Hi, I’m
FINESSE A. FUNAYYIS AL-SHAHRANI
Global Hotel Projects Consultant
Jeddah,02
Summary
Visionary hospitality consultant with a foundation in Marine Engineering and over 20 years of expertise in luxury hotel development, owner representation, and global brand negotiations. I bridge owners with world-leading operators such as: Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Hyatt, Taj, Oberoi, Mandarin Oriental, Dusit Thani ensuring brand compliance, financial precision, and operational excellence from blueprint to pre-opening.
- Secured SAR 100M+ financing for multiple projects.
- First Saudi hospitality consultancy to sign the UN Global Compact .. on sustainability and anti-corruption.
- Delivered multi-operator MOUs with 12+ global brands for The Palace Ultra Luxury (80 Keys, Jeddah), giving owners unmatched negotiation power.
- Known for a “boutique jeweler” philosophy: delivering one or two exclusive, high-value projects yearly, each as a legacy investment for owners.
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner’s Representative & Consultant (Direct Contra
Owner’s Representative & Consultant – DoubleTree
Job overview
Revived an abandoned skeleton structure into a brand-approved hotel.
• Secured Hilton approval after targeted design modifications.
- Secured financing worth X millions SAR TDF funding by adding Hilton University Training Room (no extra cost).
• Aligned project with Vision 2030 goals, ensuring financial and operational sustainability
Contracted Advisor to Owner
Owner’s Representative & Consultant – DoubleTree
Job overview
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
Owner’s Representative & Consultant (Direct Contra
Consultant– Bisha Grand Hotel (Landmark Project)
Job overview
Converted 4,000 sqm land near Bisha Airport into a Hilton-standard hotel.
• Secured
- Secured financing worth X millions SAR Ministry of Finance financing after exposing misallocated funds.
• Created 100+ jobs, catalyzing local economy for 600K+ residents.
• Delivered iconic design, praised by regional leadership as a landmark.
Contracted Advisor to Owner
Consultant – Resort Rebranding
Job overview
- Led full global rebranding of a resort property.
- Transitioned operators without penalties.
- Successfully secured a new international brand operator.
VINESSE Hotels ConsultancyJeddah, Saudi Arabia
Founder & CEO
01.2012 - Current
Job overview
- Represented investors and owners in negotiations with Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Waldorf Astoria.
- Conducted feasibility studies, operator selections, and contract negotiations.
- Secured over SAR 100M in funding for hotel projects.
- Key Projects:
- Autograph Collection by Marriott – Riyadh (300 Keys)
- Represented landowner, secured LOI & MOU with Marriott International.
- The Palace – Ultra Luxury Suites, Jeddah (80 Keys)
- Pioneering 7-star concept, attracted Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, InterContinental interest.
- DoubleTree by Hilton – Hira’a, Jeddah (170 Keys)
- Won global bid (including McKinsey), finalized Hilton agreement.
- DoubleTree by Hilton – Jeddah (112 Keys)
- Rescued stalled project at shell stage, secured SAR 46.17M TDF financing.
- Resort Rebranding – Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (100 Villas & 120 Rooms)
- Managed brand transition with no penalties, negotiated new 5-star agreement.
- Al-Khubti Grand Hotel – Bisha (132 Keys)
- Represented owner, secured SAR 50M funding from Ministry of Finance.
Waldorf Astoria Qasr Al Sharq & Jeddah Hilton
Owner’s Representative – Engineering
01.2002 - 12.2010
Job overview
- Managed facilities for Hilton Jeddah (384 rooms) and Waldorf Astoria (6-star).
Achieved #1 GSTS Improvement Award (2007).
Acted as liaison between ownership and Hilton International.
Protected owner’s interests through contracts, cost controls, and brand compliance.
Represented ownership in strategic negotiations and safeguarded investments.
UK Merchant Navy
Marine Engineer
01.1994 - 01.1999
Job overview
- Served at sea under STCW – IMO Standards.
- Specialized in survival, firefighting, first aid, and engine room operations.
Education
College of Marine Engineering, Science South Tyneside CollegeUK
HND from Marine Engineering
South Tyneside CollegeUK
BTEC National Diploma from Engineering
Maastricht School of Management
MBA Foundation Modules
HarvardX Certificate from Exercising Leadership
Hilton University Brussels
Commercial Awareness in Hospitality
Skills
(Hard Skills)
Strategic Leadership & Owner Representation
Contract Negotiations (LOI, MOU, HMA Roadmaps)
Global Brand Standards Compliance (Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Hyatt, Taj, Oberoi, Mandarin Oriental, Dusit Thani)
Feasibility Studies & Financial Modelling
Pre-Opening Budgeting & Operational Planning
OS&E / FF&E Planning & Procurement Oversight
Sustainability & Vision 2030 Alignment
AI-Driven Solutions in Hospitality (Energy, Revenue, Design, Hiring)
Soft Skills
Cross-Cultural Leadership & Communication
Crisis Management & Safety Systems
High-Stakes Negotiation & Diplomacy
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Owner-Centric Advisory & Trust Building
Integrity, Discipline & Attention to Detail
Affiliations
- Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) – Consociate Member
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), UK – Member
- London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) – Member
- Hilton University Alumni Network
Training
- Essential Leadership Principles – Harvard University (HarvardX)
- Financial Management & Commercial Awareness – Management Centre Europe (MCE), Brussels
- Commercial Awareness Program – MCE, Brussels
- Train the Trainer Program – Hilton University
- Hospitality Operations & Service Excellence – Hilton University (with Hotelschool The Hague)
- Crisis Management Training – Certified Program
- Diversity in the Workplace – Hilton University, UK
- Preparing for the Behavioural Interview – Hilton University, UK
- Screening Applicants – Hilton University, UK
- Arbitration & Negotiation in Hospitality – Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Marine Engineering Safety & Systems Training – UK Merchant Navy (STCW–IMO Standards)
- Sustainability & UN Global Compact Awareness – VINESSE / UN Global Compact
Languages
- Arabic, Native
- English, Fluent
Languages
Arabic
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
- LCIA – London Court of International Arbitration
Member #139404 | Specialization in Hotel Contract Arbitration - IEEE Robotics & Automation Society
Member #97861197 | Applying AI & Automation in Hospitality Projects - UN Global Compact
First Saudi Hotel Consultancy to sign the UN Anti-Corruption & Sustainability Pact - Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST)
Consociate Member #56747 - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
Associate Membership | Arbitration in Hospitality & Real Estate
Awards & Recognitions
- #1 GSTS Improvement Award – Hilton Jeddah (2007)
- Certificate of Appreciation – Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, London (1995)
- Certificate of Appreciation – Saudi Ministry of Interior (Security Collaboration, 2004)
- Recognition for National Awareness Campaign (Phase 4) – Saudi Ministry of Interior (2004)
- Certificate of Appreciation – Saudi Police (Hilton Hotel Security Implementation, 2003)
Accomplishments
• Secured SAR 100M+ financing for multiple hotel projects within 5 years.
• Negotiated multi-operator MOUs with 12+ global brands (Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Hyatt, Taj, Oberoi, etc.).
• Delivered 95%+ brand-compliant designs without redesigns, saving millions in cost & time.
• Pioneered Hilton University Training Room concept in Jeddah, unlocking SAR 46.17M TDF funding with zero added cost.
• First Saudi hospitality consultancy to sign the UN Global Compact for sustainability & anti-corruption.
• Authored and published two books blending business, philosophy, and leadership: Have a Nice Weakend & The Art of Thinking Without a Reason.
• Represented owners directly, winning high-profile contracts against industry giants (e.g., Jeddah Airport Hotel).
Timeline
Founder & CEO
VINESSE Hotels Consultancy
01.2012 - Current
Owner’s Representative – Engineering
Waldorf Astoria Qasr Al Sharq & Jeddah Hilton
01.2002 - 12.2010
Marine Engineer
UK Merchant Navy
01.1994 - 01.1999
Owner’s Representative & Consultant – DoubleTree
Owner’s Representative & Consultant (Direct Contra
Owner’s Representative & Consultant – DoubleTree
Contracted Advisor to Owner
Consultant– Bisha Grand Hotel (Landmark Project)
Owner’s Representative & Consultant (Direct Contra
Consultant – Resort Rebranding
Contracted Advisor to Owner
College of Marine Engineering, Science South Tyneside College
HND from Marine Engineering
05.1999
South Tyneside College
BTEC National Diploma from Engineering
05.1996
Maastricht School of Management
MBA Foundation Modules
HarvardX Certificate from Exercising Leadership
Hilton University
Commercial Awareness in Hospitality
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