John Podaras

Bio

John - Partner at Hotel Development Resources DMCC.

John has acquired a wealth of international experience and cross-sector expertise having commenced his working life in freight forwarding and deep-sea cargo shipbroking, later transitioning into the UK’s IT sector where he held roles as a developer, systems analyst, and business consultant. His move to the Middle East marked a turning point in his career, leading him to the hospitality industry where he found his long-term professional focus.

For over two decades in Dubai, John has specialised in evaluating hotel development, repositioning, and acquisition opportunities across the MENA region and Europe. His experience covers a broad spectrum of projects, including stand-alone hotel assets, mixed-use master-planned communities, and large-scale giga developments.

John’s diverse background - spanning multiple industries, geographies, and both the advisory and client sides across different business sectors - provides him with unique insight into the strategic goals and expectations of stakeholders. He has been privileged to live and work through the dynamic growth spurts of the region which has enabled him to gain valuable experience with some of the most iconic projects and alongside world-class professionals and clients.

Geographic Areas

GCC, MENA, Europe

Expertise

Expertise in hospitality consultancy, financial analysis, management, and business applications across a wide variety of disciplines, including customer relationships at the highest levels. Has extensive and recent experience of markets across the Middle East and North Africa as well as selected subcontinent cities, Iraq and Iran.

Speaking Engagements

Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investment (GIOHIS) Summit, a Hoftel series.

Past Experience

March 2013 – Present Partner

Hotel Development Resources DMCC Dubai, UAE

Specialised consultancy delivering owner-centric advisory services to hotel owners and developers covering various stages of the lifecycle of a hotel.

April 2012 – February 2013 Director MENA

Christie + Co. Dubai, UAE

Business development and assignment delivery for the start-up phase of the Middle East office of a well-established UK based business consultancy. Terminated due to the closure of the office.

August 2010 – March 2012 Development Director

The Office of Darshan Hiranandani Dubai, UAE

Advisor to the principals of a major real estate developer, headquartered in Mumbai and looking to establish an upscale hotel portfolio.

March 2002 – July 2010 Consultant, Associate Director

TRI Hospitality Consulting Dubai, UAE

A leading consultancy company, headquartered in the UK, specializing in hospitality, tourism, and real estate.

October 1999 – October 2001 Freelance Consultant and Journalist

R&R Communications Nicosia, Cyprus

Publishers of business-to-business publications and corporate event organisers based in Cyprus. Assisted with the company start-up and development.

September 1994 – September 1999 Software Specialist

Various Companies Nicosia, Cyprus

Various positions in information technology companies involved with business development and consultancy for business solutions mainly in the banking sector.

September 1987 – August 1994 Senior Analyst

Sanderson Computers PLC St. Albans, UK

Project management, development, and implementation of business software implementations. Customer support and business consultancy.

January 1981 – August 1987 Various

Various positions within the shipping, freight forwarding and shipbroking in the UK.