Richard Bleakley Bleakley boasts extensive industry experience. He kick started his hospitality career as an area sales manager for Marriott UK, climbing the rank ladder and holding a variety of key roles, before he was appointed general manager at the Northampton Marriott Hotel. In January 2012, he joined JW Marriott Hotel Dubai as director of rooms. In less than ten months he was promoted to director of operations and then moved on to his most recent position of acting general manager.