Based in Dubai, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa & Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, Tim Cordon is responsible for leading hotel operations and delivering business growth and profit across the group’s largest area, with over 220 hotels currently in operation or under development.
As a young and dynamic hotelier, Tim brings a level of knowledge, skills and experience, which are critical to Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion plans and strategic operations across the MEA and SEAP
A British national, Tim has been with Radisson Hotel Group (formerly Carlson Rezidor) since 2003 and was appointed COO for MEA in 2022, and in January 2023 he added SouthEast Asia Pacific (SEAP) regions to his role, part of the Group’s strategy to leverage its internal leadership talent to drive growth in its most rapidly expanding markets.
He began his progressive career in the UK where his first General Manager’s position was at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport which, at the time was Rezidor’s largest hotel in the UK and where he successfully positioned the hotel in Rezidor’s top 20 performing hotels worldwide. He went onto hold leadership positions in two of the group’s key properties in London, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel Stansted Airport.
He briefly left the group to become General Manager of the Cumberland Hotel in London, before returning as the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. In 2015, he was promoted to Regional Director Middle East & Turkey
READ: Africa: Radisson Hotel Group leads hospitality growth in Africa with the most hotel openings
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Tim holds a degree from Nottingham Trent University in Mechanical Engineering and Design and Technology, including qualified teacher status. In 2006, Cordon entered the British Hospitality Hall of Fame, with the Alpha Forum Prize – “Young manager” award.
Tim Cordon is a prominent name in the hospitality sector, having earned a coveted spot on the prestigious Hoteliers Middle East Executive power list for several consecutive years.
Nigeria’s hospitality scene is evolving fast, and Radisson Hotel Group is at the forefront of that transformation. In this exclusive interview, Tim Cordon, COO for the Middle East, Africa & Southeast Asia Pacific, explains how the Group is blending global standards with local culture, driving innovation, and setting the stage for long-term growth in one of Africa’s most dynamic markets.
A Market on the Rise
“Nigeria is one of the most dynamic hospitality markets in Africa,” says Cordon. “The combination of economic growth, an expanding middle class, and rising domestic travel creates strong potential for quality hotels that deliver both global standards and local character.”
For Radisson Hotel Group, this means going beyond simply offering a place to stay. Hotels must deliver experiences that feel both world-class and uniquely Nigerian.
Global Consistency, Local Relevance
With more than 100 hotels in operation and development across Africa, Radisson has learned how to balance consistency with cultural authenticity. In Nigeria, menus pair international favorites with traditional dishes, hotel spaces serve both corporate and family needs, and local talent is trained to deliver service at global standards.
“Hospitality is local at its core,” says Cordon. “Our role is to bring the strength of a global brand while ensuring our hotels reflect the tastes, traditions, and priorities of the communities they serve.”
Innovation That Anticipates Trends
Nigerian travelers are increasingly tech-savvy and experience-driven. Radisson is responding with smart check-in systems, flexible work-and-play spaces, and event venues designed for both hybrid meetings and vibrant social gatherings.
Sustainability has also become a cornerstone, with energy-efficient systems, local sourcing, and waste-reduction initiatives embedded across properties.
“In West Africa, we’re not just keeping up with trends, we aim to lead them,” Cordon notes. “Guests want convenience, personalization, and sustainability, and they want it delivered with genuine warmth.”
Partnerships with Purpose
Radisson Hotel Group’s strategy in Nigeria also emphasizes collaboration with local communities and organizations. The Group works with cultural institutions, champions preservation initiatives, and provides learning opportunities for team members. These partnerships support local causes while deepening guest connections to Nigerian culture.
Technology as a Constant
While the hospitality landscape will continue to evolve with new technologies and shifting guest expectations, some fundamentals will always matter to Nigerian guests: convenience, reliability, and predictability. Seamless booking, efficient access, accurate information, and dependable in-room services remain essential.
“Our strategies are built to adapt,” says Cordon, “ensuring that we stay timeless, even as trends come and go.”
Building Resilience in a Shifting Market
Recent years have tested global hospitality, but Radisson Hotel Group’s response in Nigeria has been diversification. From upscale Radisson Blu hotels in major cities to select-service Park Inn by Radisson properties in emerging hubs, the Group is broadening its reach while capitalizing on the growth of domestic travel.
Travel Trends Shaping the Future
Two shifts are particularly influencing Radisson Hotel Group’s strategy: the rise of “bleisure” travel and the growing demand for sustainable stays. Hotels are increasingly designed to serve both business and leisure needs, offering co-working lounges, wellness facilities, and curated cultural experiences. Eco-conscious travelers, meanwhile, expect transparency on environmental impact and measurable results.
Investing in People
Radisson Hotel Group’s growth in Nigeria is anchored in talent development. In April 2025, the Group launched its first Radisson Academy Live in Lagos, part of its global learning and development platform designed to upskill hospitality professionals.
Since its inception in 2019, Radisson Academy has grown to offer over 2,500 training programs, spanning leadership, hotel operations, sales, revenue management, and finance. The Lagos edition adds a hands-on element tailored to Nigeria, empowering local talent and building clear career pathways.
Radisson’s investment in training reflects its broader transformation strategy, ensuring that team members have the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing market while strengthening the Group’s pipeline of future leaders.
Looking Ahead
“Nigeria is central to our African growth story,” says Cordon. “We’re here for the long haul, and our goal is to keep raising the bar for hospitality across the country.”
