The company recently signed an agreement to asset manage 10 additional luxury hotels in the GCC, including a Ritz Carlton, W Hotel, JW Marriott and InterContinental hotels.
Global Asset Solutions has bolstered its team around the world with two appointments, as it continues to expand. The group has added Lionel Anidjar and David Boveda, bringing decades of hotel experience into the fold.
Alex Sogno, CEO, Global Asset Solutions, said: “Hotels are a key target for investors, and we are thrilled with the addition of Lionel and David to our team at a time when asset management is coming to the fore as a critical component in successful investment. Demand in the luxury segment is thriving, but it is only with specialist knowledge that an asset’s potential can be fully realised.”
Anidjar, hotels project director, brings project management expertise from across the hotel sector, having previously worked at groups including Hyatt and Katara Hospitality, with one of his most notable achievements being the full-scale renovation of the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.
A graduate from Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland, Lionel began his journey in hotel operations, where he honed his skills before transitioning into project coordination overseeing successful renovations and openings of 24 hotels in 13 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Anidjar said: “I am looking forward to joining the team at Global Asset Solutions during a fascinating period for project management, with technology playing a growing role. The integration of AI and automation is likely to transform the job landscape, while human decision-making and creativity in hotel project management will remain essential.”
Boveda, hotel asset manager, has held a number of senior roles in the industry, including assistant director of finance at the Intercontinental Madrid and financial accountant in the pre-opening team of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.
Boveda said: “I had always been on the operator side of the business working for hotel chains. Being in a hotel gave me great experience but I lacked 360 vision of the whole business from the financial point of view.
“Asset management is becoming more and more popular and will be a must in the industry to better align operator and owner’s interests. You cannot entrust your real estate asset to an operator without having the tools to properly monitor and oversee its performance and compliance with the owner’s objectives.
“The hotel sector at the moment is known for its fierce competition, some destinations such as Madrid have tremendously changed in the last five years. The best luxury brands have arrived and transformed completely the city. They are all competing for the same market and if you want to succeed, you do not only have to have the best product, but you also need the best talent. Technology plays a key role nowadays, and those who know how to get the most out of it will lead the market, the rest will struggle for survive.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
