The First Group Executive and Leadership Team

Paul Gyles, the Chief Financial Officer at The First Group, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal operations. Overseeing all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, Gyles ensures robust financial health across the organization's diverse portfolio of hotels, residential properties, and lifestyle venues. This leadership role involves managing investment capital, optimizing asset performance, and securing funding for new development projects. By analyzing market trends and financial data, Paul Gyles guides strategic investment decisions, aiming to maximize returns for stakeholders and support the company's expansion into new international territories. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding the company's financial integrity and facilitating sustainable growth in the competitive real estate and hospitality sectors.

Rashad Barajakly, the Chief Financial Officer & Managing Partner at The First Group, provides critical financial oversight and strategic partnership for the company's real estate development and hospitality management operations. Barajakly directs financial planning, investment analysis, and capital allocation, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainable growth of the organization's diverse portfolio, which includes upscale hotels and residential properties. This dual role involves managing investor relations, identifying lucrative development opportunities in prime UAE locations, and overseeing the financial aspects of asset management. By guiding strategic financial decisions, Rashad Barajakly supports the company's expansion into international territories and its focus on delivering landmark developments. The Chief Financial Officer & Managing Partner's expertise is essential for securing investment, optimizing profitability, and maintaining The First Group's position as a premier hospitality solutions provider.

Kharm Kamuntu, the Chief Operating Officer at The First Group, directs the day-to-day operational execution and service delivery across the company's extensive portfolio. Overseeing the management of seven hotels in the UAE and various lifestyle venues, Kamuntu ensures seamless integration of property development, hotel asset management, and hospitality services. This leadership position involves optimizing operational efficiency, maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction, and managing relationships with third-party partners, including those within Marriott's Tribute Portfolio. By focusing on operational excellence, Kharm Kamuntu drives the effective implementation of business strategies, ensuring that all properties deliver exceptional experiences and contribute to the company's reputation as a leading hospitality solutions provider. The Chief Operating Officer's oversight is critical for scaling operations and supporting the company's expansion into new international markets.

Joseph Ruby, the Chief Marketing Officer at The First Group, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive customer acquisition. Overseeing all promotional activities, digital marketing campaigns, and public relations efforts, Ruby ensures consistent brand messaging across the company's upscale hotels, residential properties, and lifestyle venues. This role involves identifying target markets, developing compelling brand narratives, and launching initiatives that highlight The First Group's unique value proposition as an end-to-end hospitality solutions provider. By leveraging market insights and consumer behavior analysis, Joseph Ruby shapes the company's market positioning and fosters strong customer engagement. The Chief Marketing Officer's strategic direction supports the company's growth objectives, including the expansion of its proprietary hospitality brand, The First Collection, and its direct hotel property ownership opportunities for investors.