Joined the core team of this young start-up from its creation. My mission was to (1) develop a new hospitality concept, a brand and the business model that would enable its international rollout, (2) lead all hotel openings and (3) act as Product Owner for our in-house software development. Key responsibilities:- Development of the customer journey, F&B concept, operating manuals, SOPs, brand standards, and OS&E specifications- Support the Business Development team with the development of our growth & asset acquisition strategy, market data analysis and development of business plans - Responsible for the development and management of Pre-Opening & OS&E budgets (€1.5M/project)- Manage the facility planning process (BOH, FOH, room mix, F&B strategy) and coordinate the Interior Design development - Management, coordination and supervision of all openings globally. This includes the coordination and direction of all Operations, Sales, Marketing, Brand, Human Resource, IT, Purchasing and Project Related functions- As Product Owner I am responsible for defining and managing the product backlog, steering the development team, managing user stories with detailed requirements and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to maximize the value of these products (PMS, booking engine, mobile app, check-in kiosk, TV app)Successfully launched the brand with the opening of the A-STAY Antwerp (Belgium) during Q4 2019, and currently with 3 active projects in the pipeline.Skills developed: planning, creative thinking, project management.

Responsible for delivering new hotels into Starwood’s system, including constructions, conversions of existing hotels and re-branding projects. Planning & coordination of the overall pre-opening activities. Managing communication between hotel owners, developers, functional leaders, third party consultants and suppliers. Responsible for operational development, contract compliance, brand standards implementation and budget achievement. Successfully completed 25 hotel openings, including 7 different brands, across Europe & Africa contributing to Starwood’s largest historical pipeline in EAME.Skills developed: planning, creative thinking, project management.

Quantitative & analytical role. Business performance analysis and reporting to the Senior Leadership Team on the performance of Starwood’s brands and hotels across Europe, Africa and Middle East (60 countries). Developed a pre-opening strategy for franchised hotels and an internal project management platform to support hotel openings, brand conversions and contracts compliance.Skills developed: analytical thinking, effective communication.

Management position with 20 direct reports. Responsible for departmental budget. In charge of recruitment, onboarding and training of new Front Office team members. Skills developed: management, communication, change management.

Responsible for the strategy and operation of a 52-room hotel. Overall budget, commercial strategy and procurement responsibility, and management of 20 employees. Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and consistency on guest services.Skills developed: strategy, management, people skills, budgeting.