Abed Ayoub Abed Mustafa
Amman
Summary
Abed is a highly accomplished hospitality executive with a proven 20+ year track record of executing large-scale events for royals and VIPs, as well as driving strategic business growth for hotels and other hospitality organizations. Possessing extensive international leadership experience, Abed has exceptional business acumen and strategic planning skills, which have been honed through years of experience in the industry. Abed has successfully planned and executed over 10,000 events during his long career. As an expert in banquets, events, and hotel management, Abed has a keen eye for detail and is skilled in launching high-profile, royal, and majestic functions and events. He is also adept at executing strategic plans that support cost management, productivity, service enhancement, and maximizing opportunities to enhance performance and outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Director of Events & Hospitality
Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH
Riyadh
08.2023 - Current
- Led the successful planning and execution of multiple international 'expos' with over 15K high-profile attendees
- Managed the operations budget for cost-effectiveness and resource allocation for several elements including construction, logistics, recruitment and technology
- Spearheaded vendor management activities, including requests for proposals, quotations reviews, negotiations and contract management for several types of vendors (e.g., design, logistics, audio-visual, catering, etc.)
- Creatively managed show signage processes for ease of navigation throughout the events
- Developed and successfully executed project plans and schedules for complex events to include detailed activities, key milestones, roles & responsibilities and governance
- Recruited, trained, and managed up to 50 event staff while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations through certification of IOSH or NEBOSH
- Conducted post-event evaluations to assess success of shows and events and identify lessons learned and areas for improvement and cost-effectiveness
- Led and ensured implementation of operational processes and platforms, overseeing direct processes impacting event floorplan and exhibitor list
- Created positive impression on internal staff, company executives, external suppliers, and stakeholders, presenting updates of events throughout the event(s) lifecycle
- Prepared an annual event over SAR 50 Mn in budgets and forecasts, in alignment with finance policies
Director of Banquet Operations
Four Seasons Hotel
Amman
10.2018 - 07.2023
- Successfully planned, managed and executed more than 1200 major events and banquets
- Developed and managed the execution of the Catering Management Strategy and its related initiatives
- Reviewed scheduled events with direct reports and provided expert input to avoid potential service challenges
- Managed the overall events communications (e.g., banquet event order meetings, pre-event briefings, daily staff meetings, etc.) to ensure full alignment across all stakeholders
- Led catering menu development and worked with culinary team to ensure food handling & sanitary compliance
- Maintained cleanliness, inventory levels, and functionality of key meeting spaces and 'heart of the house' areas with sufficient furniture, equipment and technology in alignment with corporate guidelines
- Worked directly with high-profile stakeholders and high-revenue groups for an excellent customer experience
- Managed JOD 4+ Mn total customer budgets and planned for revenue maximization in alignment with needs
- Championed all standards, policies, and procedures (e.g., PPM, Core Deliverables, SOPs, LSOPs, etc.) while empowering employees for excellent customer service
- Communicated vision for service delivery and attendee experience from arrival to departure
- Reviewed property-specific event operations annually and made appropriate adjustments
Assistant Director of Events
King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre (Managed by Hilton)
Dead Sea
05.2017 - 09.2018
- Worked with company leadership to develop and monitor timelines and milestones related to all aspects of managing events, ensuring information was communicated timely with involved stakeholders (e.g., customers, volunteers, contractors and employees)
- Collaborated with multiple center committees to develop 50 major royal event programs with all relevant details required, including speakers required, approved topics, event commitments, and budgetary considerations
- Negotiated contracts and arranged related services with over 15 vendors for events, including decorators, audiovisual providers, transportation companies, signage developers, entertainment companies and more
- Managed logistical details of events, including securing the conference line, coordinating volunteers, room setup, audio-visual, transportation, housing, food and beverage, BEOs and more
- Undertook staffing responsibilities, assisted in budgeting and monitoring expenses, and fulfilled duties assigned by the General Manager
- Maintained scheduling of events, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal policies, and monitored attainment of objectives
- Created cyclical performance and financial reports relating to all events and presented them to the relevant committees and center leadership accordingly
Senior Manager of Sales
King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre (Managed by Hilton)
Dead Sea
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Developed and implemented Property Account Revenue Mix (PARM) and strategies to achieve short and long-term sales objectives, driving revenue growth
- Generated new business for Jordan and handled renewals in order to ensure revenue growth in client solutions
- Monitored customer preferences to determine the focus of sales efforts, identifying new business opportunities
- Provided guidelines and training to staff to execute their duties, ensuring they were equipped to achieve sales objectives and deliver excellent customer service
Director of Event Management
Amman Marriott Hotel
Amman
01.1994 - 09.2008
- Successfully maximize annual revenue to JOD 2 Mn from room rentals, group rates, conferences, weddings and events through proactive selling and commercial management techniques
- Supervised the day-to-day performance of all events, maintaining brand standards of outstanding customer service and empowering associates to provide excellent service
- Interacted with other departments and functions to ensure that the hotel exceeded customer, owner, and shareholder expectations, managing the relationship and business processes between GC&E Sales, Sales, Operations, Reservations, and Revenue departments
- Managed event management operations and budgets, ensuring compliance with food handling and sanitation standards, and maintaining furniture and equipment inventory levels in accordance with corporate guidelines
- Solicited new catering accounts, maintained relationships with existing accounts, and oversaw client functions to ensure customer satisfaction
- Hired, trained, and coached 25 employees across several departments
- Prepared and presented weekly and monthly Catering/Sales reports, and had knowledge regarding hotel facilities and services, airline partnerships, and local attractions
- Handled complaints in a tactful manner and negotiated resolutions such as alternative accommodations when the hotel was sold out
- Complied with attendance rules and was available to work on a regular basis, performing any other job-related duties as assigned
Education
High School Diploma -
Zarqa High School
Jordan06-1988
Certification
- Customer Focused Selling, Hilton Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Customer Service Excellence, Hilton Group, Amman, Jordan
- Basic Security in Field - Staff & Health, UN World Food Programmed (WFP), Amman, Jordan
- Abuse of Authority & Prevention of Harassment, UN World Food Programmed (WFP), Amman, Jordan
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Author of Book, Cairo, Egypt
- Forecast & Projection, Training Academy, Amman, Jordan
- Foundation of Leadership, Training Academy, Dubai, UAE
- Impact of Leadership, Training Academy, Cairo, Egypt
- Corporate Sales, Training Academy, Amman, Jordan
- Sales Foundation, Training Academy, Kuwait, Kuwait
- Effective Training Skills, Marriott International, Amman, Jordan
- Developing You, Developing Others, Training Academy, Amman, Jordan
- Negotiations Skills, Training Academy, Cairo, Egypt
- Professional Selling Skills, Achieve Global, Amman, Jordan
- Civil Defense & Rumble, Training Academy, Amman, Jordan
- Crisis Management Training, Training Academy, Amman, Jordan
Languages
Native, Fluent
References
Available upon request
Hobbies and Interests
- Travelling
- Social networking
- Movies
- Technology
Personal Information
- Relocation: Open to relocation and freelance opportunities
- Nationality: Jordanian
- Visa Status: Valid KSA visa
Timeline
Independent Director of Events & Hospitality
Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH
08.2023 - Current
Director of Banquet Operations
Four Seasons Hotel
10.2018 - 07.2023
Assistant Director of Events
King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre (Managed by Hilton)
05.2017 - 09.2018
Senior Manager of Sales
King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre (Managed by Hilton)
07.2011 - 07.2012
Director of Event Management
Amman Marriott Hotel
01.1994 - 09.2008
High School Diploma -
Zarqa High School