apraiz is a seasoned hospitality executive whose career spans Europe, the United States, and Asia, bringing together strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep guestโcentric leadership. With over two decades of experience in luxury hotels, he has led preโopenings, renovations, and dayโtoโday operations at some of the worldโs most iconic properties, consistently delivering Forbes 5 Star and Michelinโrecognized experiences.
Strategic Leadership Across Iconic Luxury Brands
Igor currently serves as General Manager of Jumeirah Living Marina Gate and Jumeirah Living Business Bay in Dubai, overseeing the performance, service culture, and financial results of these premium residential lifestyle properties. Prior to this, he was Hotel Manager at Jumeirah Al Naseem, a beachfront resort that has maintained Forbes 5 Star recognition in 2023, 2024, and 2025, reflecting his ability to sustain excellence in a highly competitive market.
His leadership journey includes key roles at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he served as Hotel Manager at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo and Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta. In Tokyo, he led a property that earned Forbes 5 Star status for the hotel and spa, as well as Michelin stars for multiple signature restaurants and the Tapas Molecular Bar. In Atlanta, he managed a fiveโstar urban retreat known for its Southern charm, elegant spa, and refined dining experiences.
PreโOpening, Renovation, and Project Management Expertise
Igor has played a central role in preโopening and transformation projects at landmark properties. At The Knickerbocker Hotel in New York, he was part of the preโopening team that reimagined a historic BeauxโArts building into a luxury lifestyle hotel in Times Square, including 330 guestrooms and suites and the celebrated St. Cloud rooftop bar. Earlier, at Mandarin Oriental, Shanghai, he joined the preโopening team for a property on the Huangpu River that received Forbes 5 Star within its first year of operation.
His background in Rooms Division and Food & Beverage, combined with project management skills, enables him to align design, construction, and operational readiness to ensure seamless launches and highโquality guest experiences from day one.
Operational and Financial Business Planning
Igor brings strong capabilities in strategic, operational, and financial business planning, budgeting, cost control, and profit optimization. He has consistently improved profitability while maintaining service standards, balancing revenue management, expense discipline, and guest satisfaction. His experience across multiple markets allows him to adapt strategies to local dynamics while preserving global brand standards.
Rooms Division, Guest Recognition, and Service Excellence
His early career at Mandarin Oriental, New York, included roles such as Front Office Manager, Assistant Front Office Manager, InโRoom Dining Manager, and Assistant InโRoom Dining Manager, where the property maintained Forbes 5 Star and AAA 5 Diamond ratings throughout his tenure. In Kuala Lumpur, he served as Director of Guest Recognition, helping revamp the department to strengthen loyalty, personalization, and repeat business.
In Shanghai, he led the Rooms Division as Rooms Division Manager, overseeing reservations, front office, housekeeping, and guest services, ensuring smooth operations in a highโrise luxury hotel in the heart of Pudongโs financial district.
Colleague Development and Quality Assurance
Igor places strong emphasis on colleague development, focusing on recruiting, training, motivating, and retaining talent across departments. He fosters a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, which directly supports quality assurance, customer service, and guest retention. His leadership style blends handsโon involvement with strategic coaching, enabling teams to deliver consistent, memorable experiences.
Education and Professional Development
Igor holds a Diploma in Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management from Les Roches, an internationally accredited hospitality institution, and is a member of Eta Sigma Delta, the international Hospitality and Tourism Management Honor Society. He has also completed certificates in Frontline Management from RMIT University, Finance and Financial Management Services from Cornell University, and Digital Marketing Fundamentals from the University of Edinburgh, equipping him with a modern, dataโinformed approach to hospitality leadership.
Leadership Philosophy
Igor believes that exceptional hotels are built on three pillars: people, process, and guest experience. He combines international experience with a deep understanding of luxury service standards, ensuring that every decision enhances both colleague engagement and guest satisfaction.
Inspired Magazine proudly features Igor Apraiz among the Top 100 Inspiring Professionals, celebrating his global impact on luxury hospitality, preโopening excellence, and guestโcentric leadership across New York, London, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Atlanta, and Dubai.
