Th8 Palm appoints three new leaders to its team following its opening in November 2021. The property, part of sbe, a portfolio of hotels managed by Accor, is now open on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.

The hotel has brought in Grant Budde as resort manager, Margarita Vaanmonde as executive head chef and Keegan Payne as F&B manager.

Grant Budde has been in the industry for over a decade, the majority of which has been spent in Dubai. Coming from an F&B background, he joined Jumeirah Group in 2009 as an outlet manager, moving up to beverage manager two years later.

He then worked at Kama Resorts as operations manager before returning to Jumeirah.

Budde then moved to Sofitel Dubai Downtown as assistant director of F&B, later moving to Lapita with Marriott as a director of F&B.His most recent role before Th8 was at the QE2 hotel moored in Dubai’s Mina Port.

The8 Palm appoints Margarita Vaamonde

The hotel’s signature F&B offering includes Envy, coffee shop EllaMia and more.

Vaamonde will lead culinary operations at these venues, leveraging her previous experience with the likes of MasterChef, the TV Experience and Catch LA and Dubai.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking the reins at this landmark property which further establishes this boutique hotel’s footmark. As resort manager, I intend to lead by example, and guide the team to position the hotel’s authentic and unconventional ways, assemble the best team possible and empower them to use their talents.”