PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
VALAMAR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, Zagreb, Croatia Feb 2012–Present
(A member of the Valamar Group, the company manages the tourism group’s strategic and business development initiatives.)
SPECIALIST – INVESTMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
• Developed 5-year business strategy for the group that manages 23 hotels and resorts, 8 tourist villages, and 9 campsites
o Formulated an investment strategy for the group (approved and currently being implemented) that would increase the group’s valuation by €100m in 10 years and grow y-o-y sales by 10%
• Skillfully analyze and value 50+ businesses in hospitality and tourism sectors for determining potential for mergers/ acquisitions
o Successfully coordinated due diligence processes, aided merger efforts, and facilitated integration of acquisition target into acquiring company’s portfolio for single unit hotels, hotel chains, marinas, and real estate companies (ranging from €30m to €200m)
• Orchestrate strategic investment plans for the Valamar group and properties managed by the group (mainly Riviera Adria d.d.) – reposition old properties, position new ones, develop financial projections, and undertake feasibility studies
o Developed financial simulations for multi-resorts, hotel condominiums and residences
o Prepared feasibility studies for Island Resort and a luxury hotel in Dubrovnik (both part of Riviera Adria d.d.)
o Analyzed IRR and developed financial simulation for one of the first mixed used resort on the Croatian coast (developed and managed by Valamar group)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Masters in International Management, IE Business School, Madrid, Spain Sep 2010–Jul 2011
THR, Barcelona, Spain Feb 2010–Aug 2010
(The first Spanish consultancy to carry out international tourism projects.)
CONSULTANT
• Part of the company’s prestigious tourism and hospitality internship program with an emphasis on market research and analysis
• Conducted in-depth research and developed strategies to improve company’s position in tourism sector
o Developed guidelines for the first ‘Adults Only’ resort in Croatia (managed by Plava Laguna d.d.)
• Assisted senior management with special projects – recognized for exceptional performance
o Junior Consultant for development of strategic marketing plans for the country of Romania
o Developed guidelines for a cruise port in Morocco – analyzed cruise markets, especially those of Europe
o Designed new products and orchestrated a marketing plan for a renowned luxury hotel & resort brand
THE SETAI, Miami, FL, USA Jul 2008–Jan 2010
(A renowned South Beach oceanfront resort with 131 rooms, an intimate private spa, 3 pools, and remarkable restaurants and bars.)
MANAGEMENT TRAINEE – ROOMS DIVISION
• Led and trained a team of 12 customer service associates and 60 housekeeping staff members to ensure superior customer service
• Received outstanding performance reviews citing superior leadership skills, and the ability to consistently surpass expectations for customer service and budget management
GRAND HOTEL DES BAINS, Yverdon, Switzerland Sep 2006–Apr 2007
(A stylish, classic hotel with 120 rooms, junior suites, and suites.)
SERVICE APPRENTICE
• Provided excellent and prompt guest service in the restaurants, Belle Epoque and Pavillion Brasserie
• Also, managed bartending activities and assisted with setup of the banquet area
EDUCATION
Masters in International Management ~ International Business (2011)
IE Business School, Madrid Spain
(Financial Times has ranked IE Business School’s Master in Management (MIM) program 5th worldwide in a ranking published September 2013)
Bachelor of International Business in Hotel and Tourism Management (2008)
Swiss Higher Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management (2007)
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Brig, Switzerland
Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Operations (2006)
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Le Bouveret, Switzerland
