“It always seems impossible until it’s done,” these inspiring golden words of Nelson Mandela echo through the life of Maureen Okore, the Regional Marketing Director at Serena Hotels Africa. From her early days as a marketing whiz at top advertising firms to her current role shaping the Serena Hotels Africa brand across 22 African properties, Maureen has consistently turned challenges into triumphs. Her ability to blend innovation with the brand’s storied heritage is a testament to her belief in the power of creativity and purpose. She’s shaking up the hospitality industry and taking the brand to new heights, from PR and digital campaigns to loyalty programs and unforgettable guest experiences.
It has been quite a journey for her from being a food connoisseur to a brilliant brand maestro. What inspired Maureen to venture into the hospitality industry, and why Serena Hotels Africa? Maureen describes it as serendipitous, saying, “I feel like the stars aligned for me to be here.” A lifelong foodie and avid traveler, her passions had always pointed her towards the hospitality industry. For years, she’d harbored a dream of becoming a Brand Director. After honing her skills as a marketing maestro at advertising giants like BBDO, RedHouse Advertising, and WPP-Scangroup, she yearned to apply her expertise in a corporate environment. Serena Hotels Africa emerged as the ideal canvas for her to paint her marketing masterpiece.
Stay tuned till the end to experience what does it mean to celebrate life as Maureen takes us through various memory lanes of her stirring expedition that has landed her here.
Serena Hotels Africa: Empowering Communities Across Africa through Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Serena Hotels has long been a pioneer in integrating sustainability and community development into its African operations. Maureen highlights the company’s multifaceted approach to empowering local communities, focusing on environmental conservation, economic growth, and cultural preservation.
Environmental Impact: Serena Hotels has consistently demonstrated leadership in ecological sustainability, particularly since 1991. Its commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in initiatives like reforestation projects and seedling nurseries at each of its properties, engaging guests, staff, and local school children. Serena Beach Resort & Spa plays a significant role in marine conservation, specifically in sea turtle protection, while also running Kenya’s second butterfly sanctuary, which supports biodiversity by nurturing over 60 species of butterflies.
Community Empowerment: Serena Hotels prioritizes local economic growth through its procurement strategy, which emphasizes sourcing fresh produce and products from local suppliers. The company’s operations also contribute to the local economy by offering a platform for community artisans to sell their crafts in Serena Hotels Africa’s gift shops. The company engages in health and wellness initiatives, such as free medical consultations at Serena Clinics and health outreach programs. Furthermore, Serena Hotels Africa’s provision of clean drinking water and support for orphanages, hospitals, and homes for the elderly strengthens its role in improving local livelihoods.
Architectural and Cultural Preservation: Serena Hotels is committed to preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage and integrates local architectural styles and traditional crafts into its properties. At the Zanzibar Serena Hotel, guests can experience Swahili feasts and explore historic Stone Town. Similarly, properties in Tanzania and Uganda highlight indigenous arts like Makonde wood carving and Lubugo bark cloth.
Economic Contributions: Serena Hotels’ operations also provide direct economic benefits through employment, procurement, taxes, and park fees. The company’s indirect and induced economic impacts further contribute to the prosperity of the surrounding regions, as local businesses and suppliers benefit from the hotel’s presence. Serena Hotels Africa’s broader economic influence extends to the multiplier effect, ensuring long-term economic sustainability in the ecosystems within which they operate.
Through these initiatives, Serena Hotels continues to empower communities across Africa, aligning business success with environmental and social well-being. For more information on Serena Hotels’ sustainability efforts, visit their Sustainability page and Communication portal.
The Most Rewarding Aspects of Her Role at Serena Hotels Africa
Recognized as one of ‘Africa’s 10 Most Empowering Business Leaders to Follow in 2025,’ Maureen’s strategic partnerships with top-notch B2B collaborators ensure Serena Hotels Africa stays ahead of the curve. She beams as she reflects on the most gratifying facets of her role at Serena Hotels Africa. “Managing a legacy brand is a most rewarding experience for me as a brand guru!” she exclaims. She highlights how her experience in experiential marketing, strategy ideation, and leveraging guest feedback has played a key role in refining and enhancing business processes.
Her eyes light up when she discusses the joy of creating captivating video content to showcase the hotel’s delectable Food and Beverage segment. “Brainstorming with the chefs and the F&B teams to bring a gastronomic event to life,” she shares. The ultimate reward, she says, is witnessing the fruits of their labor: packed reservations and eager diners ready to savor every bite.
She takes equal pride in highlighting the stunning backdrops of Serena Hotels’ properties, from the dramatic cliffs of Ngorongoro to the serene beauty of Lake Duluti at Arusha Serena Hotel.
But for Maureen, it’s not just about the creative endeavors. She cherishes the power of teamwork, especially when marketing and operations join forces to achieve a common goal for the business to succeed.
Pioneering Marketing Campaigns: Building Serena Hotels’ Global Brand Presence
Maureen provides a comprehensive overview of Serena Hotels’ journey to becoming a leading African hospitality brand. From energy-efficient practices to wildlife conservation, Serena Hotels has set a new standard for responsible exclusive travel.
The brand’s “Safari and Beach Escapes” campaign, she explains, has been a game-changer, offering travelers the ultimate African adventure. By combining the thrill of wildlife safaris with the tranquility of pristine beaches, Serena Hotels Africa has captured the hearts of international tourists.
Maureen adds that Serena Hotels has embraced “Digital and Social Media Campaigns” to stay competitive in the digital age. The brand has cultivated a growing online presence through captivating visuals and engaging content, connecting with a global audience.
And let’s not forget the “Serena Signature Experiences,” which offer unforgettable adventures like hot air balloon safaris and wellness retreats. These exclusive experiences, Maureen emphasizes, cater to discerning travelers seeking the ultimate premier escape.
By combining these strategic initiatives, Serena Hotels Africa, has not only elevated its brand reputation but also positioned itself as a leader in African tourism.
Balancing Innovation and Brand Identity at Serena Hotels Africa
How does Serena Hotels stay ahead of the curve without losing its soul? Maureen explains that while they embrace modern marketing strategies like digital engagement and social media, and newly equipped call center, they remain steadfast in upholding the core values of African hospitality, authenticity, and cultural heritage. This ensures that any innovation complements, rather than compromises, the timeless essence of the Serena Hotels Africa experience.
Serena Hotels leverages digital platforms to share captivating stories about its rich history, unique locations, and cultural influences reflected in its architecture. By incorporating these stories into cultural immersion tours, the brand gives customers a more personalized experience. As Maureen remarks: “This is a unique feature of marketing for us since we are not just a building but a living, breathing story in years of African hospitality.”
Overcoming Challenges in Marketing
As Regional Marketing Director at Serena Hotels Africa, Maureen is no stranger to the uphill battle of ‘selling never-before-tried ideas in marketing.” Let’s face it! Juggling multiple, often conflicting, projects and the inevitable need to prioritize can be a circus act. Maureen knows this all too well. Sometimes, even the most exciting ideas have to take a backseat when priorities change. Despite these hurdles, she remains resolute, believing that even the most daunting tasks can be conquered with the right approach.
Fostering Growth and Empowerment at Serena Hotels Africa
Maureen ascribes, “At Serena Hotels Africa, our Human Resource team’s vision is to align talent with the organizations’ dreams. “She underscores that this is achieved by strategically developing talent. Through various initiatives, Serena Hotels Africa enhances the effectiveness of its workforce, aiming to achieve a competitive market edge. Key programs include productivity improvement, management development, talent pipelines, and specialized skills enhancement. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth. Notably, Serena Hotels Africa has collaborated with renowned hospitality institutions like EHL (École Hotelière de Lausanne) in 2024 to upskill teams, including chefs, sales teams, and executive management. This partnership has already resulted in exciting innovations, such as the introduction of French pastries, which have become a hit with guests at their breakfast offerings at the city hotels across Africa.
Serena Hotels Africa: A Unique Blend of Exclusivity, Location, and Sustainability
Maureen shares what makes Serena Hotels Africa the crème de la crème of the hospitality industry. The secret mantra? A diverse menu of experiences that caters to every wanderlust palate. Serena Hotels Africa has everything from the bustling cityscapes of capital cities to sun-kissed beaches and wild, untamed safaris. Whether you’re a city slicker seeking urban thrills or an adventure junkie craving the great outdoors, Serena Hotels Africa has the perfect recipe for an unforgettable stay.
Serena’s architectural flair is another showstopper. Each property is a masterpiece, seamlessly blending with its surroundings and offering guests a truly unique experience. Maureen takes pride in the stunning locations of the properties. Imagine sipping cocktails at Serena Beach Hotel, Kenya, with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop, or gazing at the breathtaking vistas of Ngorongoro Crater from your room at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge in Tanzania. And let’s not forget the picturesque view of Lake Duluti at Arusha Serena Hotel. How about the historic Zanzibar Serena Hotel, nestled in the heart of Stone Town, a living museum of Swahili culture? These are just a few examples of Serena Hotels Africa’s remarkable settings.
But Serena Hotels Africa isn’t just about premium travel experiences; it’s also about giving back. Maureen underlines that the brand is committed to sustainable practices and supporting local communities. From eco-friendly initiatives to conservation efforts, Serena Hotels Africa is positively impacting the environment and society.
She notes, “Globally recognized for our superior hospitality and service, Serena Hotels has become exceedingly decorated with ongoing distinctions for its continued reputation as one of the trusted partners in offering authentic travel experiences in Africa.”
Insights for Aspiring Marketing Leaders
This female seasoned professional offers a compelling blueprint for aspiring marketing leaders in the hospitality industry. She underscores the importance of lifelong learning, encouraging them to remain curious and eager to absorb knowledge from every corner, especially from those on the frontlines. She also emphasizes the crucial role of the customer. Understanding their needs and desires is not just a strategy; it’s the lifeblood of any business.
Resilience is another key ingredient. The path to success is often fraught with setbacks, but the tenacity to persevere and advocate for one’s ideas truly sets leaders apart. Maureen advises these aspirants, “Have a never-say-die attitude; a lot of ideas can get rejected if you do not have the staying power to see them through, lobby, and provide a business case.”
She deems that knowing one’s ‘why’ is a powerful tool to guide one’s career. It’s the compass that steers you towards purpose and fulfillment. Authenticity is another cornerstone. Maureen urges the aspirants to embrace their unique qualities, for there will always be someone who appreciates their individuality.
Finally, this industry veteran stresses the importance of self-care for mental health by finding a creative outlet to provide a much-needed respite and rejuvenate the mind. “I make African jewelry and write,” Maureen shares. “Those are my creative outlets, and they bring me joy in the middle of my busy schedule.” By nurturing their mental health, the aspiring marketing leaders are better equipped to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Shaping Leadership Through Empathy and Mentorship: Maureen’s Legacy
Maureen’s leadership philosophy is a captivating blend of coaching and empowerment. She doesn’t just manage; she mentors, igniting her team’s potential by equipping them with the tools and trust to soar. Her leadership style is a harmonious dance of firmness and kindness, where challenges are met with solutions, and successes are celebrated.
Grace Karuga, a mentor from Maureen’s formative years, played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership style. Grace’s belief in Maureen, her unwavering support, and her candid feedback laid the foundation for a confident and capable leader. Maureen carries this torch forward, empowering her team with the same care and encouragement she once received.
As a Regional Marketing Director, her leadership extends beyond her team. She fosters collaboration across departments, building strong relationships that drive results. By delegating effectively and providing constructive feedback, she empowers her team to grow professionally while meeting the department’s goals.
A Visionary’s Journey: Elevating Serena Hotels, Inspired by Divine Purpose
This strategic trailblazer aspires to revolutionize Serena Hotels Africa’s marketing landscape. She aims to foster strategic industry partnerships and experiment with cutting-edge marketing techniques to amplify the brand’s growth trajectory. By enhancing Serena Hotels Africa’s visibility and appeal, Maureen envisions igniting a fire of brand love, driving conversions, and fostering unwavering loyalty.
This dedicated maverick is determined to elevate marketing as a strategic business driver, empowering Rooms, Maisha Spa, and Food and Beverage outlets to flourish. Her ultimate goal is solidifying Serena Hotels’ position as an industry icon, revered and trusted by discerning travelers worldwide.
Empowered by the spirit of 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind,” Maureen approaches her work with boldness, compassion, and clarity. She believes this divine inspiration will fuel her journey to significantly impact the hospitality industry.
