The Company
Our client is a longstanding leader in the Middle East’s leisure and hospitality sector - this organization is a well-established entertainment hub, diverse attractions, accommodations, and dining options. This isn’t just a business—it’s a living, breathing destination that pulses with energy, nostalgia, and the promise of unforgettable moments.
As competition intensifies with well-resourced players unveiling ambitious new experiences, it’s time for the company to sharpen its value proposition and reimagine its place in an evolving market. Our client seeks a CEO who can transform an established, value-focused heritage into a flourishing, profit-driven destination that captivates families, local communities, and travellers alike. Can you help us deliver those magical moments and unforgettable emotional memories for our clients?
The Role
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for steering the overall strategic direction of the organization, encompassing revenue growth, operational excellence, financial performance, market positioning, and organizational development. This role will lead the design, development, and implementation of transformative strategies aimed at aligning the company’s people, resources, and operations with its vision, values, and goals.
The CEO will excel in revenue generation, adept at unlocking profit from every corner of our client’s diverse portfolio. They will revitalize underperforming attractions, recharge the restaurants with a new magic, breathe fresh appeal into aging rides and boost ticket sales with strategic refreshes. They will bundle offerings creatively to lift revenue across all assets, adjust pricing dynamically to capture demand, and turn niche assets like the skate park or planetarium into vibrant profit streams. The CEO will maximize per-visitor spending through premium F&B items, irresistible souvenirs, and themed shows that draw crowds. They will harness sensory elements—signature scents or music—to drive sales, streamline queues for impulse buys, and forge partnerships that amplify revenue. They will champion a portfolio of food and beverage brands as well as hotel locations.
In marketing and branding, the CEO will thrive as a strategist, positioning our client against bigger foes with finesse. They will differentiate the brand spotlighting affordability, authenticity, and local charm over sheer extravagance. The CEO will reframe the brand as a beloved classic, leveraging nostalgia and community ties to retain loyalty when rivals flex their muscle. They will craft campaigns that turn smaller offerings—like the planetarium or skate park—into unique draws, outsmarting competitors’ hype with targeted family outreach, data-driven insights, and a value proposition that shines. With a track record placing them in the upper echelon of marketers, they will ensure our client stands tall.
With financial acumen, the CEO will wield a sharp command of the numbers that keep our client in excellent financial health. They will have experience managing P&Ls, pinpointing cost leaks and revenue gaps with precision, and steer cash flow through seasonal ebbs without flinching. The CEO will track daily metrics—revenue per visitor, F&B velocity, upsell conversions—acting swiftly to shape outcomes before month-end reports arrive. They will optimize ROI on new projects, bolster liquidity in lean times, and refine working capital to fuel growth, all while drawing on expertise that ranks them among the best in navigating the financial complexities of an asset-heavy leisure business.
As a leader, the CEO will inspire with vision and grit, aligning diverse teams around a shared goal—whether it’s growth, resilience, or outpacing rivals. They will rally boards and staff alike, turning scepticism into momentum with persuasive clarity and emotional intelligence that lifts spirits under pressure. The CEO will foster innovation and integrity, building a culture that endures, with a leadership pedigree placing them among the market’s finest at guiding organizations through transformative chapters.
In management, the CEO will orchestrate execution with precision, setting goals that galvanize and systems that deliver. They will bridge strategy to action, ensuring front-line crews and executives alike grasp and champion the mission, even when faith falters. The CEO will reorganize talent to leverage strengths, outsource wisely, and measure performance in ways that propel results, demonstrating a mastery that positions them as a standout in aligning complex operations like our client’s.
In operations, the CEO will keep the engine humming seamlessly. They will manage breakdowns during peak seasons, upgrade equipment without disruption, and orchestrate logistics for sudden crowds with ease. The CEO will optimize maintenance, deploy tech flawlessly, and balance cost efficiencies with quality, drawing on operational expertise that ranks them high among peers to ensure every day at our client’s premises runs profitably and smoothly.
This role demands more than theoretical know-how or average competence. The CEO will arrive battle-tested, with scars and successes that place them among the top tier—ideally the best—in their field.
Candidate Qualification Key Strengths and Abilities
1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Entertainment, or a related field.
2. 10+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in the theme park, hospitality, or entertainment industry.
3. Strong financial acumen with a proven track record in revenue growth and cost management.
4. Expertise in customer service, brand management, and guest experience optimization.
5. Deep knowledge of safety regulations, operations management, and attraction development.
6. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
7. Ability to drive innovation and adapt to changing industry trends.
Educational and Background Checks will be performed.
Please note all candidates will undergo a vigorous background check of vocational and educational credentials. Those candidates with unaccredited degrees need not apply. Reference checks will also be performed. This is the standard policy and procedure of The Phillips Group.
The Phillips Group
The Phillips Group is a boutique executive search firm specializing in placements in the Middle East. The firm planted its roots in 1984 in Canada where The Phillips Group was first founded. After the retirement of Carl A. Phillips, the business was closed for a period of years only to be reopened in Dubai. With two generations of Executive Search experience, The Phillips Group offers high-touch bespoke service for clients looking to hire the best people. Services offered include Executive Search, Executive Assessment, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, and Training & Development.
To Apply for this Position:
Please send your CV in Word format by email to and send a copy to. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions about the position.
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