Khalid Al Zarooni

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales and Revenue Growth: Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve and exceed annual revenue targets. Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities and market trends.
• Operational Management: Oversee and manage all Emirates Airline operations in Kuwait and Iraq, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and local regulations.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development.
• Customer Relations: Enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring exceptional service standards and SQL levels. Address and resolve customer complaints and issues promptly and effectively.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal as well as external stakeholders, including government authorities, airport officials, travel agents, and corporate clients.
• Budget Management: Prepare and manage the area budget, ensuring cost-effective operations. Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Marketing and Promotion: Plan and execute marketing campaigns and promotional activities to boost brand awareness and market presence. Collaborate with the central marketing team to align regional initiatives with global strategies.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure adherence to all safety, security, and compliance regulations. Implement and monitor safety protocols and procedures to safeguard passengers, staff, and assets.
• Reporting and Analysis: Provide regular reports on operational performance, market conditions, and competitive activities. Utilize data and analytics to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments.
• Crisis Management: Coordinate and manage responses to operational disruptions and emergencies, ensuring minimal impact on operations and passenger experience.

Special Achievement:

• Chairman and President of the Association Of Foreign Airlines in Greece: During my tenure, I was unanimously voted in as Chairman and President of the Association Of Foreign Airlines in Greece, a position I held until the end of my tenure.
• Represented the interests of foreign airlines in Greece, facilitated industry collaboration, and advocated for policies that supported the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.
• Managed and supervised Emirates Airline operations across Greece, Albania (an offline station), and Cyprus. Ensured seamless coordination and strategic alignment between these regions.
• Successfully expanded the market presence in Albania, achieving consistent year-on-year growth alongside the established operations in Greece.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government authorities, airport officials, travel agents, and corporate clients.

Introduction of A380 Operations: Spearheaded the introduction of A380 operations in Casablanca, a landmark achievement for Emirates Airline in Morocco.

Coordinated with various departments to ensure a seamless launch, including operational planning, the local civil aviation authorities as well as the local slots coordinators.

Relationship Management with Civil Aviation Authorities: Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with Moroccan civil aviation authorities, fostering a collaborative environment to support Emirates Airline’s growth.

Successfully negotiated for adhoc additional flights during peak holiday seasons, enabling the airline to capture increased seasonal traffic and boost revenue.

Ensured continuous communication with regulatory bodies to stay ahead of industry changes and secure necessary approvals for operational adjustments.

Expansion to Offline Cities: Developed and implemented strategic plans to expand Emirates Airline’s presence in offline cities such as Agadir and Marrakech.

Conducted market research and feasibility studies to identify opportunities for growth in these cities, leveraging local partnerships to establish a strong foothold.

Coordinated marketing and sales initiatives to promote services in these regions, increasing brand awareness and passenger numbers.

Senior Strategy & Business Development Manager - HSBC Bank, Abu Dhabi

As a Senior Strategy & Business Development Manager at HSBC Bank, I was responsible for driving strategic initiatives and expanding the bank's presence in the Abu Dhabi region. My role focused on enhancing penetration into government entities and diversifying the customer portfolio, significantly contributing to the bank's growth and market position.

I Identified and pursued new business opportunities, enhancing the bank's portfolio and establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders in the public sector.

Fostered and maintained strategic partnerships with government bodies, ensuring alignment with HSBC's goals and fostering long-term collaboration.