27. David Grant Thomson, Chief Operating Officer, JA Resorts & Hotels (Last year 23rd)
JA Resorts & Hotels, previously known as Jebel Ali International Hotels, formally rebranded after a strategic development plan in 2012, which was also the year that David Grant Thomson took over as Chief Operating Officer.
JA Resorts & Hotels is racing full steam ahead with a keen eye on international expansion. The group launched its first international property outside the UAE with Enchanted Island Resort in December 2013 in the Seychelles. JA Manafaru marked the second international property in the Indian Ocean and was launched in November 2014.
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By the numbers
Number of years in role: 3
Number of years with company: 14
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 5
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 3
Fun Fact
David Grant Thomson supports various charities, and even shaved his head last year to raise money for a school for underprivileged children