Lama Nasrallah (BS’ 21), Sales Executive at Hotelbeds

LAU gave me the perfect educational environment suited for someone who is passionate about this industry. Experiential education allowed us to simulate real-life scenarios, beyond theoretical learning. We learned alongside our professors, and it felts as if we were a family. I am lucky to have been the president of the Hospitality Club, where we ran several successful events on campus, which enhanced my educational, social and professional skills. Another important aspect of my experience were the internships abroad that LAU facilitated for us, where we underwent rigorous training across some of the most popular hospitality events worldwide.

Makram Malaeb (BS ‘01; MBA ‘04), Chief Commercial Officer at SACO, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

I spent the majority of my career at the Kuwait-based Sultan Center (TSC), where I climbed up the ranks to become a chief commercial officer,  overlooking the commercial operations across five countries. Working in the food industry, my background in hospitality management was of great value especially in the fresh foods departments. Following my experience with TSC stores, I took on the chief executive officer position for a dairy-production and distribution company in Kuwait, that was also part of the Sultan Group. I have also created my own brand, named Chef Mak, that offers unique gourmet products.

Walid Assaad (BS ‘01), Chief Marketing Officer at Matbakhi, a leading hotel-based cloud kitchen in Riyadh, KSA

My time at LAU’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Department laid the foundation for much of my professional success. The comprehensive curriculum, combined with practical experiences, equipped me with the skills necessary to thrive in the fast-paced world of hospitality. Beyond technical knowledge, the department fostered an environment of innovation and creativity, encouraging me to think strategically and lead effectively.

Throughout my career—from launching successful food and beverage startups to managing large-scale operations in the Middle East—I have drawn from the leadership principles and industry insights I gained at LAU. The program’s focus on both operational excellence and customer-centric strategies has been instrumental in shaping my approach to business and brand development.

Mohamad Azakir (BS ‘03; MBA ‘10), Area HR Director for Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon at Intercontinental Hotels 

Studying at LAU has offered the perfect foundation for hospitality management. 

Currently holding the position of Area HR Director for Qatar, Kuwait & Lebanon at InterContinental Hotels testifies to how that LAU shapes it graduates to become solid and successful business partners. Knowledgeable instructors and the field experiences that we were exposed to have set us up for success, as we experienced hospitality from all angles. Internships, field visits and senior studies bolstered our understanding and prepared us to explore the attractive world of luxury hospitality.