Chief Development & Investment Officer

Overview

Chief Development & Investment Officer (Cdio)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the company's regional development and investment strategy, identifying opportunities that drive sustainable growth and shareholder value.
• Source, evaluate, and execute acquisitions, hotel management agreements, franchise opportunities, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Drive portfolio expansion by building strong relationships with investors, developers, property owners, financial institutions, and key industry stakeholders.
• Lead complex negotiations and structure commercially advantageous transactions that support the company's growth objectives.
• Oversee market research, financial modeling, feasibility studies, valuation analysis, and investment underwriting for new opportunities.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence across financial, legal, commercial, and operational aspects of potential investments and developments.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, Legal, Operations, Commercial, and Asset Management teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify opportunities for value creation, asset enhancement, and investment optimization.
• Develop and manage investment and development budgets while ensuring disciplined capital allocation and strong return on investment.
• Stay ahead of market trends, economic developments, regulatory changes, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities.
• Represent the company at industry events, investor meetings, and strategic forums, strengthening the organization's market presence and reputation.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Chairman and Executive Leadership Team on growth, investment, and development matters.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 15–20 years of senior leadership experience in hotel development, real estate investment, hospitality, private equity, asset management, or related sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully closing high-value development, acquisition, and investment transactions.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in valuation, investment analysis, financial modeling, and deal structuring.
• Extensive network of investors, developers, owners, and industry stakeholders across the Middle East and international markets.
• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a strong commercial mindset.
• Previous experience within the hospitality sector is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, Hospitality Management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred.