17. Sandeep Walia
Company: Marriott International
Designation: COO—Middle East, Egypt, and Türkiye
Nationality: Indian
Global Headquarters: U.S.
Sector: Hotels and Hospitality
Walia assumed his current role in 2021, having joined Marriott International in 2005. In May 2024, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was unveiled on Ummahat Island in Saudi Arabia, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East. Two months later, the company signed an agreement with Eagle Hills to bring Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the U.A.E. Marriott International revealed it had made over 30 signings across the region, with the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye its largest growth markets. Walia sits on the advisory board for Arabian Travel Market and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.