ANU AMARASEKARA
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Accomplished Chief Executive Officer with over 30 years of experience bringing expertise in business planning, revenue development and change management in facilities management, hospitality, and asset management across the Middle East, USA, and other regions along with entrepreneurial, forward-thinking mindset and demonstrated track record of achievements.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1992
1992
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Chief Executive Officer
Holford Middle East Holdings Limited
Dubai
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Company Overview: Total Facilities Management services providing company, specialists in Asset Management solutions with expertise in e-commerce warehousing & industrial Facilities Management, Wholesale and luxury retail outlet management, Residential & Community management, Commercial Property management, Asset mapping/ tagging, condition survey and consulting services, Car park operations, Valet parking operations & Traffic Management and design services provider (KSA) in UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Cairo - Egypt and the USA.
- Total Facilities Management services providing company, specialists in Asset Management solutions with expertise in e-commerce warehousing & industrial Facilities Management, Wholesale and luxury retail outlet management, Residential & Community management, Commercial Property management, Asset mapping/ tagging, condition survey and consulting services, Car park operations, Valet parking operations & Traffic Management and design services provider (KSA) in UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Cairo - Egypt and the USA.
- Launched new business lines to diversify revenue streams.
- Drove corporate social responsibility initiatives, enhancing public image and reputation.
- Ensured financial stability with rigorous budget management.
- Established performance metrics, driving workforce excellence ensued.
Chief Operating Officer - MENA & USA
Holford Middle East (LLC)
Dubai
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Company Overview: Total Facilities Management services providing company, specialists in Asset Management solutions with expertise in e-commerce warehousing & industrial Facilities Management, Wholesale and luxury retail outlet management, Residential & Community management, Commercial Property management, Asset mapping/ tagging, condition survey and consulting services, Car park operations, Valet parking operations & Traffic Management and design services provider (KSA) in UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Cairo - Egypt and the USA.
- Total Facilities Management services providing company, specialists in Asset Management solutions with expertise in e-commerce warehousing & industrial Facilities Management, Wholesale and luxury retail outlet management, Residential & Community management, Commercial Property management, Asset mapping/ tagging, condition survey and consulting services, Car park operations, Valet parking operations & Traffic Management and design services provider (KSA) in UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Cairo - Egypt and the USA.
- Optimised resource allocation to maximise output and minimise waste.
- Led cross-functional teams for project execution.
- Streamlined operational procedures, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Implemented robust risk management measures for organisational protection.
General Manager
J D Havel Decoration Design & Implementation (LLC)
Dubai
10.2020 - 06.2022
- Project Consultant/Manager - Preopening & Main Event EXPO 2020 Dubai.
- Project Management & Implementation/ Turnkey Projects & Fit-Out, TFM Services, Planned Preventive Maintenance, Reactive Maintenance, Villa Façade and High-rise tower cleaning, Landscaping & Nursery, Pool cleaning and PPM, 24/7 Call-outs and Hospitality Soft services provider.
- Manage multiple community projects, villas and units in various towers covering multiple operating communities and sectors across Dubai, with in-house and third-party operating teams providing Project design, management and execution of Hard and Soft Services, Fit-out services and Manpower Supply Services.
- Takes total responsibility for the company MIS, annual budget, and P&L; manages all departments and operational/contractual schedule vs actual daily to assess revenue flow and areas of improvement.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations at all times.
- Delivered results under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Successfully negotiated contracts with suppliers to reduce costs.
- Fostered a high-performance culture, resulting in increased productivity.
General Manager
Al-Habtoor Valtrans
Dubai
05.2016 - 08.2020
- Company Overview: Overall Integrated Facilities Management, Hospitality/ Soft Services, Car Park Management, Self-parking Operations Management, Valet parking and Traffic Management, Transport and Limousine service, Car wash services, Building Maintenance and Call-out services providing company for all sectors.
- Manage over 190 operating locations throughout the U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the project expansion of Cairo - Egypt with over 3,500 subordinates and 150 management teams operating in multiple locations/sectors, providing services for 120 + Luxury Hotels, 11 Famous Malls, 7 Private Hospitals and 3 International Airports.
- Successively slashed payroll and administrative costs of the company during the tenure by up to 30% by effective manpower planning, negotiating vendor pricing and fees, while ensuring the continuation and further enhancement of the customer service cycle.
- Takes the lead in all potential, newly appointed and running contracts, and its business continuity planning' thus increasing its annual profit gains through setting up targets, operational strategies and audit control.
- Overall Integrated Facilities Management, Hospitality/ Soft Services, Car Park Management, Self-parking Operations Management, Valet parking and Traffic Management, Transport and Limousine service, Car wash services, Building Maintenance and Call-out services providing company for all sectors.
- Defined company direction through careful strategic planning.
- Oversaw all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth running of the organisation.
- Regularly reviewed performance data, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Streamlined communication processes for improved team collaboration.
- Improved staff retention with robust HR policies and procedures.
- Identified new business opportunities, leading to market expansion.
- Introduced effective cost control measures, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Achieved customer satisfaction with regular feedback and improvement sessions.
- Led company-wide restructuring to streamline operations.
- Established a positive work environment which promoted staff morale and productivity.
- Developed strategic business plans, enhancing corporate vision and objectives.
Chief Executive Officer - Group
Kanvel Facilities Management
Dubai
04.2015 - 04.2016
- Company Overview: Total Facilities Management, PPM/FUM Services, High-rise tower cleaning with Rope and BMU access, Security Guard and Events Management Services, Technical and Fit-out Services providing company.
- Prepare corporate annual business plans while monitoring progress against these plans to ensure the Company attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
- Provide strategic advice and guidance to the Chairman and the members of the Board, to keep them aware of developments within the industry and to ensure that the appropriate policies are developed to meet the Company's mission and objectives' complying with all relevant statutory and other regulations.
- Establish and maintain effective formal and informal links with major customers, relevant government departments and agencies, local authorities, key decision-makers and partners to exchange information and views and ensure that the Company is providing the appropriate range and quality of services.
- Direct and control the project work and resources of the Company to ensure bottom-line results.
- Total Facilities Management, PPM/FUM Services, High-rise tower cleaning with Rope and BMU access, Security Guard and Events Management Services, Technical and Fit-out Services providing company.
- Developed sustainable partnerships, strengthening industry relationships.
- Promoted talent development programs; enhanced skillsets within the organisation noted.
- Steered complex project management, ensuring timely delivery on commitments.
- Instituted cost control measures; profitability improvement observed.
- Initiated aggressive hiring push and training of industry-renowned candidates to drive organisational improvements.
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.
Managing Director
Arcane Facilities Management
Dubai
01.2014 - 04.2015
- Company Overview: Integrated Facilities Management services providing company since 1999, providing TFM Services, PPM/RM Services, Soft services and manpower supply, Technical and Fit-out Services.
- Holds the overall responsibility of the company's business development, by being accountable for generating management strategies highlighting operational marketing and customer relationship activities to guarantee progressive revenue growth.
- Formulating, and successfully implementing company policies and strategies in all contracted sites in line with the generated business models and its revenue streams as individual profit centres.
- Develop strategic operating plans that reflect the long-term objectives and priorities established;
- Implementing adequate operational planning and financial control systems ensuring that the operating objectives and standards of performance are not only understood but owned by the management and other employees by monitoring the actions of the management teams.
- Integrated Facilities Management services providing company since 1999, providing TFM Services, PPM/RM Services, Soft services and manpower supply, Technical and Fit-out Services.
- Identified market trends, leading to business expansion opportunities.
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Streamlined supply chain management, ensuring timely delivery of products.
- Developed effective business strategies for sustained growth.
- Negotiated profitable contracts, increasing company revenue.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Recruited and managed senior staff with focus on delivering clear results.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Put in place clear controls for financial administration and business management.
Deputy General Manager
Al-Habtoor Valtrans
Dubai
05.2012 - 12.2013
- Company Overview: Overall Facilities Management, Hospitality Services, Soft and Hard Services, Car park Management, Transport and Limousine service, Valet Parking and Self-parking Operations solutions provider.
- Overall Facilities Management, Hospitality Services, Soft and Hard Services, Car park Management, Transport and Limousine service, Valet Parking and Self-parking Operations solutions provider.
- Increased productivity by implementing new managerial strategies.
- Created digital file classification system for company-wide use.
- Drafted procedural statements and guidelines for company-wide use.
- Oversaw facility maintenance and allocated needed resources to meet standards.
- Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning.
- Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
Regional Director of Operations
Al-Habtoor Valtrans
Dubai
04.2009 - 04.2012
- Company Overview: Overall Facilities Management, Hospitality Services, Soft and Hard Services, Car park Management, Transport and Limousine service, Valet Parking and Self-parking Operations solutions provider.
- Manage over 150 operating locations throughout U.A.E, and the expansion to Saudi Arabia, India and Qatar with over 2000 subordinates and 50 management teams operating in multiple locations/sectors, providing services for 65 Luxury Hotels, 11 Famous Malls, 7 Private Hospitals and 3 International Airports.
- A direct representative in making sound decisions on behalf of the Company; and responsible for maintaining and enhancing overall quality management systems, KPIs and P&L accounts across all profit centres.
- Create strategies for business development and generate business leads to enhance company revenue streams.
- Oversee all departments of the company mainly fiscal and HR functions including local/overseas recruitment.
- Overall Facilities Management, Hospitality Services, Soft and Hard Services, Car park Management, Transport and Limousine service, Valet Parking and Self-parking Operations solutions provider.
- Led regional operations for maximised productivity and profitability.
- Established key partnerships with stakeholders, boosting business opportunities.
- Implemented innovative solutions, improving overall efficiency of operations.
- Handled crisis situations effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
Assistant General Manager
Cledor Services FZ - LLC
Dubai Media City
05.2007 - 04.2009
- Company Overview: Integrated Facilities Management, Car park and Self-Parking Operations Management, Car wash services, Traffic Management and Valet Parking service provider.
- A founding member of the management team; designed strategies for heads of department and senior/junior management teams; policy planning and development; development of training manuals and conducting of training programs for senior/ junior management teams; Development of progressive job descriptions of all related positions and support the development of the Standard Operating Procedures of all departments, office set up including logistics and all HR, Payroll and Operations related software development.
- Responsible for overall business development of the company, and directing the Sales teams to achieve the given targets.
- Direct liaison with the Managing Director in Operations management of the company, including General Administration, Human Resources, Finance and General Accounting, Sales and profit/loss control.
- Integrated Facilities Management, Car park and Self-Parking Operations Management, Car wash services, Traffic Management and Valet Parking service provider.
- Integrated sustainable practices into business operations, contributed towards environmental responsibility.
- Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
- Developed organisational policies for administrative oversight and internal controls.
Manager- Administrations
Elite group of companies
Dubai
03.2006 - 04.2007
- Company Overview: Facilities Management, Landscaping Services, Technical Services, Valet Parking, Car Park and Traffic Management Division.
- Plan, organize, and manage all aspects of general Administration in a multifaceted company ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Oversee all aspects of the fiscal affairs; supports HR planning and Management development; recruitment & selection; training & development; implementation of total quality management systems; logistics management, office and staff housing complex for over 490 employees supporting the operations of Facilities Management and Valet Car Parking; providing solutions for 21 Five-Star hotels, handling of Private events and Concerts and the Vehicle Accidents/ Loss Prevention division.
- Oversee project development; upgrade company's policies and procedures by developing progressive Standard Operating Procedures manuals in conjunction with ISO standardization needs.
- Facilities Management, Landscaping Services, Technical Services, Valet Parking, Car Park and Traffic Management Division.
- Handled confidential documents, maintained privacy and security at all times.
- Improved office efficiency by introducing advanced software solutions.
- Coordinated team meetings, ensured clear communication of company objectives.
- Developed effective communication channels to improve inter-departmental collaboration.
- Drafted procedural statements and guidelines for company-wide use.
- Developed organisational policies for administrative oversight and internal controls.
- Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
- Implemented and enforced robust filing systems for quick, accurate document retrieval.
- Resolved issues as they arose for smooth daily management of administrative operations.
Group Operations Manager- Retail Facilities
Alkahaja Group
Dubai
11.2004 - 02.2006
- Manage the operational technical support of 31 F&B and Retail outlets in its initial design and concept creation involving five diverse international and local operating franchises, largescale outdoor catering arrangements, technical training, local & overseas recruitment, and development of operational strategies and callouts for over 1200 subordinates operating in multiple locations throughout the UAE.
- Whilst at Alkahaja Group' contributed as the Senior Consultant for Future Food Retail Food Planners Private Limited Melbourne- Australia.
- Collaborated with master-planning the entire Food and Beverage Retail precincts of Dubai Mall, Dubai Municipality- Jumeirah Open Beach development project, Abu Dhabi Central Market, Aldar-Al Raha Beach development project in Abu Dhabi, New extension of Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain and 360 Degree Mall in Kuwait.
- Initiated the Future Food office in Dubai by spearheading the handover from the main office in Melbourne- Australia and integrating the necessary changes in the Dubai office.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas of improvement and growth potential in employees.
- Analysed and resolved complex resource management issues for optimised scheduling.
- Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build successful administrative team.
Operations & Events Management
Flying Elephant Events
Dubai
12.2003 - 10.2004
- Planning and managing all technical requirements of the events; liaising with the sales department and overseeing all logistical requirements and setup of each individual event.
- Manage the third-party vendors in all aspects of the event execution; backdrops, stage design and assembly, décor works, props, animated characters, lighting and music systems, special equipment rentals, entertainment and activity stall requirements.
- Manage all phases of the event execution; technical spot monitoring, database management and tracking of events and preparation of job cards; assist the company Director to integrate sponsorship and benefits packages at special events; quality control, facilitate feedback and complaint handling.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Oversaw daily operations to achieve high productivity levels.
Senior supervisor and Group Trainer-pre-opening Jumeirah Hotels' Taskforce team
Jumeirah International
Dubai
02.1999 - 12.2003
- Contributed to the pre-opening of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab and Maina A' Salam- Madinat Jumeirah.
- Conduct condition surveys, asset tagging, detailed snagging on contractor handover and in-room and restaurant audits in addition to conducting training for all newly appointed teams.
- Liaise with the Main Contractor on the project handover phase and Jumeirah Hotel management teams, Human Resources and Training management teams. Managing day-to-day operations of the hotel and the development of the SOPs/ VSOPs/ISO Quality and Training Manuals.
- Provided training and guidance to junior staff members, enhancing overall team performance.
- Facilitated conflict resolution amongst team members, promoting a positive working environment.
- Implemented health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe workplace for all employees.
- Updated office management on team's activities and progress at weekly meetings.
- Instructed employees in company policies and procedures, maximising compliance and consistency.
- Scheduled staff and delegated assignments to adequately cover operational and project requirements.
- Conducted individual appraisals, set KPI targets, and devised professional development plans to improve staff performance.
- Input current metrics into tracking documents and spreadsheets and prepared reports.
- Delivered new hire training and mentored established staff on processes and procedures.
Pre-opening task force team
Hilton International
Abu Dhabi
04.1994 - 12.1998
- Contributed to the opening of Baynunah Hilton Tower, Hiltonia Beach, La Terrazza and Pearl Find Dining outlets and contractor handover process.
- Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
Hospitality Management Internship
Hotel Lanka Oberoi (now Cinnoman Grand Colombo)
Colombo
05.1992 - 04.1994
Education
MBA - Project Management
Jaipur National University
DubaiMEP Engineering Certified Diploma - MEP, LV & Firefighting Systems & Design
Arabian INFO-TECH Institute of Engineering
DubaiIOSH-European Safety Council Regulated OFQUAL-UK (Level VII) International Certified Diploma - Occupational Health and Safety Management
European Safety Council Regulated OFQUAL-UK
DubaiAccredited executive management development program - Managing for Success
Kawader Training Institute
DubaiPost Graduate (Level VII) Advanced Professional Diploma - Executive Human Resource Management
BTEC Apprenticeships, EDEXCEL International
LondonProfessional Development Program - Hospitality Management
Ecole Hoteliere De Lausanne
SwitzerlandGeneral Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) -
General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)
Sri LankaSkills
- Organisational and Enterprise Change Management
- Asset Management
- Integrated Facilities Management
- Crisis and Response Management
- Process & Policy Creation updates and Implementation
- HVAC, MEP, LV & Firefighting Systems & Design Engineering
- Operations Continuity Planning and Efficiency Enhancement
- Resource Allocation and Management
- Third-Party Services Management
- Revenue Optimisation and Regional Commercial Expansion Strategies
- Car park and Valet Parking Operations Management
- Training and Leadership Development
- Tenders and Contracts drafting and Submission Process
- Safety and Security Systems Management
- Service delivery Measurements and KPIs
- Fit-out/ Hard Services & Call-outs Management
- Hospitality/ Soft Services Management
- Loss Prevention and Road/ Traffic Authority Accident Regulations
- Employment Law
- Delegation Mastery
- Board Leadership
- Regional Operations Oversight
- Mergers & Acquisitions strategy
- Influential Networking
- Human Resources Oversight
- Decision-Making Prowess
- Relationship Management
- High-value Project Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Business process Improvement
- Risk portfolio Management
- Data-driven Decision-making
- Budget Planning & Financial Forecasting
- Technology Integration
- Controls systems Enhancement
- Corporate Governance
Custom
- Organisational and Enterprise Change Management
- Asset Management
- Integrated Facilities Management
- Crisis and Response Management
- Process Creation and Implementation
- HVAC, MEP, LV & Firefighting Systems & Design Engineering
- Operations Continuity Planning and Efficiency Enhancement
- Resource Allocation and Management
- Third-Party Services Management
- Revenue Optimisation and Regional Commercial Expansion Strategies
- Car park and Valet Parking Operations Management
- Training and Leadership Development
- Tenders and Contracts drafting and Submission Process
- Safety and Security Systems Management
- Service delivery Measurements and KPIs
- Certified in OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) Act Statutory Requirements
- Fit-out/ Hard Services & Call-outs Management
- Hospitality/ Soft Services Management
- Loss Prevention and Road/ Traffic Authority Accident Regulations
- Employment Law
Personal Information
- Date of birth: 09/01/74
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Sri Lankan
- Marital status: Married
Accomplishments
- Implemented [Type] process, streamlining work and increasing efficiency [Number]%
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Holford Middle East Holdings Limited
08.2023 - 05.2025
Chief Operating Officer - MENA & USA
Holford Middle East (LLC)
07.2022 - 07.2023
General Manager
J D Havel Decoration Design & Implementation (LLC)
10.2020 - 06.2022
General Manager
Al-Habtoor Valtrans
05.2016 - 08.2020
Chief Executive Officer - Group
Kanvel Facilities Management
04.2015 - 04.2016
Managing Director
Arcane Facilities Management
01.2014 - 04.2015
Deputy General Manager
Al-Habtoor Valtrans
05.2012 - 12.2013
Regional Director of Operations
Al-Habtoor Valtrans
04.2009 - 04.2012
Assistant General Manager
Cledor Services FZ - LLC
05.2007 - 04.2009
Manager- Administrations
Elite group of companies
03.2006 - 04.2007
Group Operations Manager- Retail Facilities
Alkahaja Group
11.2004 - 02.2006
Operations & Events Management
Flying Elephant Events
12.2003 - 10.2004
Senior supervisor and Group Trainer-pre-opening Jumeirah Hotels' Taskforce team
Jumeirah International
02.1999 - 12.2003
Pre-opening task force team
Hilton International
04.1994 - 12.1998
Hospitality Management Internship
Hotel Lanka Oberoi (now Cinnoman Grand Colombo)
05.1992 - 04.1994
MBA - Project Management
Jaipur National University
MEP Engineering Certified Diploma - MEP, LV & Firefighting Systems & Design
Arabian INFO-TECH Institute of Engineering
IOSH-European Safety Council Regulated OFQUAL-UK (Level VII) International Certified Diploma - Occupational Health and Safety Management
European Safety Council Regulated OFQUAL-UK
Accredited executive management development program - Managing for Success
Kawader Training Institute
Post Graduate (Level VII) Advanced Professional Diploma - Executive Human Resource Management
BTEC Apprenticeships, EDEXCEL International
Professional Development Program - Hospitality Management
Ecole Hoteliere De Lausanne
General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) -
General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level)
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