Chief Executive Officer - Marinas

About the Role

An exclusive opportunity to lead a pioneering marina business in Abu Dhabi backed by significant long-term infrastructure investment. The CEO will define strategic direction, oversee the investment pipeline, development, and operational performance of an expanding marina portfolio in the UAE and internationally. This role operates within an advanced Public-Private Partnership and infrastructure investment framework, combining strategic leadership in investment, development, and operations of waterfront projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive long-term strategy for the marina platform.
• Expand the marina portfolio via acquisitions, concessions, PPPs, and new developments.
• Identify and assess new investment opportunities in the UAE and select global markets.
• Lead feasibility, commercial analysis, financial modelling, and business case preparations.
• Negotiate and structure concession agreements, including PPPs, BOT, and BOOT models.
• Manage the planning, design, development, and delivery phases of new marina projects.
• Ensure operational excellence, enhance customer experience, and optimize asset performance.
• Drive commercial success, profitability, and sustainable asset value growth.
• Develop diversified revenue streams: berthing, superyacht and marine services, hospitality, retail, waterfront activation, and destination management.
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with government bodies, investors, developers, tourism authorities, marine regulators, yacht clubs, and strategic collaborators.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead an executive team fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance.

Candidate Profile

The selected candidate will be an internationally acknowledged marina executive with a strong record of driving complex marina operations and sustainable commercial expansion. Expertise must include strategic vision paired with practical operational management across marina development, investment, commercial oversight, and asset operations.

Required Experience

• More than 20 years in the marina industry.
• Proven leadership in roles such as CEO, Managing Director, or Executive Director.
• Track record managing major marina businesses or multi-site portfolios.
• Experience delivering marina developments and waterfront projects.
• Strong leadership in commercial, financial, and P&L management.
• Deep knowledge of marina operations, asset management, and customer relations.
• Experience collaborating with government entities, regulators, investors, and private sector partners.
• Excellent skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and leadership.
• Capability to build, transform, and grow organizations effectively.

Highly Desirable Attributes

• Familiarity with Public-Private Partnerships, concessions, infrastructure investment structures.
• Understanding of BOT, BOOT, and other concession frameworks.
• Superyacht marina operational experience.
• Expertise in waterfront mixed-use developments.
• International portfolio management experience.
• Operational experience within the Middle East region.
• Engagement with sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure investors, or government-backed organizations.

Personal Traits

• Visionary leader with strong commercial insight and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Strategic thinker skilled in translating vision into execution.
• Respected communicator with boardroom, investor, and government audiences.
• Inspirational manager fostering high-performing teams.
• Collaborative, resilient, and results-oriented approach.
• Committed to developing world-class marina destinations and achieving long-term value creation.

Why This Role is Unique

Lead the launch of a landmark marina platform with substantial long-term backing from a sophisticated infrastructure investment entity. Define the strategic agenda, investment plans, development roadmap, and operational best practices for multiple landmark marina assets. Collaborate closely with senior government officials and private stakeholders to establish globally recognized waterfront destinations.