Thomas Murdoch
Dubai
Summary
Customer-oriented General Manager with 21 years of experience focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy General Manager
Al Habtoor Group
02.2018 - Current
- Increased Residential tenancy from 32% to 98% between 2018 - 2022, generating AED700M in net lease value
- Maintained 96% renewal and retention rate during the pandemic
- Created commercial leasing department, executing multi-year commercial agreements with values of AED30M+ year-on-year
- Monetized Facility Management division by creating a sub-brand and fully integrated staff, generating over AED15M in annual turnover and AED4M profit
- Created an independent Service Charge company in order to avoid OAM conflict and ensure RERA compliance
- Responsible for feasibility, investment and launch of new residential projects, generating over USD$4B in sales revenue
- Successfully negotiated land parceling and increased GFA, without incurring costs, in order to full realize investment and development strategies
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization
- Developed and executed annual business plans, resulting in consistent revenue growth
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms
- Established strong partnerships with stakeholders, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Mitigated risks proactively by conducting thorough analyses of potential threats
- Projected favorable image of company to promote objectives and enhance public recognition
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations
- Championed adoption of new technologies, streamlining workflows, enhancing overall efficiency
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth
- Oversaw departmental budgeting, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover
- Fostered and promoted cooperative and harmonious working climate conducive to maximum employee morale and productivity.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Senior Director
MWG Holdings
03.2011 - Current
- Brokered $250M sale of a high-yield hospitality property in the Alps to a branded hotel chain.
- Opened a successful pizzeria flagship store with only AED300k in CAPEX, generating an ROI of 16% after Y1 for the partners, with a view to offer IPO in 5 years.
- Sourced $100M in funding for a newly created Real Estate Capital Investment Fund.
- Acquired 2 x Grade A, blue-chip operational and high-yield commercial assets to leverage into the Fund.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Strategized and executed business plans for customer operations design, development and maintenance.
- Facilitated seamless business transitions during mergers or acquisitions, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations while integrating teams effectively.
Director
Alpha Destination Management
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to address client-specific metrics.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Senior Sales & Marketing Manager
Dubai Sports City
08.2013 - 01.2016
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Brokered several high-level partnership agreements; notably with Audemars Piguet and BMW, worth over $4M
- Signed full barter agreements with Sport360 valued at over AED2M annually
- Launched 8 residential projects within Dubai Sports City, including Canal West Residences, Matrix Tower and Victory Heights
- Launched a high-end golf resort, complete with F&B outlets and retail offerings
- Created and launched with Big Easy Restaurant
Marketing and Operations Manager
Stirling & Stirling
01.2011 - 07.2013
- Cultivated partnerships with external stakeholders to maximize business opportunities and extend network reach within the industry sector.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns that boosted brand awareness and generated significant sales leads.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Executed tactical domestic and international sales plan, generating $6M in topline revenue through Y1 & Y2.
- Created a Channel Partner strategy, with deliverables, design to generate $20M in revenue.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Management
University of Abertay Dundee
UK06.2007
Skills
- Relationship Building
- Staff Training
- Calendar Management
- Strategic Planning
- Client Relations
- Budget Allocation
- Operations Management
- Interpersonal Skills
- Decision-Making
- Management Team Building
- Business Leadership
- Change Management
Languages
Arabic
Beginner (A1)
French
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Deputy General Manager
Al Habtoor Group
02.2018 - Current
Director
Alpha Destination Management
01.2016 - 12.2017
Senior Sales & Marketing Manager
Dubai Sports City
08.2013 - 01.2016
Senior Director
MWG Holdings
03.2011 - Current
Marketing and Operations Manager
Stirling & Stirling
01.2011 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Arts - International Management
University of Abertay Dundee
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