The Club’s New GM

In our 60-year history, there have only ever been seven General Managers and last month we bid a heartfelt farewell to Mike McGrath, The Club’s longest-serving GM of 25 years, who took up the leadership role in 1997 and along with the 250-strong team, Committee and dedication of the membership, has steered a successful course for the community to become The Club as we know it today, now recognised internationally as one of the Top 100 City Clubs in the World, awarded by Club Leaders Forum, Platinum Clubs of the World 2022/23.

Alongside The Club Chairman and Committee, Mike aided the recruitment of his successor, engaging in a specialised recruitment consultancy and conducting extensive assessments and interviews. Earlier this year it was announced, that The Club’s current Director of Recreation, Kyle Wykes, was the successful candidate, and would commence his new role on 1 July 2022.

Ali Kaddas, The Club Chairman, commented: “On behalf of the members, I sincerely thank Mike for all he has achieved at The Club over the last 28 years in total, and we look forward to supporting Kyle as he takes on the challenge of leading The Club Team now and in the coming years.”

Kyle’s previous professional experience includes 15 years in leisure and hospitality, including four years with Jumeirah Group in Dubai before joining The Club in 2017. Kyle has announced a new five-year vision which will see The Club build upon the foundations that have contributed to The Club’s success over the past 60 years and offer existing and new members the best value and most competitive leisure experiences in the region, recognising the important role The Club plays in the wider Abu Dhabi community.

Mike says: “I congratulate Kyle on assuming the role as The Club’s eighth General Manager, and I know I leave this special community in very capable hands. I wish Kyle, the Management, Staff, Committee and Members all my best wishes for the future, and will always fondly recall the happiness, support and warmth of this place, which means so much to so many.”

Kyle takes over the position at an exciting time with The Club’s main restaurant refurbishment set to open in September, along with the continuation of celebrations for The Club’s 60th anniversary which tie into the eagerly awaited return of The Club’s comprehensive schedule of events, activities and entertainment, which has been scaled down over recent years due to the pandemic.

Kyle said: “I feel privileged to be entrusted by the Committee and Membership to lead such a wonderful establishment that is The Club. It is an honour to take the reins from Mike, with whom it has been a pleasure to work and learn from over the years.

I am grateful to lead and work alongside the wonderful Club team and continue to build upon the foundations that have made The Club successful, specifically its sense of community – this for me is where the heart of The Club lies. Along with The Club team and Club Committee, I look forward to implementing changes to modernise The Club and to continue to offer our Members the best possible experience.”