The Chedi Hegra announces the appointment of Mark Wouters as General Manager, bringing a highly experienced international hotelier to one of the region’s most culturally significant and anticipated destinations.. Set within Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Chedi Hegra represents a unique intersection of heritage and contemporary hospitality. Mark’s appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering a considered, culturally grounded guest experience in one of the Kingdom’s most extraordinary settings.. Mark brings over two decades of international experience across Europe, Asia and Oceania, with a strong track record in pre-openings, brand development and the positioning of ultra-luxury properties. His experience includes senior roles across leading hotels in China, including flagship properties in Shanghai, as well as his involvement in the launch of The PuXuan Hotel and Spa in Beijing, now recognised as one of the city’s leading luxury addresses.. Earlier in his career, Mark held roles with globally recognised luxury brands including Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, as well as Huka Lodge in New Zealand, where he developed a strong foundation in ultra-luxury hospitality and service culture.. Known for his calm and grounded leadership style, Mark places strong emphasis on team culture, guest experience and creating a genuine sense of place.. In his new role, Mark will oversee all aspects of operations at The Chedi Hegra, with a focus on delivering an experience that is intuitive, refined and respectful of its setting.. “Hegra is a place of extraordinary significance. At The Chedi Hegra, our focus is on creating a guest experience that is thoughtful, understated and deeply connected to its surroundings, allowing guests to engage with the destination in a meaningful and authentic way.” – Mark Wouters.. This appointment comes at a defining moment for The Chedi Hegra, as AlUla continues to evolve as a global destination centred on culture, heritage and sustainable tourism.
