Management Appointments at Rixos Bab Al Bahr

The award-winning all-inclusive resort located in Ras Al Khaimah has appointed Cerrah Sami Kaplanci as the new General Manager and Galip Mahazim as the new Hotel Manager at Rixos Bab Al Bahr.

In his new role, Kaplanci will oversee the entire hotel operations and the commercial performance of the resort which includes 650 guest rooms and suites, 15 restaurants and bars, the largest spa in the emirate and Ras Al Khaimah’s most prestigious conference centre. 

With over 22 years of international hospitality experience, Kaplanci’s previous roles include Cluster General Manager of Rixos Sharm El Sheikh and Rixos Seagate Sharm in Egypt; General Manager for Rixos Alamein in Egypt; General Manager of the Sunrise Select Royal Makadi Resort in Egypt; Assistant Director of Operations for the Joy Group of Hotels in Turkey and General Manager of Akka Hotels in Turkey. 

Kaplanci’s career began in Germany at the Intercontinental Köln in Germany after he graduated with a double degree in hotel management and economics from BAVARIA Altötting, Germany in 1992. He then spent three years in Germany before he moved to Turkey to join The Iberotel Sarigerme Park in 1995. Half Turkish, half German, Kaplanci brings years of invaluable experience to the resort, where he will be responsible for a number of the resort’s developmental projects including the opening of a new waterpark, new restaurants and major resort refurbishments. 

Turkish national, Galip Mahazim, has been appointed Hotel Manager at Rixos Bab Al Bahr. Responsible for the day-to-day execution of all hotel operations and overseeing over 600 members of Staff, Mahazim brings to his role extensive knowledge of food and beverage management, hotel operations and pre-opening experiences within the luxury hotel industry.

His international experience in hospitality spans a number well-known brands including Kempinski. Movenpick and Rixos Hotels. He began his career in food and beverage and progressed through the ranks to become Hotel Manager Rixos Downtown Antalya in 2012. From there he moved to Rixos Sharm El Sheikh where he worked together with Kaplanci managing one of the most popular resorts in the destination.