The South African national joined the Radisson Hotel Group in 2014, as director of food and beverage and he holds an MBA from Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Throughout his career, he has held numerous positions within the company. Prior to his appointment, van Zyl had been serving as executive assistant manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, where he was responsible for all operational departments of the hotel including 288 rooms, 16 food and beverage outlets and banqueting facilities for up to 1,400 guests.

Van Zyl chose to work for Radisson Hotel Group because the company gives him room to be himself.