Dubai, United Arab Emirates
International operations executive with 14 years across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Türkiye, leading F&B, hospitality, and consumer brand portfolios through pre-opening, international expansion, and performance turnaround. Full P&L operator at division scale, with a track record spanning first-of-kind international brand launches, market entries, and restructuring underperforming operations for sustained profitability. Currently combines executive operating responsibility with senior advisory mandates for hospitality groups, F&B investors, and global consulting firms on development strategy, market entry, and operational turnaround. Builds executive teams and multi-territory governance frameworks that perform independently of central oversight. Early adopter of AI-driven tools to lift operational efficiency and execution standards across complex portfolios.
Leading the Middle East expansion and overseeing UK operations, working alongside a world-class team to deliver exceptional experiences across our portfolio. Since joining Island Hospitality, we have successfully: • Led strategic restructuring of a London flagship through deliberate revenue rightsizing and cost base transformation, improving operational efficiency and establishing a scalable model subsequently applied across the group's international expansion. • Launched Park Chinois Doha, marking the brand’s first international and second-ever location. • Opened The Duck & Rice Battersea Power Station, our second London location. • Increased covers and revenue at The Duck & Rice Soho by introducing a new lunch menu, weekend brunch, and happy hour program to optimise underutilised hours. • Secured multiple new sites across Dubai and Abu Dhabi for various Island Hospitality concepts, expanding our footprint in the Middle East. • Announced Park Chinois Dubai, set to open in 2027 at the top of the Gran Meliá Hotel, currently under construction. Island Hospitality brings together a collection of restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs full of entertainment, distinctive dining experiences, excellent service, and design excellence. The group’s portfolio includes Park Chinois, The Duck & Rice, The Dover, Chinois Ibiza, Finca La Plaza, Beachhouse, Mikasa, and Massa.
Appointed to oversee operations for locations with combined budgets exceeding USD 70 million, reporting directly to the owners and investors. Key responsibilities and achievements included: • Leading an organisational transformation to establish a structured, scalable corporate framework across all regional outlets. • Implementing comprehensive training programs, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and a daily service reporting system to strengthen consistency and accountability. • Introducing a structured briefing and meeting culture, improving communication and decision-making across teams. • Designing and rolling out personal development plans to build stronger, future-ready management talent. • Establishing effective communication channels between frontline teams and senior management. After a full evaluation period, it was determined that the company’s long-term vision and structure were not aligned with future career objectives, leading to a professional decision to step away.
Transformed group operations within twelve months, driving new site development, operational restructuring and international expansion into Saudi Arabia, with revenue trajectory projected to double upon completion of secured pipeline. During this period, we have: • Managed operations across four restaurants, three cloud kitchens, a retail division, and a catering arm, overseeing more than 300 employees and 30 managers including head office. • Streamlined communication and collaboration between departments, creating stronger alignment and accountability across the company. • Implemented standardised operating frameworks to optimise performance, cost control, and quality standards. • Supported KSA market entry, leading communication, due diligence, and operational planning for new openings. • Collaborated closely with ownership on strategic planning, budget forecasting, and long-term expansion strategy. The Lighthouse Group combines hospitality, retail, and culture under one umbrella, creating spaces where food, design, and creativity intersect.
Successfully doubled and tripled company revenue and net profit of a ten year old operation during tenure as General Manager, through strategic initiative implementation, market expansion and effective cost management across a four year period, navigating two full COVID closures, a government alcohol ban, and civil unrest while sustaining brand standards and maintaining profitability. Simultaneously transformed Zuma Phuket from a one month seasonal pop-up into a permanent venue through sustained commercial performance, proving market viability and securing company commitment to a full time location. Combined portfolio reached a peak run rate that positioned Thailand as one of the group's strongest performing markets globally.
Bodrum, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Istanbul Operated across six international markets simultaneously, working within management agreement structures alongside local ownership partners and international brand principals, maintaining brand integrity and commercial performance across each market. • Led the launch and seasonal management of Zuma Bodrum across three consecutive seasons, achieving 200%+ growth in covers and revenue. Simultaneously supported flagship operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, upholding global brand standards. • Deployed to Zuma Hong Kong, a flagship Asia Pacific location. Reported to the Regional Director for Asia and maintained Zuma's global service standards throughout a high-pressure operational environment.