Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Executive Director with over a decade of experience spanning hospitality investments, asset management, real estate and value creation across Europe, North America and the Middle East. Currently responsible for asset management and strategic oversight of Dubai Holding’s luxury hospitality portfolio, including several of the Middle East’s most iconic luxury hospitality assets. Previously held leadership positions within the Public Investment Fund (PIF), including Director of Investments and Head of Asset Management, overseeing large-scale hospitality, real estate and government asset portfolios. Experienced in hospitality investments, asset management, portfolio strategy, development oversight and operator governance across luxury hotels, resorts, branded residences and mixed-use real estate. Selected experiences include: • Asset management of international portfolios exceeding USD 7 billion in value • Advisory and oversight of capital projects exceeding USD 18 billion • Valuation and underwriting of real estate assets exceeding USD 5 billion • Hospitality, mixed-use and destination development projects across Europe, North America and the Middle East Manuel holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) from HEC Paris and a degree in Real Estate Finance & Investment from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, where he served on the Student Advisory Board. He has also completed executive education programs at Yale School of Management.
Responsible for portfolio strategy, value enhancement and owner oversight across Dubai Holding’s luxury hospitality portfolio, including iconic assets such as Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah, as well as properties operated under Marriott, Accor and Minor brands.
Led the takeover, repositioning and value creation strategy for the Ministry of Finance’s hospitality portfolio under a confidential PIF entity.
Led investment evaluation, business planning and commercialization initiatives for Saudi Arabia’s royal and cultural palace portfolio as part of PIF’s Boutique Group platform.
Executive MBA degree at HEC Paris with a Major in International Finance; graduated with distinction. About HEC: HEC Paris' Executive MBA program is currently ranked #1 in the world (QS TopMBA 2022 / Financial Times since 2019). HEC's Finance Program has placed #1 globally for 12 years running (FT World Rankings).
Katara Hospitality is the hotel investment arm of the State of Qatar, fully owned by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Over its 50-year history as a global hotel owner, developer and operator the portfolio of iconic properties spreads across 4 continents, constituting over USD 15 billion. • Oversaw all aspects of the Middle Eastern, African and Asian asset portfolio, comprising of 16 hotels and hospitality developments valued in excess of over USD 7 billion.
Advised on strategic investment, real estate finance and development projects throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for large-scale developers, government entities, authorities and family offices.