Who is Who
Julia Schamne is the Cluster General Manager at Accor, leading Adagio Dubai Deira, Ibis Styles Dubai Deira, and Mercure Deira. Known for her authentic, people centered leadership, she brings extensive experience across luxury and upscale hospitality brands. Julia excels in operational strategy, guest experience, and team development, and is recognized as one of the region’s influential hoteliers for her commitment to excellence and future focused leadership.
Leading Through Purpose, Passion, and People
Every great leadership story begins with a defining belief. For Julia Schamne, that belief is rooted in a simple yet powerful idea: authenticity is the strongest asset a leader can bring to the table. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that excellence in hospitality is not achieved through processes alone, but through purpose, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to people.
Her journey, which spans continents, cultures, and brands, reveals a leader who has consistently exceeded expectations and who embraces challenge as an opportunity. Julia once expressed in a leadership reflection, “The most meaningful contribution we can offer is not just the success of the properties we lead, but the knowledge, lessons, and experience we share along the way.” This framing of leadership as legacy continues to define the mark she leaves on teams, guests, and the wider industry.
Today, as Cluster General Manager at Accor, Julia leads prominent properties in Dubai’s vibrant Deira district. She oversees Adagio Dubai Deira, Ibis Styles Dubai Deira, and Mercure Deira with the same focus that has guided her throughout her career: people first, excellence always.
Foundation: A Global Mindset Begins to Form
Julia’s path into hospitality started long before her first role. Born with an early fascination for travel, cultural diversity, and the magic of guest experience, she built her academic foundation intentionally.
Her educational journey began at Bernhard Strigel Gymnasium, where she completed her Abitur in 2004. Her passion for tourism then led her to the University of Brighton, where she pursued a Degree of Higher Education in International Tourism Management from 2004 to 2007. Determined to deepen her expertise, she advanced her studies at the University of Applied Sciences Chur, earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in International Tourism Management and Marketing in 2008.
These academic experiences did more than equip her with industry knowledge. They exposed her to diverse perspectives, shaped her appreciation for multicultural environments, and formed the bedrock of her leadership approach. Julia’s foundation reflects her belief that great leaders never stop learning, a mindset she continues to demonstrate today.
Ascent: A Career Built on Momentum and Mastery
Early Steps Into Hospitality
Julia began her professional journey at The Sea Pines Resort, where she quickly demonstrated a strong aptitude for operations and guest relations. Her dedication earned her a move to Kempinski Hotels, where she served as a Guest Relations Executive from 2008 to 2009 and strengthened her understanding of luxury service.
Expanding Experience Across Renowned Brands
Her next roles marked significant steps in her international hospitality journey. At Baros Maldives, she served as Assistant Front Office Manager, followed by a similar position at Radisson Blu. These experiences shaped her operational expertise and her ability to lead teams in high demand, multicultural environments.
From 2012 to 2015, Julia joined JA Resorts and Hotels, where she continued to refine her leadership style and became known for her adaptability, calm under pressure, and strong operational oversight.
Ascending Through Accor: From Rooms Leader to Cluster General Manager
Julia’s transformative chapter began when she joined Accor in December 2015. She started as Front Office Manager at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche and quickly proved herself capable of driving performance, team engagement, and guest experience at the highest level. Her impact led to her promotion to Director of Rooms in 2019.
That same year, she transitioned to Hotel Manager at Novotel and Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha, taking responsibility for 664 rooms and the full operational scope across Rooms, Food and Beverage, Engineering, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
In 2020, Julia accepted the role of General Manager (pre opening) for Adagio Premium The Palm, the first of its kind on Palm Jumeirah and only the second in the GCC. The position showcased her growing expertise in hotel openings, brand positioning, and experience driven leadership.
Impact: Shaping Teams, Transforming Experiences, and Influencing the Industry
Leading Three Hotels With Purpose
Today, Julia serves as Cluster General Manager at Accor, managing Adagio Dubai Deira, Ibis Styles Dubai Deira, and Mercure Deira, a combined portfolio of 482 rooms and 14 outlets. Her leadership is defined by a blend of business acumen, strategic oversight, and a genuine commitment to building empowered, engaged teams.
Across her properties, she is known for elevating Food and Beverage concepts, driving creative brand storytelling, and championing initiatives that enhance guest experience and team engagement. Several outlets under her leadership have recently been recognized across the region for their excellence.
A Leader Driven by Authenticity
Julia’s leadership values are often reflected in her public statements. She believes deeply in the power of genuine connection and once stated, “Every leader carries a different story, but at the heart of it all, what unites us is our humanity, the deep longing for connection and the power of authenticity.” This philosophy has guided her approach to leading teams and delivering meaningful experiences.
Her recognition as one of Hotelier Middle East’s Most Influential Hoteliers underscores her impact within the region’s hospitality landscape.
A Recommendation That Speaks Volumes
Her leadership is perhaps best captured by those who have worked closely with her. In a strong recommendation, her Cluster Director of Finance wrote:
“Julia’s ability to seamlessly blend business strategy with operational excellence is truly impressive. She has a deep understanding of financial performance and ensures profitability is aligned with the highest service standards. Her leadership fosters collaboration and trust, and her genuine care for both her team and the guests is evident in everything she does.”
This praise reflects her strategic, people centered, and results driven approach.
Vision for the Future: Empowering the Next Generation
Julia’s aspirations extend beyond operational success. She is committed to shaping future hospitality leaders through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and leading by example. Her participation in industry panels and thought leadership discussions underscores her dedication to advancing the profession.
As she shared in a recent reflection, “Passing on our learnings is how we leave a legacy that goes beyond the walls of our hotels. It is how we shape the future of hospitality itself.”
Her future vision is grounded in this commitment. She continues to focus on guest experience, meaningful innovation, and building leaders who embrace the full heart and spirit of hospitality.
Editorial Note
Julia Schamne’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and purposeful leadership. From her academic foundations to her rise within Accor, she has shown that excellence is built on values, discipline, and unwavering dedication. Her commitment to authentic leadership, team development, and operational excellence makes her an influential figure in the industry.
Her journey continues to inspire rising hoteliers and established professionals alike, offering a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by position, but by impact.
