In the world of hospitality, few figures carry the stature of Ibrahim Nashaat. As General Manager of Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars—one of Egypt’s flagship hotels—he has spent nearly four decades refining the craft of hotel leadership. With an early foundation in IT and a keen grasp of what drives guest satisfaction, Nashaat is not merely managing a hotel—he is shaping a legacy.

His career is defined by leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. Nashaat’s journey with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) began in 1988 at Semiramis InterContinental, steadily advancing through roles of growing responsibility. By 2002, he was part of the pre-opening team for InterContinental Cairo Citystars as Area Director of Information Technology. He later transitioned into hotel operations, becoming Hotel Manager of InterContinental Cairo Citystars, before stepping into his current role in 2015. Today, under his stewardship, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars continues to flourish as a landmark destination—renowned for its exceptional service, family-friendly atmosphere, and vibrant culinary offerings.

In this exclusive interview, Nashaat shares insights into leading through inflationary pressures, elevating food and beverage experiences, and investing in the next generation of hospitality talent. Whether you’re an executive chef, a hotelier, or simply passionate about the industry, this is a conversation not to be missed.

Interview Conducted by: Amal Bassaly

With over 35 years in hospitality, what guiding principles have helped you stay ahead in such a competitive and ever-changing industry?

People always come first—this has been my guiding principle throughout my career. If you take care of your team, they, in turn, take care of your guests, and that creates a cycle of excellence. I’ve also learned that adaptability is everything; our industry never stands still. Finally, I believe in lifelong learning. Staying curious and open to new ideas has allowed me to continuously evolve, grow, and remain relevant in such a dynamic field.

Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars is a culinary destination in its own right. How do you ensure your F&B outlets stay fresh, relevant, and competitive in a market that’s constantly evolving?

It all begins with listening—listening to our guests, to the market, and to our chefs. Their feedback and creativity are invaluable. We refresh our menus regularly, incorporating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients while ensuring that international standards of quality and presentation are upheld. Our approach is to blend authenticity with innovation—offering dishes that feel familiar yet exciting, ensuring our outlets remain a preferred choice for both locals and travelers.

Rising food costs and inflation are hitting kitchens worldwide. How are you and your team adapting to these challenges without compromising on food quality or guest satisfaction?

We’ve taken a proactive approach through smart sourcing, strategic menu engineering, and rigorous waste reduction. The goal isn’t to cut corners but to maximize value. For example, we optimize recipes to highlight quality ingredients while keeping efficiency in mind. Guests still enjoy the same level of excellence they expect from us, but delivered in a way that is sustainable for both the business and the customer.

What are some of the strategies you rely on to balance cost efficiency while still maintaining world-class standards?

For me, it comes down to training, discipline, and a culture of accountability. We empower our chefs and team members with cost-control skills, making them active contributors to the hotel’s success. Our kitchens are designed to operate with maximum efficiency, and we place great emphasis on consistency in service and presentation. Excellence doesn’t have to be expensive —it’s about using resources wisely and ensuring that every detail adds value to the guest experience.

Staff retention is a challenge across hospitality. What training and development programs have you implemented to grow talent and motivate your team?

At Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars, we combine the strength of IHG’s global learning platforms with tailored local programs. This includes mentorship, cross-training between departments, and structured career development paths. Recognition also plays a huge role—we celebrate achievements, fostering a culture where people feel valued. Importantly, we prioritize promoting from within, which gives our team members a clear vision of their growth potential and motivates them to stay committed.

Looking back, what stands out as your proudest moment as General Manager of Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars?

What makes me most proud is seeing my team rise to every challenge. From navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic to achieving record-breaking audit results, their resilience has been remarkable. But beyond these milestones, my proudest moments are when I see young, passionate talent grow into confident leaders. Watching people I’ve worked with flourish in their careers is the most rewarding part of being a general manager.

Many aspiring hoteliers see you as a role model. What advice would you give to young professionals hoping to lead a major hotel one day?

My advice is simple: stay humble, stay curious, and stay committed. Hospitality is about people, so take time to learn every part of the business and never stop asking questions. Empower your team, because leadership is not about control—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. And above all, keep service at the heart of everything you do. Passion and perseverance will take you further than you ever imagined.