RAMSAY RANKOUSSI
BEST PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS AWARD 2015
Short Profile
Name: Ramsay Rankoussi Date of Birth: 11th of August 1986 (29 years old) Nationality: Belgian
School: ESSEC Business School Program: MBA in Hospitality Management (IMHI) Year: Graduated in July 2011 (2 years track) Achievement: Student Prize for Academic Excellence Grade: Summa Cum Laude (Top Ranking) Sponsor: Full Scholarship with Groupe FLO
Current Employer: Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Title: Director of Business Development Location: Regional Office – Dubai, UAE Functions: Leading the Growth Strategy Objective: Doubling portfolio within 3 years
Biography
Ramsay Rankoussi, a Belgian national, joined the Rezidor Hotel Group in Dubai in June 2014 as Manager of Business Development and was promoted to Director shortly after.
He was previously with Millennium Hotels & Resorts where he first joined them as a feasibility analyst for their Middle East office. He quickly moved into the role of Associate Director of Development & Asset Management, where he led all development related activities for the company in the region. During his tenure with the hotel group Ramsay successfully positioned the company in the top 5 hotel pipeline in the Middle East with over 25 hotels and 8,000 rooms secured with multiple new market entries.
Ramsay is now co-heading the business development activities in the Middle East for the Rezidor Hotel Group as part of a common objective to double the hotel portfolio within the next three years across each of the core brands: Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson Red and the Quorvus Collection.
A hotel development and investment professional, Ramsay is committed to value creation through strategic growth, financial expertise and appropriate due diligence on each project that he embarks on. He personally enjoys management contract negotiation and execution while remaining proactive in the sourcing and maintaining of new and existing relationships with local and international partners.
Ramsay holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and a MBA majoring in Hotel Real Estate Finance and Asset Management from the ESSEC Business School (IMHI) in Paris.
ESSEC MBA - IMHI ESSEC MBA in Hospitality Management (IMHI) was In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Rezidor initially created in 1981 as a joint venture between operates and develops four of Carlson Rezidor’s Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration strong global brands – covering the market segments and the ESSEC Business School, a partnership from midscale to luxury. which lasted for twenty-five years. Now, it is firmly positioned as the leading center of hospitality education in Europe.
• Widely recognized by industry as Europe’s leading hospitality management program.
• Courses with a strong international and strategic focus.
• Quality teaching provided by leading faculty from ESSEC and other centers of hospitality excellence.
• An innovative program with strong industry involvement.
• A global Alumni network of over 1,400 graduates, spanning 45 nationalities and 60 countries – part of the 46,000 strong ESSEC Alumni network.
Rezidor at a glance One of the most dynamic hotel companies and an integral part of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the largest hotel groups worldwide with a portfolio of more than 1,300 hotels in operation and under development around the world.
• The Rezidor Hotel Group currently features a portfolio of over 430 hotels with 100,000 rooms in operation and under development in 69 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
• Rezidor’s team of more than 35,000 people represents 143 different nationalities.
• Rezidor features an industry-leading Responsible Business Programme, and has been recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies every year since 2010 by Ethisphere Institute.
Area of Responsibilities Personal Aspirations
Expansion through relationships I have always perceived the hotel industry as two components: the real estate and the operations. As 31st of July 2015, Rezidor operates over 36 hotels in the Middle East representing over 8,000 rooms My decision to complete my MBA at the Essec and the pipeline of hotels under construction has Business School (IMHI) was indeed to provide me reached over 35 hotels and also over 8,500 rooms. with the adequate tools and knowledge to pursue a hospitality career on the real estate side – being The region under my mandate includes all the Middle either development or investment management. East as well as some African countries representing in total over 15 countries of coverage. I believe in any career should come enjoyment and I enjoy structuring simple and complex deals that My responsibilities include all steps in the journey: create the opportunities of tomorrow - the same opportunities which provide returns for Investors, Development functions future employment for the industry and create the memories for the next generation of travellers. Sourcing new leads Actively maintaining and expanding a network My Key Values: within the investment community Commercial discussion, pitching Gratitude Contractual negotiation and execution. Commitment and Dedication Hard Work and Passion Feasibility functions Pride and Self Improvement Accountability and Integrity Assessing project viabilities Due diligence Other Activities: Attaining internal approvals Ensuring brand fit and strategic value. Regional Chapter Delegate for the Alumni Association Protocol & Reporting Frequent speaker and quoted person in regional hotel publications Each project is presented to Project Committee Local contribution in community and charity I personally defend the strategic reasons along events with the financial benefits The Committee includes the CEO, CFO, COO, Personal Interests: CDO, CMO, General Counsel and some support/technical team. Cultural Diversity International Cuisine This provides me with a direct line of reporting to the Architecture and Design top seniority in the company but also requires me to Financial Markets perform my tasks in the best professional manner Traveling prior any submission but also afterwards in the execution.
Career Milestones
June 2014 – Present Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group (Ticker Symbol - REZT:SS) Position: Director – Business Development, Middle East & Africa
The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel companies. It has a portfolio of more than 1,350 hotels in operation and under development with a global footprint covering over 105 countries and territories.
- Joined the group as a Manager and quickly promoted within 6 months having demonstrated rapid achievements and individual autonomy. - Co-Leading the development functions (from sourcing to execution) as part of an ambitious objective to double the portfolio in the Middle East within the next three years. - Assessing all projects viability including fees valuation, financial forecast and brand fit; attaining all internal approvals. - Conducting a pro-active approach in establishing and maintaining a strong network of contacts within the region to feed potential projects - Direct reporting to the Chief Development Officer based in the head office in Brussels.
Oct 2011 – May 2014 Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (Ticker Symbol - MLC:L) Position: Associate Director – Development & Asset Management
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels is a publicly listed hospitality and hotel ownership group with over 120 hotels around the world.
- Joined them as a feasibility analyst for their Middle East office then quickly moved into the role of Associate Director, where I led all development and investment related activities for the company in the region, from sourcing to execution. - During tenure, successfully positioned the company in the top 5 hotel pipeline in the Middle East and having personally secured over 15 hotels and 5,000 rooms with multiple new market entries. - Pro-active in the definition of strategic plans coupled with financial feasibilities and projects valuation for the group. - Set up the asset management platform including performance tools and overall measurement dashboards through P&L analysis and benchmarking. - Direct reporting to the CEO and Board Members in regards to the growth strategy and project validation.
Oct 2009 – Sept 2011 Groupe FLO (Ticker Symbol - FLO:PA) Position: Regional Operations Analyst (Paris, France)
Listed French based holding company in the commercial restaurant sector with 500M€ annual sales, over 6,000 employees and 250 restaurants under various themed brands. Experience acquired during my MBA program where Groupe FLO fully sponsored my education.
- Exposed to the biggest operating region (40 outlets, 1500 employees, 100M€ Annual Sales) - Closely worked with the Regional Director (reporting to the Chief Operating Officer) - Reviewed operating and financial reports, and suggested resolutions for improvements (variance analysis, zero- based budgeting, performance tracker) - Developed and designed reporting and benchmarking tools (financial & qualitative ratios) supporting the definition of short- and medium-term profit strategies in conjunction with management team
Key Achievements at Rezidor
I joined Rezidor in June 2014 as an integral part of the team and to co-lead the regional development functions.
Quickly promoted after 6 months to a Director level, having personally demonstrated autonomy and strategic contribution.
Within a year of joining the firm, jointly secured 20 new hotels within the region during a period of political and socioeconomic instability.
2014 was a record of signing where over 12 new
hotels were secured, representing over 2,400 rooms.
2015 is on track to become a landmark year for my region where we have already signed 13 hotels or 2,600 rooms in first half a year, over achieving 2014’s full performance.
I have provided a pivotal role in the rollout of two new brands – Radisson Red and Quorvus Collection – which are on track to enter the MENA market by 2015.
Directly reporting to the Chief Development Officer but also frequently exposed to the Project Committee allowing me senior visibility and accountability in performing my duties.
List of Completed Projects
Undertaken Projects at Millennium Hotels & Resorts
Grand Millennium Amman, Jordan Amendment and Renegotiation with rebranding Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat, Oman Secured and Led the Negotiation Grand Millennium Muscat, Oman Secured and Led the Negotiation Copthorne Hotel Muscat, Oman Secured and Led the Negotiation Millennium Hotel & Convention Centre, Kuwait Secured and Led the Negotiation M Hotel Makkah, Saudi Arabia Secured and Led the Negotiation Millennium Hotel Makkah, Saudi Arabia Secured and Led the Negotiation Millennium Hotel & Apartments Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Secured and Led the Negotiation Copthorne Hotel Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Secured and Led the Negotiation M Hotel Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Secured and Led the Negotiation Studio M Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Secured and Led the Negotiation Studio M Dubai, UAE Secured and Led the Negotiation Millennium Executive Apartments Dubai Marina, UAE Secured and Led the Negotiation Copthorne Hotel Doha, Qatar Secured and Led the Negotiation Kingsgate Hotel Doha, Qatar Secured and Led the Negotiation
Undertaken Projects at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Nasr City, Egypt Secured and Led the Negotiation Radisson Blu Hotel Misrata, Libya Assisted in the Execution Radisson Blu Hotel Erbil, Iraq Assisted in the Execution Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Jeddah, KSA Secured and Led the Negotiation Radisson Blu Hotel Plaza Jeddah, KSA Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah Corniche, KSA Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Radisson Blu Hotel Red Sea Palace, KSA Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh RICEC, KSA Assisted in the Execution Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Riyadh Nasiriyah, KSA Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Park Inn by Radisson Jbeil, KSA Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Park Inn by Radisson Jbeil Industrial City, KS Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Najran, KSA Assisted in the Execution Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Makkah Aziziya, KSA Assisted in the Execution Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Makkah Al Naseem, KSA Secured and Led the Negotiation Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Jeddah, KSA Secured and Led the Negotiation Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Jumeirah Village, UAE Assisted in the Execution Park Inn by Radisson Hotel MotorCity, UAE Secured and Led the Negotiation Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Deira, UAE Assisted in the Execution Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Barsha First, UAE Assisted in Multiple Strategic Alliance Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE Secured and Led the Negotiation Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Al Sufouh, UAE Secured and Led the Negotiation
Testimonials
Press Articles - Extract
Figaro Economie – May 2011 http://www.groupeflo.com/fichiers/1305560237.pdf
“The decision of Islamic financing or sharia compliance for hotel projects is derived from (several) variables, the most critical being the investor’s profile,” said Ramsay Rankoussi, associate director of development and asset management for the Middle East and Africa at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. “Sharia compliance does not represent a business model but rather an alignment of investment principles and religious belief.” Millennium has two sharia-compliant hotels in Dubai, while others open or in the pipeline are and will be compliant due to government regulations and restrictions, such as those in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Rankoussi said Islamic financing represents a specific and more complex mechanism where commercial terms are drafted initially and then converted to Islamic and sharia-compliant principles. There are two structures, he said: “Murabaha” (buy-back or cost-plus) and “ijarah” (leasing): Murabaha: A bank purchases the property, then re-sells it at a fixed profit. The property is registered in the buyer’s name from the beginning, and the buyer makes installment payments to the bank. All costs are fixed at the time of contract, and there is no interest rate. Ijarah: This type of transaction is similar to real-estate leasing or a rent-to-own contract. The bank purchases the property and retains ownership until full payments are completed. Then the property transfers back to the buyer. This model specifically relates to the hotel space, with operators usually entering into three-party agreements, also known as non-disturbance agreements, in which all three parties will be protected and all understandings defined.
See more at: http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Article/12717/Sharia-hotels-spread-in-Middle-East- beyond#sthash.XDhdxd9E.dpuf
EXCLUSIVE: Millennium & Copthorne has launched a new brand, Millennium Executive Apartments, to cater to the demands of longer-staying guests in the Middle East.
The brand will debut in the UAE with the 198-key Millennium Executive Apartments Abu Dhabi on Electra Street, scheduled to open by the end of quarter one, 2013.
“It’s a new brand that was born in the Middle East region. There are very few operators now operating solo executive apartment brands so we saw a niche. The brand has derived from the Millennium brand, it’s the same DNA,” said Millennium & Copthorne Middle East and Africa manager — development planning and asset management Ramsay Rankoussi. http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/16198-millennium-copthorne-unveils-new-brand-in-region/ http://www.hotelmanagement.net/brands/united-arab-emirates-to-launch-new-brands-and-properties-19059
"We have two Sharia-compliant properties in Dubai, which are extremely successful. This is our third such hotel in the GCC region," said Ramsay Rankoussi, Manager – Development and Planning and Asset Management Middle East and Africa http://timesofoman.com/article/22501/Oman/Sharia-compliant-5-star-hotel-soon
Millennium Hotels & Resorts is set to open a new 325-key Millennium hotel in Jeddah, KSA.
The property marks the company’s strategic entry into Jeddah, which it says is a key market in its plans and the second best performing market in the Middle East.
As the company signed the deal, Millennium and Copthorne MEA manager - development planning and asset manager, Ramsay Rankoussi said: “This hotel supports our growth commitment to the Saudi market where we currently have over 5000 rooms in the pipeline”. http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/17655-millennium-inks-deal-for-jeddah-hotel/ http://www.arabianindustry.com/hospitality/news/2013/jun/29/millennium-hotels-resorts-to-open-325-bed-hotel-in- jeddah-by-2017-4359901/#.VfV9uXnouP8
Contact Details
Ramsay Rankoussi Director – Business Development Middle East & Africa T +971 4 39 000 70 | D +971 4 39 000 83 | M +971 56 410 1686 [email protected]
Graduate of 2011 MBA in Hospitality Management (IMHI) – Essec Business School [email protected]