Basel Abu Hamdeh
Human Resources Director
Amman
Summary
Transformational leader with over 20 years in luxury and international hospitality. Expertise in HR transformation, organizational design, and developing high-performance cultures in complex environments. Skilled in aligning service excellence with regulatory demands and driving measurable business outcomes.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Anjum Hotel - Makkah & ALJERIC
05.2023 - Current
- Lead the full HR function for a large-scale hospitality operation in Makkah, supporting high-demand operations including Hajj seasons. Designed and implemented a new Annual Performance Review framework integrating KPIs, competencies, and managerial evaluations. Reduced employee turnover and improved engagement through targeted welfare, housing, and workplace initiatives. Executed Saudization planning and alignment with national localization requirements to enhance workforce diversity. Led organizational restructuring and workforce planning across departments to optimize talent allocation and improve operational effectiveness. Collaborated with executive leadership to enhance governance and compliance frameworks, strengthening leadership capability across the organization.
- Developed and implemented HR strategies to support organizational objectives.
- Led talent acquisition initiatives, enhancing recruitment processes and candidate experiences.
- Streamlined employee onboarding procedures, improving integration and engagement rates.
Director of Human Resources
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Led HR strategy for flagship luxury resort, overseeing workforce planning, compliance, employee engagement to enhance organizational effectiveness. Managed HR operations during COVID-19 crisis, ensuring business continuity and prioritizing colleague welfare to support operational resilience.
- Led talent acquisition strategies, enhancing recruitment efficiency and aligning staffing with organizational goals.
- Developed employee engagement initiatives, fostering a positive workplace culture and improving retention rates.
- Streamlined performance management processes, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and enhancing employee development.
Director of Talent & Culture
Le Grand Amman (Sofitel Amman) (Accor Group)
03.2018 - 10.2018
- Led HR transformation during hotel rebranding, developing policies, aligning compensation, and implementing culture initiatives to support organizational change.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programs for management staff, improving team performance.
- Oversaw financial planning and budgeting processes, aligning resources with organizational goals.
Cluster Director of Human Resources
IHG Hotels
04.2014 - 03.2018
- Led HR operations across multiple properties, ensuring audit compliance and fostering talent development.
- Managed operations for Dead Sea Cluster properties
- Developed and implemented strategic talent acquisition initiatives to enhance workforce quality.
- Facilitated organizational development programs to improve employee engagement and performance metrics.
- Streamlined HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal standards and industry best practices.
Human Resources Manager
Holiday Inn Amman Hotel
05.2007 - 03.2017
- Led impactful colleague development and engagement initiatives, contributing to award-winning people practices, national advisory roles, brand relaunches, guest experience excellence, and multiple IHG regional and corporate awards across the Middle East and Levant.
- Developed and implemented HR policies to enhance employee engagement and retention.
- Led recruitment efforts, utilizing effective sourcing strategies to attract top talent.
- Streamlined onboarding processes, improving new hire integration and training efficiency.
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Holiday Inn Amman Hotel
07.2003 - 05.2007
- Led impactful colleague development and engagement initiatives, contributing to award-winning people practices, national advisory roles, brand relaunches, guest experience excellence, and multiple IHG regional and corporate awards across the Middle East and Levant.
- Coordinated food and beverage operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen and service teams to develop innovative menu offerings and special promotions.
- Monitored inventory levels, maintaining optimal stock for seamless service delivery and cost control.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
Bournemouth University
United Kingdom01-2000
Skills
HR Strategy & Transformation
Organizational design
Performance management
Employee engagement
Labor law governance
Leadership development
Audit compliance
Change management
Certification
ALDP Master Trainer (IHG), Heartist Transformation Trainer (Accor), Solution Selling (IHG) | Master Trainer, Holiday Inn rebranding Champion (2009), Leadership & Change Management Programs
Personal Information
- Nationality: Jordanian
- Current residence: Amman - Jordan
- Marital Status: Single (Two Kids)
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Anjum Hotel - Makkah & ALJERIC
05.2023 - Current
Director of Human Resources
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar
07.2019 - 05.2023
Director of Talent & Culture
Le Grand Amman (Sofitel Amman) (Accor Group)
03.2018 - 10.2018
Cluster Director of Human Resources
IHG Hotels
04.2014 - 03.2018
Human Resources Manager
Holiday Inn Amman Hotel
05.2007 - 03.2017
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Holiday Inn Amman Hotel
07.2003 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
Bournemouth University