Luxury hospitality brand Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Aaron Kaupp as Regional Vice President & Managing Director, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand’s presence across the Middle East and Indian Ocean region.
Effective immediately, Kaupp will continue leading the prestigious Raffles The Palm Dubai while also overseeing operations at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain and Raffles Seychelles—two award-winning destinations known for their extraordinary luxury experiences.
A Leader with Over 25 Years of Luxury Hospitality Expertise
With more than 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Aaron Kaupp brings exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and strategic insight to his expanded role. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for driving excellence and innovation across world-class resorts.
His achievements have been recognized across the global hospitality industry. Kaupp received the Luxury Travel Advisor Award for “Best General Manager of a Luxury Hotel/Resort Worldwide” and was Highly Commended as “General Manager of the Year: High-End & Luxury” at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2025.
Transforming Luxury Hospitality at Raffles The Palm Dubai
Since joining Raffles, Kaupp has played a transformative role in strengthening the reputation of Raffles The Palm Dubai as one of the most luxurious resorts in the GCC.
Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the resort has become synonymous with elegance, personalized service, and exceptional guest experiences. Under Kaupp’s leadership, the property has elevated its global reputation while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a premier luxury travel destination.
His strategic vision has also helped strengthen the connection between Raffles properties worldwide, allowing travelers to enjoy seamless luxury experiences across destinations—from Dubai to the Seychelles.
Leading a Unified Vision Across Three Iconic Resorts
In his new role as Regional Vice President, Kaupp will focus on aligning operations and brand values across three flagship Raffles properties:
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain
Raffles Seychelles
By working closely with leadership teams across these destinations, he aims to maintain consistent service excellence, operational standards, and brand identity throughout the region.
His leadership will emphasize:
Personalized guest experiences
Service innovation and excellence
Strong brand consistency across properties
Operational efficiency and team development
Empowering Teams and Elevating Guest Experiences
Beyond operational strategy, Kaupp is widely respected for his people-first leadership style. He strongly believes that exceptional guest experiences begin with engaged and empowered teams.
Through colleague engagement initiatives, leadership development programs, and operational improvements, he has significantly boosted guest satisfaction scores and employee morale at Raffles The Palm Dubai.
As he expands his oversight to Bahrain and Seychelles, Kaupp plans to implement the same principles to ensure that the signature Raffles experience is delivered at every touchpoint.
Continuing the Legendary Legacy of Raffles
Founded in 1887 with the iconic Raffles Singapore, Raffles Hotels & Resorts has long been associated with timeless elegance, legendary service, and iconic experiences.
The brand is famous for its private butler service, refined hospitality traditions, and signature moments such as the world-famous Singapore Sling.
Today, Raffles continues to captivate luxury travelers with extraordinary properties in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
With Aaron Kaupp now leading the regional portfolio, the brand is poised to further strengthen its position as one of the most prestigious luxury hotel groups globally, delivering unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers seeking sophistication, personalization, and world-class hospitality.
