Jan Arentoft
Panorama Tower, Dubai
Summary
Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Experienced design brand professional with 15+ years in the industry in GCC spec with focus on workspace concepts and design & product knowledge. Proven track record in building networks with customers, architects, designers, and suppliers. Adept at communicating design ideas, history, and values to enhance product benefits & KSP in projects. High level of commercial experience with several major projects wins in the region. Strong team-oriented leadership and management skills with a focus on sustainability, exemplified by managing the first LEED CI Platinum project in the ME region.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Royal Ahrend Gulf
01.2018 - 10.2024
- Strategy & Business plan: created & presented MTB for GCC region for executive management and subsequently implemented strategy to organization and stakeholders
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Brand Development: Expanded Ahrend brand recognition and coverage in the GCC market
- Establish & develop partner/dealer and distribution network within GCC and Middle East
- Financial Management: Direct responsibility for budget, P&L, and reporting to executive management and the board
- Profit Improvement: Changed price structure and increased margins by 25-30%, achieving the highest turnovers and profits in Ahrend Gulf's history
- Team Leadership: Managed local team, developed skills, and ensured delivery of top-quality materials to clients
- Key Projects: Negotiated and secured major contracts including SABB new HQ in Riyadh, Aramco HQ in King Abdullah Financial District plus B2B agreement within Aramco, Qatar Airlines, Cardio Hospital in Bahrain, Kings College Hospital, MEA Beirut, and several frame agreements with blue-chip organizations.
Workplace Strategy Specialist
Arentoft & Partners
10.2016 - 12.2017
- Strategy Alignment: Demystified the planning process by aligning workplace strategy with business strategy and culture
- Project Involvement: Consulted on the Obermeyer project for the new DEWA HQ building in Dubai and an FF&E specifying project for new CBO focusing on the furniture package
- Concept Development: Designed differentiated workplace layouts, incorporating elements such as creative canteens, informal meeting facilities, collaboration areas, and focus rooms.
Business Development Manager - Workspaces
Holmris.Designbrokers
08.2016 - 10.2016
- Strategy Development: Created and implemented strategy and sales concept for the Office division
- Concept Creation: Developed workplace strategy consulting services for clients and architects, enabling Holmris.Designbrokers to become a professional partner for creating commercial spaces
- Client Engagement: Worked directly with clients to gather product development input and tailored solutions to their needs.
Sales Director A+D & Conceptual Space Planning
Bene AG Middle East
01.2011 - 07.2016
- Commercial Space Creation: Developed spaces enhancing communication and performance, tailored to modern office requirements
- Client Relations: Built and maintained relationships with Architects, Designers, Partners, and Global accounts in the region
- Project Management: Managed full project lifecycle, from concept to final negotiations and contract signing, ensuring alignment with Bene's philosophy and product standards
- Market Leadership: Contributed to Bene Middle East's significant turnover and profit, known for high professionalism in the supply chain.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with a focus on fostering long-term relationships, consistently addressing client needs, and providing exceptional service.
- Contributed biggest project win with ADNOC HQ
Manager A+D Gemaco Furniture
Gemaco Interiors
09.2007 - 01.2011
- Division Management: Led high-end furniture division, focusing on product strategy, supplier relations, and promotional activities
- Sales Growth: Increased furniture volume by 10-15% despite market challenges
- Sustainability Leadership: Managed all LEED CI projects, including the first LEED CI Platinum project in the region
- Team Coordination: Oversaw sales and QS team, coordinated with operations to ensure optimal supply and installation.
Key Account Manager / Business Development Manager
Le Klint A/S
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Brand Relaunch: Modernized the Le Klint brand and improved profit margins by 25%
- Retail Strategy: Managed exhibitions and retail concepts, leading to increased product visibility and sales.
Project and Deputy Manager
Montana Mobile A/S
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Turnover Growth: Increased turnover from 3M Dkr to +40M Dkr, establishing Montana Business line as a market leader
- Project Management: Handled major interior projects, ensuring successful execution from concept to installation
- Product Design: aligned requirements from A&D & clients with product development and design.
Education
LEED Accredited Professional -
US Green Build Council
01.2009
Master Diplomas in Environmental Management -
Copenhagen Business School
01.1996
Quality Auditor ISO9000 -
IRCA
10.1996
Business Diplomas -
Commerce Economical Method, Strategic Development, Project Management, Interdisciplinary Studies
06.1996
Diplomas in Innovative Project Management -
Copenhagen Business School
06.1995
Bachelor in Business Admistration -
Project & Process Management, HR & Tourism
05.1994
Skills
- High-level product knowledge
- Developing and communicating design ideas
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Sustainability and LEED project management
- Multicultural collaboration and international relations
- Client Relationships
- Strategic Planning
- Partnership Development
- Revenue Growth
- Negotiation
Affiliations
- Technical Committee Member, Emirates Green Building Council
- Chairman of Education Committee, Association of Professional Interior Designers - UAE
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
German
Intermediate (B1)
Swedish
Upper intermediate (B2)
Norwegian
Upper intermediate (B2)
Arabic
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Managing Director
Royal Ahrend Gulf
01.2018 - 10.2024
Workplace Strategy Specialist
Arentoft & Partners
10.2016 - 12.2017
Business Development Manager - Workspaces
Holmris.Designbrokers
08.2016 - 10.2016
Sales Director A+D & Conceptual Space Planning
Bene AG Middle East
01.2011 - 07.2016
Manager A+D Gemaco Furniture
Gemaco Interiors
09.2007 - 01.2011
Key Account Manager / Business Development Manager
Le Klint A/S
01.2004 - 01.2007
Project and Deputy Manager
Montana Mobile A/S
01.1998 - 01.2004
LEED Accredited Professional -
US Green Build Council
Master Diplomas in Environmental Management -
Copenhagen Business School
Quality Auditor ISO9000 -
IRCA
Business Diplomas -
Commerce Economical Method, Strategic Development, Project Management, Interdisciplinary Studies
Diplomas in Innovative Project Management -
Copenhagen Business School
Bachelor in Business Admistration -
Project & Process Management, HR & Tourism
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