VOLKAN UYANIK
Istanbul,34
Summary
Experienced hospitality executive with over 25 years of expertise in hotel management, brand development, and pre-opening operations. I have successfully led high-profile openings and branding projects for renowned international hotel chains, including Wyndham, Rixos, Choice Hotels, and Marriott. My core strengths include strategic planning, financial oversight, operational optimization, and quality assurance. Passionate about crafting exceptional guest experiences and consistently driving sustainable revenue growth.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-Opening General Manager
Cappadocia Marriott Hotel
10.2024 - Current
- Leading the pre-opening phase of Cappadocia Marriott Hotel, ensuring seamless brand integration and operational readiness
- Overseeing all Marriott standard implementations, including service protocols, compliance, and brand identity
- Managing budgeting, financial forecasting, and operational structure development
- Coordinating with stakeholders to ensure a successful launch and positioning in the luxury hospitality market
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
Brand Hotels Director
DRD HOTELS
05.2023 - 09.2024
- Led the full-scale development and establishment of Ramada by Wyndham Çeşme from concept to operation
- Spearheaded the rebranding and transformation of Wyndham Datça, Dolce by Wyndham Çeşme Alaçatı, and La Quinta Çeşme simultaneously
- Successfully launched Dolce by Wyndham Çeşme Alaçatı, the first upscale Dolce brand property in Turkey
- Managed all pre-opening processes, including budgeting, financial planning, brand positioning, and operational strategy
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Cluster Manager
Dorak Holding
01.2018 - 08.2022
- Oversaw the operations of Ramada by Wyndham Cappadocia, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Avanos, and Sacred House by Dorak
- Developed revenue and brand management strategies to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency
General Manager
Clarion Hotel Istanbul
01.2015 - 08.2016
- Served as Pre-Opening General Manager for Turkey’s first Clarion Hotel under Choice Hotels
- Led the post-opening operational structure and service standardization
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
Director of Operations
Rixos Premium Göcek (Adults Only)
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Developed and implemented brand standards, SOPs, and operational concepts during the investment phase
- Managed FF&E, O&SE procurement, and operational integration
Pre-Opening Team Leader
Rixos Hotels
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Led the pre-opening operations of Rixos Quba, Rixos Naftalan, Rixos Shamakhi (Azerbaijan), Rixos Bab Al Bahr (Abu Dhabi), and Rixos Eskişehir Bademlik (Turkey)
- Played a key role in Rixos Hotels’ catering operations during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
Hotel Manager
Rixos Quba
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Managed pre-opening and post-opening operations of Azerbaijan’s premier luxury hotel
- Developed the hotel’s brand identity and service excellence standards
Restaurant Supervisor
Craftsteak, MGM Grand
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Supervised fine dining operations at one of the most prestigious steakhouse restaurants in Las Vegas
Food & Beverage Director
Kayı Group
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Managed F&B operations for nine hotels under the Riva Hotels & Adam & Eve Hotel brand
- Led the concept development and design for Adam & Eve Hotel in collaboration with architect Eren Talu
Assistant F&B Manager
Rixos Hotels
01.1999 - 03.2005
- Led pre-opening F&B operations for Rixos Beldibi, Rixos Kemer, Rixos Bodrum, and Rixos Premium Belek
Restaurant Supervisor
Royal Caribbean Cruise
04.1996 - 02.1998
Captain
Kiriş World Magic Hotel
04.1994 - 04.1996
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Tourism Management
02-2019
Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management - Tourism Management
04-2017
Skills
- Staff training and development
- Operations management
- Financial acumen
- Branding
- Marketing expertise
Timeline
Pre-Opening General Manager - Cappadocia Marriott Hotel
10.2024 - Current
Brand Hotels Director - DRD HOTELS
05.2023 - 09.2024
Cluster Manager - Dorak Holding
01.2018 - 08.2022
General Manager - Clarion Hotel Istanbul
01.2015 - 08.2016
Director of Operations - Rixos Premium Göcek (Adults Only)
01.2014 - 01.2015
Pre-Opening Team Leader - Rixos Hotels
01.2012 - 01.2014
Hotel Manager - Rixos Quba
01.2011 - 01.2014
Restaurant Supervisor - Craftsteak, MGM Grand
01.2009 - 01.2011
Food & Beverage Director - Kayı Group
01.2005 - 01.2009
Assistant F&B Manager - Rixos Hotels
01.1999 - 03.2005
Restaurant Supervisor - Royal Caribbean Cruise
04.1996 - 02.1998
Captain - Kiriş World Magic Hotel
04.1994 - 04.1996
AKDENIZ UNIVERSITY - Bachelor’s Degree , Tourism Management
Cornell University - Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management, Tourism Management