Gabriel Canaves Email and Phone Number

I joined Meliá in 1969, when the company, which today is an internationally recognised multinational, had been founded just 13 years previously. At that time, Meliá had only a few hotels, and today we have more than 380. A growth in which I had the opportunity to participate firsthand.Since 2009, I have combined two major challenges, leading our Cuban operations and as Chief HR Officer of the Human Resources department.As far as Cuba is concerned, I am currently leading a widespread development programme and I am pleased to say that today we manage 36 hotels, hand in hand with our Cuban partners, and we have gained credibility and confidence in this destination.In my position as CHRO, I am proud to have relaunched talent management as a strategic function for the Group's strong international expansion, together with a significant reorganization of the company that has allowed Meliá to emerge even stronger than before from the worst financial crisis the travel industry has ever seen.Our HR team is implementing a cultural transformation, together with a change in the paradigm of the department itself, where we put our people at the centre, providing them with all the tools they may need to be able to develop their full potential.During my professional career, I have been fortunate to find people with a great deal of talent who have inspired me to improve myself and cope with difficulties. Looking back and seeing how I have progressed, I can honestly say that I feel confident starting things from scratch and establishing road maps where they did not already exist. I am not afraid of change, in fact, I am known in my team for asking questions that challenge the status quo, although I prefer to take small and safe steps. I am very proud to be part of a company with a personality that is fully recognized in the sector, where the barriers that stop or contain others are only challenges for us that can, should and have to be overcome ... and always by our people!