The First Group Executive and Leadership Team

Robert Burns, the Chief Executive Officer at The First Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for international real estate development and hospitality management. Overseeing the expansion of the proprietary hospitality brand, The First Collection, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with global standards and Marriott's Tribute Portfolio requirements. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics across the United Arab Emirates and international territories to secure prime investment opportunities. By fostering partnerships with global hospitality brands, Robert Burns drives the company toward sustainable growth and long-term asset appreciation. The Chief Executive Officer manages the integration of residential properties and lifestyle venues into the broader portfolio, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality developments. Through rigorous oversight of hotel asset management, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the firm in the rapidly evolving Dubai market, ultimately securing the position of the company as a premier end-to-end hospitality solutions provider.

Ashwani Bhardwaj, the Group Chief Executive Officer at The First Group, architects the high-level corporate strategy and long-term growth initiatives for the entire organization. Managing the diverse portfolio spanning upscale hotels and food and beverage outlets, the Group Chief Executive Officer ensures operational synergy across all international business units. This role involves coordinating with the Board to refine investment strategies that provide clients with access to income-generating hospitality assets. Ashwani Bhardwaj drives the expansion of market presence into regions including the United Kingdom, Spain, and Southeast Asia, leveraging deep industry expertise to identify emerging opportunities. By optimizing the internal structure of the firm, the Group Chief Executive Officer supports the delivery of landmark developments that define the company's reputation. Through constant evaluation of market trends and performance metrics, the Group Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial health and strategic focus of the organization, ensuring consistent value creation for all stakeholders involved in the development process.

Paul Gyles, the Chief Financial Officer at The First Group, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies for the entire real estate and hospitality portfolio. Overseeing the financial reporting and investment analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all property development projects meet strict profitability benchmarks and investor expectations. This role involves structuring complex financial models for hotel asset management and residential property ventures across the United Arab Emirates and international markets. Paul Gyles drives the implementation of robust financial controls that support the long-term stability of the firm. By collaborating with the executive team, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to fund landmark developments and lifestyle venues. Through meticulous management of revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the financial performance of the company, providing investors with transparent access to income-generating assets while maintaining the fiscal discipline required for sustained international expansion.

Kharm Kamuntu, the Chief Operating Officer at The First Group, executes the daily operational workflows and service delivery standards across the entire hospitality and real estate portfolio. Overseeing the management of seven hotels and various lifestyle venues, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every property maintains the high standards associated with the proprietary brand, The First Collection. This role involves streamlining the internal processes that support professional asset management services and client relations. Kharm Kamuntu drives the operational efficiency of the firm by integrating advanced hospitality solutions into the daily management of residential and commercial assets. By coordinating with regional teams across the United Arab Emirates and international territories, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all developments remain fully operational and profitable. Through the implementation of standardized service protocols, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the quality of the guest experience, directly supporting the reputation of the company as a leader in the hospitality sector.