Ketan Somaia

Ketan Somaia is a successful entrepreneur, businessman and political figure. A native of Kenya, Ketan is best recognized for establishing Block Hotels, one Africa's oldest hotel chains and developing it into the Dophin Group, a prominent multi-national group of companies. The group transformed into Dubai-based Dolphin Holdings, and focused on banking and motor trading businesses. Ketan's savvy business experience and expertise awarded him international acclaim, including the E.B.S., one of Kenya' highest business achievement awards. He was also named the N.R.I.'s international businessman of the decade in 1992. In addition to his many business activities, Ketan is an avid tennis player, and enjoys swimming, badminton, cooking, and travel. 

 

Unparalleled Business Success

 

Ketan Somaia's colorful career began in 1989 when he founded and chaired Marshalls (East Africa) Ltd., Kenya's foremost distribution agency for Peugeot, Honda and Tata vehicles. He was also involved in the founding and management of a successful line of African-based businesses, including the Mivani Sugar Company, one of Kenya's largest sugar producing companies, International Casino, a prominent casino chain in Nairobi and Mombasa, and in 1989, he founded Dolphin Leisure Club Ltd., one of the largest independent members-only leisure and squash clubs in Africa. In 1992, Ketan established Block Hotels, one of Africa's most prestigious hotel chains, where he held the position of Chairman until 2010. Block Hotels includes some of the continent's most popular hotels, such as Nyali Beach, Naivasha Country Club and the world-famous Tree Tops Lodge.

 

Building the Dolphin Group

 

Ketan Somaia founded the Dolphin Group, an amalgamation of his prestigious companies and businesses. The Dolphin Group, headquartered in Dubai, with offices on four continents, is a diverse multi-national organization. The company's main interests include leisure tourism, hotels, banking, agriculture, automotive assembly distribution, media, and global trading. Until 2010, the Dophin Group, later renamed Dolphin Holdings, was chaired by one-time Tory Party chairman Lord Parkinson and Ketan's former business associate. 

Block Hotels Flourish in Global Takeover

 

In a recent acquisition by mega hotel chain, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., the world's largest hotel and gaming conglomerate, the company will take over management of Block Hotels, part of the Leisure and Tourism Division of the Dolphin Group. The Dolphin Group is recognized throughout the world for its ongoing commitment to expanding and enhancing its leisure and tourism offering throughout Africa, and building strategic alliances with partners around the globe. Block Hotels successfully owns and operates 12 of Kenya's major hotels and game lodges. This impressive acquisition will encourage and boost international tourism to Kenya and maintain the country's safari tourism and beach resort industry. The new management contract coincides with Block Hotel's major multi-million dollar renovation and refurbishment program that will commence over the next few months. As part of its takeover, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts plans to add a new dimension to Kenya's growing travel and tourism industry, with the enhancement of the country's already successful chain of hotels and gaming lodges. 

 

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