Jihane Chakrouf
UAE
Summary
Results-driven Director known for strategic vision and leadership. Spearheaded transformative initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and driving growth. Key strengths include team leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, resulting in significant business improvements and profitability gains.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
4029
4029
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Cluster Director of Groups , Conference & Events
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Dubai, UAE
03.2023 - Current
- In charge of Groups, Conferences and Events at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection comprising three hotels – Al Habtoor Palace, V Hotel Dubai and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
- Developed comprehensive business plans for company growth.
- Full accountability for the financial performance of the groups and events department, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on all event-related revenue streams.
- Develop and manage annual departmental budgets in collaboration with the finance team, focusing on cost control without compromising service standards.
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all hotel-hosted groups and events, ensuring a flawless and seamless experience across all touchpoints.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the GC&E team, ensuring they have the skills, training, and support to consistently deliver exceptional results.
- Managed negotiations with clients to secure profitable contracts.
- Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
Cluster Director of Catering Sales
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Dubai, UAE
01.2022 - 02.2023
- In charge of Events & Catering Sales at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection comprising three hotels – Al Habtoor Palace, V Hotel Dubai and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
- Accountable for creating and implementing the hotel's long-term events strategy, aligning with the overall business goals and positioning in the ultra-luxury market.
- Work in partnership with the Sales and Marketing teams to identify key business opportunities that drive event bookings, including exclusive weddings, corporate retreats, fashion shows, product launches, and high-profile social gatherings.
- Lead market research and competitive analysis to continuously innovate and tailor event offerings that appeal individuals and global corporate leaders.
- Develop a comprehensive calendar of signature events, ensuring that each event reflects the unique selling points of the cluster
Assistant Director - Weddings & Social Events
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Dubai, UAE
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Develop, implement, maximize, monitor and evaluate objectives, strategies and activities of weddings to achieve and exceed forecasted revenue
- Assist the Director of Sales & Marketing in the implementation of all Sales & Marketing related Policies & Procedures
- Develop and distribute all communications relating to planning and execution of weddings and social events
- Execute and support the operational aspects of business booked
- Oversee the day to day events operation
- Review the performance of the wedding team and provide feedback for achieving personal business objectives
- Handle all incoming groups and event inquiries related to weddings
- Plan, coordinate and execute all aspects of wedding's logistics.
- Managed team schedules and deadlines for optimised productivity.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by refining standard operating procedures.
- Assisted in developing annual budgets whilst monitoring expenditure.
Travel & Events Consultant
Palm Voyages
Montreal, Canada
01.2014 - 11.2018
- Book reservations for travel, hotels, and special events
- Organize facilities and manage all event's details such as decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invitee list, special guests, equipment, promotional material
- Plan, coordinate and execute events organized by the travel agency
- Determine customers' needs and preferences, such as schedules and costs
- Plan and arrange tour packages and day trips
- Find airline fare and schedule information
- Arrange flights, insurance and accommodation
- Collect and processing payments
- Advise clients on travel arrangements, e.g
- Visas and passports
- Send out tickets to clients.
Events Manager
Atlantis The Palm
Dubai, UAE
01.2012 - 02.2013
- In charge of all corporate events, exhibitions, social events and weddings held at the hotel
- Plan, coordinate and execute all aspects of event's logistics
- Manage a portfolio of accounts and ensure the consistent delivery of service and quality in accordance to Atlantis The Palm standards
- Liaise with F&B department, ensuring operational and financial success of all events
- Maintain proper filing systems, files update and any database/report requirements requested by management.
Weddings & Social Events Manager
Intercontinental Hotel Group
Dubai, UAE
12.2009 - 12.2011
- Answer all incoming inquiries pertaining to wedding and social events
- Communicate to share market intelligence, provide feedback
- Ensure customer awareness with the hotel and to ensure professional planning and coordination throughout the events process
- Conduct site inspection for all inquiries and meet with clients to work out the details of their functions
- Answer, return and follow up all telephone enquiries promptly and efficiently
- Maintain proper filing systems, files update and any database/report requirements requested by management.
Assistant Events Sales Manager
Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa
Dubai, UAE
01.2007 - 11.2009
- Process a function sales from enquiry to contract in accordance with laid-down procedures
- Answer, return and follow up all telephone enquiries promptly and efficiently
- Maintain proper filing systems, files update and any database/report requirements requested by management
- Promote and sell the banquet facilities, functions that can be held in the functions rooms, restaurants, pool decks, garden or beach.
Groups and Events Coordinator
Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa
Dubai, UAE
08.2005 - 01.2007
- Coordinate reservation's rooming lists for groups, tour series and special programs for the hotel
- Handle and respond to groups and events inquiries within twelve hours, liaising with the DOS regarding rates, F&B requirements
- Answer, return and follow up all telephone enquiries promptly and efficiently
- Promote and sell the banquet facilities, functions that can be held in the functions rooms, restaurants, pool decks, garden or beach.
Education
Professional Sales and Marketing Diploma -
John F Kennedy Business Centre
Flight Attendant Diploma - undefined
CFPNC Flight Attendant School
Administrative Management Techniques Diploma - undefined
Technical High School
Events planning Diploma -
Zoom Academie
Skills
- Opera hotel Edition
- Sales force
- Delphi single property edition
- Crystal reports for Newmarket International
- Respak V63
- Business administration
- Sabre Travel Network
- Business development
- Sales strategy
- KPI monitoring
- Budget management
- Financial forecasting
- Profit and loss analysis
Certification
- 2016, Shaw Academy, Social media marketing and Online reputation management, Canada
- 2016, Event & Media Education, Professional Wedding Planner, Canada
- 2016, Shaw Academy, Digital Marketing, Canada
Accomplishments
- General Manager Appreciation Award- Outstanding Leader
Issued by abtoor Palace Dubai LXR Hotels and Resorts Jun 2022
- Recognition certificate-Excellent guests feedback through platforms SALT, TripAdvisor,Booking.com and Expedia
Issued by Habtoor Palace Dubai LXR Hotels and Resorts · May-Jun 2021
- Recognition certificate-Excellent guests feedback through platforms SALT, TripAdvisor,Booking.com & Expedia
Issued by Habtoor Palace Dubai LXR Hotels and Resorts · Nov 2020
- Recognition Certificate-Great guests feedback and Highest revenue achieved
Issued by Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City · Nov 2019
- Winning WaysStar Manager of the quarter- Intercontinental Hotel Group- 2010
- Great service certificate- Intercontinental Hotel Group -2010
- Opening certificate- member of the opening team of Al Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa- 2005
Languages
Arabic(Native)
Native
English(Fluent)
Fluent
French(Fluent)
Fluent
Timeline
Cluster Director of Groups , Conference & Events
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
03.2023 - Current
Cluster Director of Catering Sales
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
01.2022 - 02.2023
Assistant Director - Weddings & Social Events
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
01.2019 - 12.2021
Travel & Events Consultant
Palm Voyages
01.2014 - 11.2018
Events Manager
Atlantis The Palm
01.2012 - 02.2013
Weddings & Social Events Manager
Intercontinental Hotel Group
12.2009 - 12.2011
Assistant Events Sales Manager
Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa
01.2007 - 11.2009
Groups and Events Coordinator
Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa
08.2005 - 01.2007
Flight Attendant Diploma - undefined
CFPNC Flight Attendant School
Administrative Management Techniques Diploma - undefined
Technical High School
Professional Sales and Marketing Diploma -
John F Kennedy Business Centre
Events planning Diploma -
Zoom Academie
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