CEO
(BLME0164) Abu Dhabi
About the role
On behalf of one of our Abu Dhabi based clients, we are currently seeking an exceptional CEO who is well versed in Strategic Planning and Management, Commercial Activities Management, Culinary Management, Event Management and who can take charge in the Leadership and People Development program.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Management: Develop and meticulously implement a comprehensive business strategy that aligns with Client's visionary goals and objectives. Identify new and unprecedented business opportunities and devise imaginative and innovative strategies to optimize growth and profitability. Closely monitor and rigorously evaluate the implementation of the business plan, making necessary adjustments to ensure that key objectives are attained.
Commercial Activities Management: Maximize the profitable growth of the business by expertly managing the commercial activities of the company, including astute investment decisions, precise financial management, and deft risk management.
Events: Manage a portfolio of world-class events, including identifying fresh investment opportunities that support Abu Dhabi's event calendar while ensuring strong returns on investment. Lead the delivery of the events calendar, by directly investing in events that span multiple categories, while combining the acquisition of intellectual property with the development of unique, locally-sourced propositions. Ensure that our funding efforts yield maximum impact in Abu Dhabi by strategically investing directly into events.
Culinary: Strategically deploy substantial capital into compelling culinary propositions that support the development of Abu Dhabi's flourishing culinary scene, with a focus on direct investments in restaurants and other exceptional culinary assets. Conduct a comprehensive analysis to identify culinary gaps and pinpoint opportunities in the market, investing in upscale fine-dining, and fine casual propositions, among others. Ensure direct investment in culinary propositions, with a particular focus on nurturing the development of the local culinary ecosystem.
Destinations: Effectively promote a curated selection of iconic destinations, including the magnificent Saadiyat Island, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, through cutting-edge marketing activations, enhanced communication, and astute brand positioning. Manage destination-associated projects, attracting and leveraging investment to optimize these destinations and driving significant traffic to these areas.
Venues: Astutely operate Abu Dhabi's high-impact strategic venues, maximizing their utilization and monetization opportunities, with a particular focus on event venues, other public entities' venue infrastructure, and under-utilized public prime locations with venue potential. Centralize venue management operations under a single entity to streamline costs & optimize monetization opportunities, while ensuring equal access opportunities to both public & private events. Drive enhanced communication and brand positioning build-up to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Leadership and People Development: Provide outstanding leadership and direction to the management team, empowering them to achieve their goals and objectives while fostering an energetic and collaborative work environment. Design and implement world-class talent management strategies to attract, retain, and develop a high-performing and dynamic workforce. Forge and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, government entities, and partners, to optimize opportunities and achieve the company's business objectives.
Candidate Requirements
General Characteristics of the Role Holder
Proven track record of driving business growth and profitability in a leadership role, with experience preferably as a CEO
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels
Strong analytical abilities, with a talent for identifying and exploiting unique opportunities, making data driven decisions, and closely monitoring and evaluating the implementation of a business plan
In depth knowledge of the events, culinary, destinations, and venues industries in Abu Dhabi, with a keen understanding of the local market and its trends
Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages creativity and innovation
Expertise in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic investments
A passionate innovator and entrepreneurial leader, committed to driving positive change in Abu Dhabi's dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape
Extensive experience developing successful national/city level tourism strategies, building strategic partnerships, and leading destination marketing efforts
Experience in shaping and managing the direction of an organization, building a sense of purpose and direction throughout the organization, and leading the development and execution of all business plan, financial and investment decisions impacting the growth of the creative industries in the Emirate
Typical role would look like
A bachelor degree holder in Business Administration, Tourism Management, International Business Relations equivalent.
A master degree from an internationally recognised higher education institution is required.
15-20 years of leadership experience in a large-scale organization relevant to the tourism and culture sectors or other relevant fields. Having occupied an executive level role for at least 10 years within the tourism industry.
Proven track record in developing and executing long-term strategy and vision relevant to tourism and culture sectors & proven track record in steering investment & funding decisions with substantial economic and strategic returns.
Has the ability to draw from global tourism industry experience, trends and insight to inform strategy development at a leadership capacity.
Commercial viability of all devised strategies is crucial for success. The role holder will have strong commercial acumen and has the ability to inform decisions that are strategic, yet commercially viable and sustainable to the organization.
Have a strong understanding of the external environment, trends and ecosystem of the tourism sector, its outlook and both local and global market trends.
Skills and Attribute to look for
Visionary, emotionally intelligent leader with a proven track record of achievements that contributed to improving competitiveness of the tourism sector in a specific region / area with a similar context to Abu Dhabi
Outstanding financial acumen and ability to manage budgets, forecast financial performance, and make strategic investments
Proven track record in developing strong strategic partnerships in the tourism sector which requires strong networking, relationship building and negotiating skills
Strong knowledge of destination marketing strategies including trends in tapping digital marketing efforts
Strategic and future-focused mindset
Ability to lead teams in diverse, multi-cultural organizations and ability to lead transformational change to the organization
Ability to manage multiple initiatives and programmes, agility & ability to work in a very fast paced environment
Strong understanding of funding and investment management relevant to the industry
Strong ability to identify, build and maintain strategic partnerships, at a local and global level
To apply today, please click on the link below!