Kifah Melhem Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas, United States

Performed feasibility studies for expansion projects, market value assessment for tourism businesses, and analysis of re-branding initiatives. Collaborated in the support of international hotel mergers and analyzed merger of online agencies. Worked with industry leaders to execute a variety of consulting projects. Served as a council member since 2015. Key Contributions:• Executed analysis for 30 tourism investment projects on behalf of Gerson’s clients in the Middle East, including numerous banks, investment funds, investors, and large corporations. • Collaborated on international hotel mergers and analyzed mergers of online agencies.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Administered full scope of operations for a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of the city, comprised of 280 rooms, 4 outlets and banquet facilities that accommodated 800 guests, in addition to 2 spas. Mediated challenging situations by thoroughly examining the issue to uncover origin and provide swift resolution. Enforced conformance with branding and operational standards across all areas of the hotel. Drove new business during off season by developing an innovative food and beverage concept that attracted local customers. Reached 62% gross operating profit in 2018, 5% above targeted budget. Key Contributions: • Achieved position of #1 ranked hotel across all online booking channels for 12 consecutive months.• Surpassed companywide employee satisfaction survey 5% through staff engagement efforts. • Pioneered innovative open-door communication systems to achieve interdepartmental objectives.• Partnered closely with the Regional General Manager to ensure efficient and profitable operations. • Streamlined functionality of the hotel, with an emphasis on surpassing expectations for service.

Jeddah Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Organized, planned, and carried out project work plans, continually adjusting to accommodate ever shifting requirements and circumstances. Accurately identified resources necessary to execute projects and delegated individual assignments. Partnered closely with clients, as well as design and third-party teams to manage projects from start to finish. Key Contributions:• Grew sales revenue by 30% with the creation and implementation of a strategy for promoting real estate and product development through sustained marketing initiatives and a public relations campaign. • Secured alignment with highest standards by introducing a quality real estate development concept.• Directed the full scope of daily project activities to design cutting-edge products for the hospitality industry.

Jeddah - Saudi Arabia

Directed operations for three 4-star hotels with a total of 720 rooms and 9 outlets. Analyzed labor needs and oversaw recruitment and development of qualified employees. Established unified communication to facilitate collaborative environment and improve employee engagement. Delivered performance feedback to help staff improve their work. Investigated major competitors and offered insight to support revenue management and sales teams.Key Contributions:• Produced double digit growth in gross operating profit each year: 55% in 2012, 59% in 2013, and 65% in 2014.• Facilitated $350,000 in savings by supporting Director of Purchasing to chair a purchasing cluster of 5 hotels.• Sustained average hotel occupancy volume of over 85% throughout the year and a customer rating of 8.9.• Increased revenue by creating and implementing effective cost control and profit maximization strategies.• Achieved a competitive advantage for the business by leveraging analytical skills to research industry trends. • Forged culture of constant improvement and guest-centered operations through excellent leadership.

Kuwait, Kuwait

Planned, optimized, and managed operations for a 5-star hotel with 166 rooms, 5 outlets, and banquet facilities supporting up to 1,000 guests. Conducted detailed performance evaluations to identify opportunities for enhancing quality of work. Handled financial activities, including creation of annual and short-term project budgets and financial forecasting. Directed food and beverage operations, oversaw mechanical equipment, and coordinated property maintenance activities.Key Contributions:• Championed strategic cost savings efforts to reduce expenses without impact to quality and service. • Improved revenue per available room (RevPAR) by 46% and reached gross operating profit of 59%. • Boosted customer satisfaction ratings significantly from 77% to 90% through use of Metrix. • Surpassed performance expectations and enhanced guest experience through active management of property related activities, sales and marketing initiatives, and the improvement of property appearance.

Muscat - Oman

Collaborated with ownership, design team, construction, and architects to ensure the successful operation of a 5-star hotel with 92 rooms, 4 outlets, and banquet facilities that accommodated 250 guests. Administered all aspects of hotel financials, including financial reporting and the creation of advanced strategies for maximizing profit and controlling costs. Key Contributions:• Led 19% growth of gross operating profit over fiscal year 2008 and 12% above budget for fiscal year 2009. • Accomplished 9.5 guest satisfaction score for two years by using Medallia experience management platform.• Facilitated official opening of the hotel, overseeing all operations, organizations, and partnerships.

Makkah - Saudi Arabia

Known as Hyatt Makkah Hotel• Managed a 5 star hotel, consisting of 320 rooms and apartments, 4 outlets / 6 conference rooms, and banquet facilities to accommodate up to 600 guests • Oversaw all operational activities including Sales & Marketing, Finance, H.R. Food & Beverage, Banqueting / Events, Front Office, Housekeeping, and Engineering Departments; held full P&L responsibility and directed budgeting, expense control, and month-end reporting methods• Facilitated superior adherence to company standards, P&P, and customer service requirements; controlled costs and tenaciously demanded quality service; promoted open communication; resourcefully directed, managed, and trained sales, F&B, catering.• Coordinated the Administration and Operations to comply with an effective marketing plan; promoted hotel services through coordinated efforts; conceptualized and implemented all operational strategies, ensuring hotels’ and other entities’ compliance with are Financial forecast in line with the key assumptions agreed with the area team• Trained new management staff to enhance sales volumes; led and managed QA efforts• Delivered resourceful workshops to management team, educating on positive role models development to optimize communication with subordinates, while properly representing the owner’s fiduciary interests• Attained maximum financial and operational performance growth by 17%• Pioneered the Hotel’s Business plan and specific Mission Statement• Led the revenue optimization efforts, focusing on driving market share and maximizing REVPAR• Developed and nurtured a team of highly-dedicated Management and Line Staff members, focusing on the attainment of hotel’s goals and priorities • Implemented and utilized an integrated goal planning and performance appraisal processes to improve appraisal rate by 33% and quality of ratings by 25% successfully

Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

• Steered marketing and sales activities for the Luxury Collection hotel with 292 rooms, 12 outlets, 9 meeting rooms, and banquet facilities to accommodate over 1,5K guests• Maintained focus on the Middle Eastern market and the diplomatic segment in Addis Ababa, as well as worked to develop other key accounts and prospects• Prepared annual marketing plans and budgets; enhanced communication and information flow between departments via written / verbal communications• Conducted international sales trips and represented Sheraton Addis at worldwide trade shows; devised and executed highly-efficient sales and promotional strategies to comply with the established marketing plan• Created, developed, and maintained key business relationships with decision makers, resulting in exceeded budgetary requirements and revenue maximization• Supervised, evaluated, and screened the sales activities for the Marketing and Sales team, Deputy Director of Marketing and Sales, Guest Services Department, and the Reservations Department

Certificate, Leadership And Strategic Management

Certificate, Executive Decision Making -Strategic Thinking

Bachelor, Business Ad. Marketing