Rania Makram

• Manage RFPs received from third-party consultants on behalf of owners, preparing tailored brand proposal presentations.
• Oversee NDAs and collaborate closely with the legal department as needed.
• Handle Letters of Intent (LOI) and Expressions of Interest (EOI), ensuring appropriate responses following initial feasibility assessments.
• Initiate and track Area Program Requests and Feasibility & Investment Analyses to support development opportunities.
• Prepare and issue Letter Of Understanding - LOU to advance discussions toward finalizing management agreements.
• Conduct Due Diligence and Enhanced Due Diligence according to CPI Index & Country Score List standards.
• Prepare Deal Approval submissions (Stage 1 and 2) and coordinate Pre-opening budget requests.
• Manage Project Payment Schedules and Aging Reports to ensure financial accuracy and timely processing.
• Collaborate with the Communications team on BIO updates for senior leaders and key owners.
• Coordinate high-level owner bookings and event logistics.
• Provide comprehensive executive support to the Chief Development Officer, including diary, travel, expenses, and office correspondence management.
• Track and execute action items from quarterly executive meetings, ensuring timely completion.
• Organize and manage monthly and quarterly team meetings across the region.
• Managed cross-functional teams to enhance development support processes across MEA region.
• Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and communication.

Achievements

• Planned executed three MEA Development offsite Meetings.

• Partnership with Europe Owners team to improve Owners Data Health – introducing new process to identify gaps and keep the

database accuracy.

• Supported the successful delivery of MEA Connect, a flagship event for MEA Owners attended by senior stakeholders

• Handled all legal matters for the VMware office, including lease renewals, trade licenses, and compliance, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Provided full executive support to the Managing Director, including diary, contacts, and travel management, ensuring efficient scheduling and expense control.
• Managed the VMware Dubai Source Page, maintaining up-to-date office announcements and resources.
• Led company-wide events, Town Halls, conferences, social events, team outings, ensuring flawless execution.
• Played an integral role in the Crisis Management Team, reviewing and updating emergency procedures for the Dubai office.
• Oversaw procurement processes liaising with vendors to secure quality supplies and services for the office.
• Managed sustainability reports by collecting, analyzing, and uploading records to ensure accurate and timely reporting of performance metrics.

Achievements

• Awarded SEMEA Leadership and Project Management Award for excellence in cross-functional team collaboration.
• Collaborated closely with Mobility team for planning, announcements, and implementation.
• Owned & Executed key office transformation initiatives & modernization projects: Office Refurbishment and Employee Workspace Upgrade Launched Digital Visitor System: Purchases, Technical Implementation, Announcements. Digital Lockers for Employees: Installation, Programming & Troubleshooting.
• Connected Workplace and Digital Seat Reservation System.
• Led Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as Culture Chair fostering a more inclusive workplace environment.
• Implemented changes in common areas for increased collaboration.
• Organized colleague forums & team competitions
• 
  

• Collaborated closely with department heads to source information and resolve issues raised by the CEO.
• Managed multiple high-profile projects for the CEO’s office, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Prepared weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports for CEO review, summarizing project progress and performance.
• Oversaw all correspondence, documents, and presentations for the CEO, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

Achievements

• Implemented streamlined processes, reducing administrative time by 20% and improving project progress tracking efficiency.
• Developed a comprehensive Road Map master plan centralizing project timelines and key milestones for better coordination.
• Initiated bi-weekly reporting mechanisms, enhancing communication between stakeholders and ensuring all parties were up-to-date.
• Created an informal colleague’s network, positioning self as a key advocate for peer feedback and team morale.
• Developed comprehensive project plans that outlined scope, timelines, and resource allocation.

• Worked closely with the legal department, managing projects under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Managed the President’s busy and changing calendar along with complex international travel schedules across multiple time zones for senior leadership.
• Organized high-level conferences, events and retreats for senior executives and owners across the ME&A region.
• Led the ME&A Owners Relations Services Department, managing loyalty benefits and ensuring ongoing engagement with top-tier owners.
• Managed Owners EIDs (Issuance, maintenance, technical support and bi-annual audits).
• Provided ongoing extensive support and quarterly training for all ME&A franchised properties.
• Promoted Owners engagement through managing Top Tier Owners invitations to key events in MEA while ensuring that geopolitical factors are factored in.
• Issued Owners’ Insight I Quarterly Communications.
• Launched the ME&A Owners Relations Services Department.
• Developed and maintained a One Master Database in the Oasis System for all ME&A owners and properties, including training and quarterly audits.
• Successfully organized and managed Marriott’s presence at the International Rugby Championship in Africa, 2017.

Achievements

• Launched EA Club and initiated charitable activities and organized multiple colleague forums.
• Created an informal network of colleague’s feedback and established self as colleague champion.
• Implemented process improvements within Owners Support Services, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Liaised with various departments to streamline workflows and resolve issues promptly.

• Managed the company’s Finance SharePoint, ensuring accurate updates, announcements, and bulletins were shared company-wide.
• Drafted correspondence, proofread documents, and edited press releases and newsletters, ensuring they were error-free and aligned with company messaging.
• Coordinated monthly business review calls, consolidating key reports and materials for executive review.
• Organized office and social events, team meetings, and outings.
• Provided support for key customer and VIP visits into the region including visas and logistics.

Achievements

• Played a crucial role in establishing the company during its start-up phase, overseeing premises setup and onboarding processes.
• Led and Managed set up of the Permanent office
• Successfully negotiated contracts with travel and hotel service providers, leading to improved service quality and cost savings.
• Launched and managed the company’s Finance SharePoint, improving internal communication and collaboration.
• Managed communication between C-suite and board members to facilitate strategic decision-making.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates - Dubai, UAE - Jul 2011 - Sep 2012

Kempinski Nile Hotel – Cairo, Egypt - Jan 2010 – Jul 2011

• Led financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow projections for ME&A operations.
• Produced monthly Risk & Opportunity Reports for overhead expenses.
• Analysis of variances between actual spending and budgets/forecast for department heads.
• Processed payroll, allowances, and benefits, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Direct processing and allocation for Regional Expenses.
• Managed regional expenses, ensuring proper allocation and financial recording.
• Handling overheads queries from UK Business Support office and hotels/partner companies.

Achievements

• Led the migration to PeopleSoft, streamlining financial reporting processes.
• Identified a missing $5 million during a financial review, correcting 10 years of records and ensuring financial integrity.
• Improved departmental budget monitoring by implementing a monthly review process.
• Developed and implemented a new process for handling Regional Activities balance sheets.