Global hospitality brand Hyatt has announced the appointment of seasoned hotelier Moshi Perera as the new General Manager of Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands. Alongside this role, Perera has also been named Area Vice President for Hyatt across Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting the group’s ambitions to deepen its regional footprint and accelerate growth across the continent.
With over 30 years of international hospitality experience across eight countries, Perera brings a reputation for operational excellence, team leadership, and a sharp eye for delivering luxury guest experiences. His dual appointment is expected to inject renewed strategic momentum into Hyatt’s presence in Kenya and across Africa.
“I am delighted to take on the General Manager role at Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands and embark on an exciting journey with Hyatt in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Perera. “Returning to Hyatt feels like coming home.”
Moshi Perera began his hospitality journey in 1991 at London’s iconic Grosvenor House Hotel, launching a career that would span top-tier brands and world-class properties across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
His relationship with Hyatt began in 1998, and he quickly rose through the ranks to leadership roles at Hyatt Regency Dubai and The Galleria Residences by 2003. Perera later held executive positions at prominent hospitality names including:
- Forte Hotels
- Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
- Sankara Nairobi
- Fairmont & Raffles
- Most recently, the Shangri-La Group
With this background, Perera is recognized not just for his operational command, but also for people-centric leadership – an ethos he considers central to hospitality.
“Being a hotelier is a truly unique and privileged role – one that allows us to positively impact lives. It’s a profession rooted in passion, purpose, and people,” he reflected.
Perera’s expanded mandate as Area Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa comes at a pivotal moment for Hyatt. The brand has been actively exploring new markets, development partnerships, and asset management models to increase its footprint across Africa – a region considered the next frontier for luxury and lifestyle travel.
Kenya, particularly Nairobi, has emerged as a hospitality hub in East Africa, making it a natural base for Hyatt’s regional leadership. The Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, located in the city’s upmarket business district, plays a central role in the brand’s strategy to target corporate, diplomatic, and leisure travelers.
Industry watchers believe Perera’s blend of global experience and local familiarity – having previously worked in Nairobi – positions him well to steer Hyatt’s ambitions in the region.
Perera’s appointment is expected to intensify competition among Nairobi’s five-star properties, especially as global tourism, business travel, and conference tourism continue to rebound post-pandemic.
His arrival also comes amid rising investor interest in Kenya’s hospitality sector, driven by:
- Increased regional business activity
- Kenya’s position as a diplomatic and financial hub
- Growth in conference and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) tourism
- Nairobi’s rising appeal as a stopover destination for African and global travelers
As General Manager, Perera will oversee all operations at Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, focusing on elevating guest satisfaction, strengthening brand standards, and positioning the hotel as a market leader in Kenya.
As Area Vice President, he will be tasked with driving growth strategy across Sub-Saharan Africa, identifying expansion opportunities, and guiding new property launches.
His appointment signals Hyatt’s continued confidence in the African market and a renewed focus on creating leadership teams that combine international sophistication with regional insight.
