Costas Verginis, PhD

Professional Focus

• More than 30 years’ experience in hospitality, real estate, and professional services, including executive and consulting roles in Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland, the UK, and MENA
• Deep expertise in the global hospitality sector, including large mixed-use developments, covering hotels, real estate, and restaurants, with extensive background in investment appraisal, asset management, operator selection, brand expansion, market entry and trend analysis, competitive strategy, contract negotiation, and feasibility studies
• Broad business expertise with a record of achievements in large-scale business development, business planning, growth strategy, corporate strategy, and competitive strategy
• Former hospitality management professor in Greece and the UAE
• Native Greek, fluent in English

Business Expertise

• Regional Vice President, Hotel Development - Middle East at Marriott International, Dubai; prior roles included Vice President, Lodging and Mixed-Use Development
• Consulting Director and Travel, Hospitality and Leisure Industry Leader, Middle East at Deloitte, Dubai
• Assistant Professor, Finance & Accounting at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (part of Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts), Dubai
• Assistant Professor, Finance & Accounting at Alpine Center, Athens

Sector Expertise

• Travel, Hospitality & Leisure
• Real Estate
• Professional Services
• Consulting

Education & Certifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in real estate finance from the University of Strathclyde, UK
• Master’s degree (MSc) in international hospitality management from the University of Strathclyde, UK
• Diploma in hotel management from Les Roches, Switzerland
• Leadership Program, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, US
• Member – The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors