DOUGLAS ACTON
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Over 1billion£ value of sales across global markets and proven expertise in sales leadership. Adept at leveraging exceptional communication and negotiation skills to drive business growth and achieve strategic objectives. Committed to advancing a career in international sales, with a goal of leading high-performing teams to success in competitive markets.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Residential and Commercial Sales
AHS Properties
Dubai, UAE
2026.03 - Current
- Managed sales team targeting new untapped markets, generating sales through family offices, asset managers, and real estate agents.
- Drove local and international sales for AHS developments, targeting growth in UK, European, and AsiaPac markets.
- EOI's collected to the value of AED 120,000,000 for Shangri-La and AHS City
- Built a powerful local broker network of over 1000 agents from key feeder markets
- Established structure and training programmes, setting sales KPIs to enhance sales team performance.
AVP Sales
Al Hamra
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
2025.10 - 2026.03
- Achieved the highest sale in the history of Al Hamra, AED 130,000,000
- Managed luxury sales team onsite, consistently exceeding company goals
- Leveraged extensive broker network in UK, Europe and Asia Pacific to drive sales growth
- Launched the UK/European operation with a long-term view to open a European and Asia Pacific hub
- Launched the new Waldorf Astoria residences, the most luxurious development in RAK
- Developed strategic and operational vision to position Al Hamra and RAK internationally
Sales Director
Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company
London
2024.03 - 2025.10
- Achieved highest £ per sq ft in Kent, 2025, setting new market benchmark.
- Sold highest valued one bed and two bed apartments in Folkestone, 2025, highlighting market leadership.
- Managed £90,000,000 to develop a 20-year masterplan for over 1000 apartments and beach houses, incorporating retirement living, a hotel complex, and regenerating a new seafront town.
Account Director
API Global – Dubai based Luxury Sales Brokerage
Dubai, UAE
2022.03 - 2024.05
- Managed accounts for 150 agencies across UK and Europe, fostering strategic partnerships
- Developed relationships with key wealth management companies, including Skybound, DeVere, and St James Place, enhancing collaborative opportunities
- Secured and packaged top-tier property investments for wealth managers, asset managers, family offices, and HNWI in UK and Middle East property markets
Head of Sales
Berkeley Group PLC
London
2019.03 - 2022.03
- Delivered £100,000,000 in sales across 9 schemes: Prince of Wales Drive (Battersea), Merano, Corniche and Dumont (Vauxhall), Courtyard Gardens (Oxted), White City Living (White City), The Arches (Watford), Hertford Locks (Hertford), and Poplar Riverside (Poplar)
- With my management, White City Living was the No.1 sales performing scheme across Berkeley Group
- Achieved 40 sales at Courtyard Gardens, exceeding target of 26 for 2020/2021 during Covid period
Regional Sales Manager
Mount Anvil
London
2017.07 - 2019.03
- Delivered record 204 residential exchanges in 2018 across three schemes, setting highest exchanges in Mount Anvil history
- Achieved 140 sales at Silk District in 2018, exceeding target of 105 in challenging Whitechapel location
- Led optimisation, launch, marketing, and delivery of £100m sales for Silk District (Whitechapel), Hampstead Manor (Hampstead), and Queens Wharf (Hammersmith)
Regional Sales Director
Barratt- Redrow London
London
2015.12 - 2017.07
- Achieved record sale of highest valued property in Redrow history, £10.5m 4 bedroom PH off Hyde Park, at £3,000 psf
- Facilitated sale of 36 apartments at Holland Park Avenue through a bulk deal, achieving £2,200 psf
- Oversaw 9 schemes across zones 2-6 and outer London, including Hyde Park, Holland Park, Chiswick, Paddington, Maida Vale, Totteridge, and West Drayton
Sales Manager
Berkeley Group PLC
London
2013.07 - 2015.12
- Sold all three Penthouses at One Tower Bridge for between £12-15m at £2800 per sq ft. (Southbank average £1500) and the highest value 1 bed unit at £2,300,000
- Facilitated sales at One Tower Bridge, achieving £2600 per sq ft, significantly above market averages.
- Managed five property development schemes, including One Tower Bridge and Saffron Square, driving project success through effective oversight.
Director Sales and Marketing
ME Hotel Dubai
Dubai
2009.10 - 2013.07
- Led task force for launch of ME Hotel Dubai, designed by Zaha Hadid, on Burj Khalifa Blvd, building on success of ME Hotel London.
- Managed luxury sales across global channels, driving brand visibility and market presence.
- Negotiated high-value contracts to secure profitable deals.
- Fostered a results-driven culture amongst the sales team to exceed targets.
- Developed comprehensive marketing plans, enhancing brand visibility.
Sales Manager
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
London
2004.01 - 2009.10
- Led sales and marketing for rebrand of 5 Star Hyatt Carlton Tower to Jumeirah International, targeting Middle East market and crafting marketing strategy for Gulf region.
- Negotiated lucrative contracts to secure long-term client commitment.
- Developed robust client relationships for improved business growth.
- Achieved increased customer satisfaction by implementing innovative sales strategies.
Education
BA Hons - Hospitality Management
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON
Eastbourne, East SussexSkills
Global sales markets
Market analysis
Sales leadership
Negotiation skills
Problem-solving
Calm under pressure
Public speaking
Communication skills
Languages
English
Native
French
Advanced
Accomplishments
2026 - AHS Shangri La - EOI's to the value of AED 100,000,000
2025 - Sold the most expensive property in RAK - AED 130,000,000
2024 - Achieved the highest PSF in South East England
2023 - Sold our 2 floors of the W Hotel residences
2022 - White City Living became No.1 selling scheme in Berkeley Group
2021 - Increased PSF on Prince of Wales Drive by 32%
2020 - Sold £100m in one year
Timeline
Head of Residential and Commercial Sales
AHS Properties
2026.03 - Current
AVP Sales
Al Hamra
2025.10 - 2026.03
Sales Director
Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company
2024.03 - 2025.10
Account Director
API Global – Dubai based Luxury Sales Brokerage
2022.03 - 2024.05
Head of Sales
Berkeley Group PLC
2019.03 - 2022.03
Regional Sales Manager
Mount Anvil
2017.07 - 2019.03
Regional Sales Director
Barratt- Redrow London
2015.12 - 2017.07
Sales Manager
Berkeley Group PLC
2013.07 - 2015.12
Director Sales and Marketing
ME Hotel Dubai
2009.10 - 2013.07
Sales Manager
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
2004.01 - 2009.10
BA Hons - Hospitality Management
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON