Dubai, UAE – JA Resorts & Hotels, a brand built on authentic hospitality since 1981, has announced three significant leadership appointments at its flagship Jebel Ali Beach destination. The new leaders will bring their expertise to JA Palm Tree Court, JA The Beach Hotel, and JA Lake View Hotel, aiming to elevate the guest experience and meet the expectations of modern travelers.
The appointments include Russell Dillon as Group Director of Sales, Stewart King as Director of Food & Beverage (F&B), and Lara Abu Harb as Group Director of Revenue.
René D. Eilers, Cluster General Manager for the three properties, commented on the new additions: “The experience, leadership approach, and genuine passion for connecting with guests that Russell, Stewart, and Lara bring will be an ideal fit for our teams at Jebel Ali Beach. As we continue to evolve with the travel and hospitality sector, having the right leaders is fundamental to staying true to our legacy of delivering exceptional, guest-centric experiences.”
New Leadership Profiles
Russell Dillon: Group Director of Sales
Russell Dillon joins with over 20 years of international experience in key markets including the UAE, Asia, and Europe. In his new role, Dillon will be tasked with driving sustainable revenue growth and elevating the renowned JA guest experience across the three hotels. His collaborative, results-driven approach will focus on strengthening the brand’s market presence while fostering a supportive work environment that reflects the warm, authentic spirit of JA hospitality.
Stewart King: Director of Food & Beverage
Stewart King will be responsible for enhancing the diverse dining experiences across the three Jebel Ali Beach destinations. King began his F&B career at age 14 and spent 25 years developing family businesses in Scotland. Moving from a general manager role to his current position, his innate talent for engaging with guests and creating dining concepts that transcend the ordinary reflect the essence of JA’s authentic hospitality.
Lara Abu Harb: Group Director of Revenue
Lara Abu Harb joins the team as Group Director of Revenue, overseeing all three Jebel Ali Beach hotels. With over 12 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, she will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth by developing effective revenue optimization strategies. Abu Harb has previously worked with prominent international hotel brands across the Middle East, gaining deep regional market knowledge. Her previous role was as Cluster Revenue Optimization Manager at Shangri-La in Muscat, where she oversaw revenue for three resorts.
These strategic appointments underscore JA Resorts & Hotels’ commitment to strengthening its position as a premier lifestyle destination in Dubai. The addition of Dillon, King, and Abu Harb is set to be invaluable as the hotels focus on delivering world-class service and forging strong guest relationships.


