HVS Enhances Regional Expertise and Announces Alain Debare as Partner, Head of Investments and Asset Management for the Middle East & Africa
UAE – 3 September, 2024: HVS is pleased to announce the appointment of Alain Debare as Partner, Head of Investments and Asset Management for HVS in the Middle East & Africa. This appointment marks a significant expansion of HVS’s commitment to delivering hotel asset management services in the region.
As the only global consulting firm focused exclusively on the hospitality industry, HVS provides a comprehensive suite of advisory and asset management services tailored to the unique challenges of each client. Under Alain’s leadership, the newly established Investments and Asset Management vertical will offer expert oversight, owner representation, and continuous asset management, with a focus on performance optimization and value enhancement across all property types and sizes.
Alain Debare brings over 30 years of extensive experience in operations, development, and asset management within the hospitality industry. His career includes roles at Mandarin Oriental, Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Action Hotels, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and IPO on the London Stock Exchange. Most recently, Alain managed real estate portfolios exceeding USD 1 billion at Equitativa, a leading UAE-based fund manager.
The HVS Asset Management division in the Middle East & Africa will leverage Alain’s deep industry knowledge and hands-on expertise to provide clients with unparalleled value creation and strategic guidance throughout the investment lifecycle. This new vertical is dedicated to maximizing cash flow, enhancing asset value, and aligning operational performance with ownership objectives, making it an essential partner for independent and institutional investors alike.
“I am thrilled to join HVS and lead this new initiative in the Middle East & Africa,” said Alain Debare. “HVS’s unparalleled expertise and global reach, combined with our deep understanding of the regional market, will enable us to deliver exceptional value to our clients. I look forward to working closely with our team and partners to drive growth and innovation across the hospitality industry.”
Alain’s international experience, which spans markets across the GCC, Europe, South America, and Asia, along with his proficiency in four languages, uniquely positions him to lead HVS’s asset management initiatives. His ability to navigate complex business environments and drive performance improvement will be instrumental in the success of this new venture.
Alain holds a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Hotel Management from Institut Paul Bocuse and a certification in Hospitality Investments & Asset Management from Cornell University. He is also a founding member of the Hotel Asset Managers Association (HAMA), underscoring his commitment to advancing the field of hotel asset management.
“We are excited to welcome Alain to the HVS team and to launch this new vertical under his leadership,” said Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. “Alain’s expertise and strategic vision will be crucial as we continue to expand our services and deliver exceptional value to our clients in the region."
Media Contact:
Giuliana Brändli de Oliveira
As the only global consulting firm focused exclusively on the hospitality industry, HVS provides a comprehensive suite of advisory and asset management services tailored to the unique challenges of each client. Under Alain’s leadership, the newly established Investments and Asset Management vertical will offer expert oversight, owner representation, and continuous asset management, with a focus on performance optimization and value enhancement across all property types and sizes.
Alain Debare brings over 30 years of extensive experience in operations, development, and asset management within the hospitality industry. His career includes roles at Mandarin Oriental, Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Action Hotels, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and IPO on the London Stock Exchange. Most recently, Alain managed real estate portfolios exceeding USD 1 billion at Equitativa, a leading UAE-based fund manager.
The HVS Asset Management division in the Middle East & Africa will leverage Alain’s deep industry knowledge and hands-on expertise to provide clients with unparalleled value creation and strategic guidance throughout the investment lifecycle. This new vertical is dedicated to maximizing cash flow, enhancing asset value, and aligning operational performance with ownership objectives, making it an essential partner for independent and institutional investors alike.
“I am thrilled to join HVS and lead this new initiative in the Middle East & Africa,” said Alain Debare. “HVS’s unparalleled expertise and global reach, combined with our deep understanding of the regional market, will enable us to deliver exceptional value to our clients. I look forward to working closely with our team and partners to drive growth and innovation across the hospitality industry.”
Alain’s international experience, which spans markets across the GCC, Europe, South America, and Asia, along with his proficiency in four languages, uniquely positions him to lead HVS’s asset management initiatives. His ability to navigate complex business environments and drive performance improvement will be instrumental in the success of this new venture.
Alain holds a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Hotel Management from Institut Paul Bocuse and a certification in Hospitality Investments & Asset Management from Cornell University. He is also a founding member of the Hotel Asset Managers Association (HAMA), underscoring his commitment to advancing the field of hotel asset management.
“We are excited to welcome Alain to the HVS team and to launch this new vertical under his leadership,” said Hala Matar Choufany, President of HVS Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. “Alain’s expertise and strategic vision will be crucial as we continue to expand our services and deliver exceptional value to our clients in the region."
Media Contact:
Giuliana Brändli de Oliveira