Executive Director Turnkey Food & Hospitality Solutions

GEORGE ELIAS

Bakersfield, California +1-661-***-**** ****.**************@*****.***

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

A visionary and multi-faceted Executive Director, Entrepreneur, and Engineering Solutions Consultant with over 30 years of global experience across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Proven track record in steering multi-million dollar business operations, founding successful international trading companies, and leading large-scale turnkey industrial projects for 5-star hotels and commercial kitchens. Expert in managing the complete lifecycle of hospitality setups—spanning layout design, worldwide sourcing, installation, and maintenance—alongside deep expertise in food manufacturing, FMCG private labeling, and international food supply chains. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Executive & Global Leadership: Business Start-ups, P&L; Accountability, Cross-Border Trading.

• Turnkey Engineering Projects: Commercial Kitchen Layout Design, Sourcing & Installation.

• Food Industry & FMCG Expertise: Private Label

Branding, Food Manufacturing & Wholesale.

• Sales & Business Development: Regional B2B Sales, Key Account Management, Contract Negotiations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GREEN VALLEY GENERAL TRADING Sousse, Tunisia

Founder & Managing Director

2021 – Present

• Established and direct an expansive, multi-revenue business ecosystem incorporating a large hypermarket, a boutique cafe, and an artisan bakery.

• Launched a dedicated food manufacturing division specializing in the production of premium Eastern sweets, Tunisian pastries, confectionery, and authentic Turkish Delight.

• Oversee total business operations, supply chain logistics, staff management, and retail distribution strategies. GECO INTERNATIONAL Tunisia

Founder & Principal Consultant

2013 – Present

• Founded an international trade and brokerage firm servicing the global food industry and commercial sectors.

• Developed and managed a successful proprietary Private Label Brand, supplying high-quality commodities internationally.

• Direct the global sourcing, import/export, and brokerage of premium goods including extra virgin olive oil, canned seafood

(tuna and sardines), fresh fruits/vegetables, pulses, legumes, and spices. KITCHEN UNION Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Executive Director & Partner

2008 – 2013

• Led a premier company specializing in high-capacity industrial kitchen setups and hotel catering equipment across the Kingdom.

• Directed comprehensive turnkey operations, overseeing industrial layouts, product procurement, and technical installation for mega-scale hospitality projects.

• Drove executive-level business development, securing long-term supply and preventive maintenance contracts with major hospitality chains.

KÜPPERSBUSCH COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT Dubai, UAE Regional Director – Middle East & North Africa (MENA) 2007 – 2008

• Spearheaded the MENA regional office for this globally renowned, prestigious German manufacturer of commercial kitchen systems.

• Consulted with hotel project developers, main contractors, and MEP engineers to embed high-end technical layouts and cooking equipment specifications into hospitality projects.

• Managed an extensive regional distributor network and expanded market share within luxury hotel and catering sectors. MODERN KITCHEN EQUIPMENT COMPANY Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sales Director

2005 – 2007

• Managed the commercial team specializing in technical sales, delivery, and lifecycle maintenance of heavy-duty restaurant and hotel catering gear.

• Supervised engineering teams during site inspections, device testing, commissioning, and handover phases. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (HOTEL & RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT) UAE Founder & General Manager

2001 – 2005

• Built and operated a specialized business delivering custom engineering, sourcing, and post-sale technical maintenance for hospitality clients across the UAE.

SOFIA REFRIGERATION L.L.C. Sharjah, UAE

Sales & Showroom Manager

1995 – 2001

• Managed B2B and retail sales for commercial refrigeration units, cold rooms, and essential catering equipment. ST. GEORGE HOTEL Dubai, UAE

Front Desk Officer & Night Manager

1994 – 1995

• Supervised overnight hotel operations, handled guest relations, and managed front office administration in a high-occupancy environment.

SHAHBA AL CHAM HOTEL Aleppo, Syria

Hospitality Executive (Member of "The Leading Hotels of the World") 1992 – 1994

• Selected for intensive, hands-on operational and management training at one of the region’s premier 5-star luxury properties during academic studies.

• Successfully transitioned into full-time employment, managing elite guest services, banqueting touchpoints, and luxury hospitality workflows.

EDUCATION & LANGUAGES

Diploma in Hospitality Management & Administration Hospitality Institute Aleppo, Syria (Graduated 1992) Includes intensive practical and operational industry training at luxury properties.

Languages:

• Arabic (Native / Bilingual)

• English (Professional Working / Fluent)

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