Nuno Pessanha
Riyadh
Summary
Senior business development executive with 25+ years of international experience in hospitality, real estate, and construction consultancy. Proven track record in securing landmark hotel and resort projects across the Middle East, Red Sea giga-projects, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Expert in forging strategic partnerships with hotel operators, investors, and developers, driving revenue growth, and leading cross-functional teams. Recognized for strategic vision, negotiation expertise, and multicultural adaptability in highly competitive markets.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Business Development
Lynx
Riyadh
08.2025 - Current
- Driving business growth across Europe and the Middle East, building alliances with global operators, investors, and developers in hospitality, mixed-use, and entertainment projects.
- Leading market expansion by positioning Lynx as a partner of choice for giga-projects, luxury hotels, and mixed-use developments.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and drive revenue growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align business strategies with operational goals.
- Led negotiations for high-value contracts with key clients and stakeholders.
- Managed business development initiatives to expand service offerings and client base.
- Analyzed competitor activities to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Group Senior Business Development Manage - MENA
Mimar Architecture + Engineering Group
Riyadh
07.2023 - 08.2025
- Secured major projects: Nobu Hotel Al Khobar, Four Seasons Luxor, Dhahran Expo Convention Center, Aziziyah Beach Club.
- Built partnerships with operators, consultants, and developers across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Qatar.
- Spearheaded hospitality business development strategy across MENA.
- Developed strategic partnerships with clients to enhance business opportunities.
- Managed client accounts, ensuring satisfaction and retention of services.
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans for new market opportunities.
- Developed strong relationships with external vendors for sourcing products or services.
Group Senior Business Development Manager
Interiors International Industries / Gridwalls Architectural
Dubai
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Delivered flagship hospitality projects: Six Senses Southern Dunes, Sheybarah Island Hotel, Rosewood Amaala, Raffles Red Sea, Grand Hyatt Red Sea, Four Seasons Diriyah, Royal Atlantis Palm, Mandarin Oriental Wasl Tower.
- Expanded presence in Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and UAE hospitality markets.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders to enhance market presence.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and customer needs.
- Facilitated client meetings to discuss project requirements and service offerings.
Regional Business Development Director
Astrea Group
Dubai
11.2013 - 03.2021
- Drove expansion in hospitality, commercial, and luxury residential sectors.
- Drove hospitality business expansion with projects such as Hilton Mall of Emirates, Marriott Marquis Dubai, Intercontinental IHG Angola, Rotana Dubai, Address Boulevard.
- Developed strategic business plans to expand market presence in assigned regions.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and partnerships.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for new product introductions.
- Monitored competitor activities to adjust strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
Real Estate Broker – International Markets
Downtown International Real Estate
Dubai
11.2012 - 11.2013
- Facilitated international investment transactions in hospitality and residential markets.
- Negotiated deals, structured contracts, and built cross-border partnerships with investors and developers.
- Advised clients on investment opportunities in real estate market.
- Managed real estate transactions from initiation to closing.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote the sale of residential properties.
Real Estate Agent – Asia Markets
ERA Real Estate
Singapore
12.2010 - 10.2012
- Managed property transactions across Southeast Asia.
- Developed expertise in cross-cultural negotiation, investment analysis, and client management.
- Conducted market analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
- Provided guidance on property pricing based on current market conditions.
- Maintained updated knowledge of local real estate markets.
- Prepared comparative market analysis to estimate properties' value.
Business Development Manager & Operations
Mobilada Group
Porto
01.2008 - 12.2010
- Led business development for hospitality-focused luxury furniture solutions.
- Partnered with hotel owners, architects, and developers to deliver bespoke projects across Africa and Europe.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and trends.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and business growth.
- Prepared proposals and presentations for potential clients and stakeholders.
- Analyzed competitor activities to inform business development strategies.
Real Estate Consultant
ERA Real Estate
Porto
02.1998 - 12.2007
- Managed national and international real estate portfolios, covering residential, commercial, and investment assets.
- Built strong client networks and consistently delivered top sales performance.
- Advised clients on property investments and market trends.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote listings effectively.
- Established strong relationships with clients through regular communication.
- Researched local market conditions to identify emerging opportunities.
Education
MBA - Business
Porto Business School
Portugal01-2021
MBA - Global Luxury Brands Management Real State
State ISEG, School of Economics & Management
Portugal12-2020
Master of Science - Economic & Organizational Psychology
Universidade Lusiada
Portugal09-2006
Skills
- Strategic Leadership – Setting long-term business development vision, aligning with corporate strategy
- Communication & Negotiation – High-impact presentation, persuasion, and stakeholder alignment skills
- Cultural Intelligence – Adaptability and effectiveness in multicultural business environments
- Innovation & Agility – Leveraging technology, sustainability trends, and digital tools in partnership strategies
- Results Orientation – Focused on measurable growth, KPIs, and shareholder value
Languages
Portuguese
First Language
Spanish
Proficient (C2)
C2
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Italian
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Director of Business Development
Lynx
08.2025 - Current
Group Senior Business Development Manage - MENA
Mimar Architecture + Engineering Group
07.2023 - 08.2025
Group Senior Business Development Manager
Interiors International Industries / Gridwalls Architectural
03.2021 - 06.2023
Regional Business Development Director
Astrea Group
11.2013 - 03.2021
Real Estate Broker – International Markets
Downtown International Real Estate
11.2012 - 11.2013
Real Estate Agent – Asia Markets
ERA Real Estate
12.2010 - 10.2012
Business Development Manager & Operations
Mobilada Group
01.2008 - 12.2010
Real Estate Consultant
ERA Real Estate
02.1998 - 12.2007
MBA - Business
Porto Business School
MBA - Global Luxury Brands Management Real State
State ISEG, School of Economics & Management
Master of Science - Economic & Organizational Psychology
Universidade Lusiada
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