CFO/ COO
ASQ Holding LLC
Total years of experience :29 years, 4 Months
A holding company with diverse business streams providing commercial, residential,
hospitality & F&B services through multiple strategic international, regional and national
partnerships.
In my first couple of months, I have re-built and re-designed the company’s policies &
procedures, financial structure and system structure to strengthen the company’s financial
portfolio. Working currently in finalizing new corporate tree to better define the relationship
between different related business units. In addition, I’m working on building shared services
unit based in the holding company to provide services to all different business units, create
synergy and enhance processes through strengthening the control environment within the
recognized international accounting principles.
In addition, I have reviewed, negotiated and validated many franchised, services license
agreements, hotel management agreement, and restaurants management agreements. Built
financial feasibility studies of these business units to evaluate each business opportunity prior
to commitments.
Multiproperty Director of Finance
With major development focus on the Kingdom and due to my experience in the market after the successful opening of the 4 iconic properties in the holy city of Makkah; I was offered to oversee KSA operations from a business support and administration side. My role is set to oversee existing hotels business modules, oversee the opening operation of our first hotel in the city of Riyadh (due to open in Q1 2015), and work closely with development to manage projects in the pipeline and any new leads.
Makkah properties represent 45% of FRHI MEAI income, year 2014 was very critical to our properties in Makkah being the first performance test year. The huge expansion of Holy Haram and mega projects in Makkah city affected the business levels in 2013, and was expected to be tougher in 2014 till 2016. One of my major tasks was to ensure Makkah Properties meet the set budgets for 2014 for each individual property, under my direct supervision and directions, our Makkah properties exceeded 2014-budgeted GOP.
Managing our portfolio in MAEI from a finance and business support point of view.
Working closely with hotels to enhance control environment and create opportunities. Led the 2014 allotment contracts negotiation with tour operators in Makkah resulting in an incremental revenue YOY of 25% for Swissotel Makkah (1470 rooms) and 15% for Fairmont (1600 rooms) leading to enhanced RGI in 2014 over 2013. Also worked closely with the great property in Abu Dhabi to enhance business results and control environment in addition to owner’s relation management. Working closely with the Egyptian three properties during the political unrest.
• Owner’s relation management for all properties under our portfolio and protecting implementation of HMA for each property was one of my core responsibilities. Coordinating with legal, audit and HMA compliance team and conducting physical audit on site to ensure compliance. Conducting workshops with properties GM’s and Finance leaders on HMA compliance, creating opportunities to enhance performance, and maintain sustainable control environment.
Selected by senior leadership at FRHI corporate office to lead the finance operation during the pre-opening stage and the successful opening of one of the most iconic projects with FRHI in the Holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia (3000+ five stars luxury hotel rooms).
• Manage the pre-opening budget of the project and lead finance operation during the Pre-opening stage and the successful opening of our iconic three properties in Makkah. Managing 4 properties (3000+ rooms) and shared services module.
• Preparation of project operational budget and leading owners approval process.
• Manage the budget post opening of the properties to ensure goal achievement.
• Maintained high-level owner’s relation that had a great impact in the success of the project.
• Provided high level support to the operation team to ensure maximum efficiency during and post opening stage.
• Successful implementation of FRHI policies, procedures, and FRHI identity in an early stage being the only Senior Executive member within the properties team.
Participated in the great success of the first Fairmont in the international expansion of the company outside North & South America. Managed a team of 25+ members and worked closely with competitive executive team members during different stages of Dubai’s business environment. Occupied many positions in the hotel until my appointment as Director of Finance in 2007.
o Participated in successful conversion of Fairmont Monte Carlo during the implementation of SOX act. Leading to 100% compliance.
o Creating and managing cost management plan for Fairmont Dubai during the business turn down in 2008/ 2009 leading to great savings results.
o Assigned by corporate office to lead the first month closing process of Fairmont Heliopolis Tower.
Started a company specialized in LCD monitors and Plasma TV’s trading, as a minority shareholder I got the opportunity to diverse my experience and knowledge in a completely different industry.
We have created our own brand “HIVISION” and signed an exclusive deals with two factories located in China and Taiwan. The company managed to capture a decent market share in its first operational year.
One of the first luxury hotels in Dubai opened in 1994. Joined the hotel in 1997 and played many roles with great career growth.
Assistant Financial Controller, JW Marriott Dubai (1999 - 2001)
• Reporting directly to the Area Director of Finance, promoted to Assistant Financial Controller in 1999, the hotel did not have a financial controller, so I was acting financial controller during that period.
Accounting Supervisor, JW Marriott Dubai (1997 - 1999)
• Progressive positions over the years handling all areas of the hotel financial applications and divisions.
Held many progressive roles after graduation, this phase was a continuation of an early stage working experience with the same hotel. I have started my Hospitality experience at the age of 16 and held many progressive roles within the hotel prior to my college graduation.
• Various progressive positions in many areas of F&B, Support and Administration divisions, Amman Marriott Hotel. (1995 - 1997)
Final Project Phase 2016
