Jeremy Otter
Reading
Summary
Dynamic and hands-on Managing Director with a strong financial background, skilled in multi-site management, innovation, and brand growth. Demonstrated success in driving revenue, optimizing operations, and providing strategic leadership. Seeking a senior role to apply extensive experience, drive organizational growth, and improve services and operations while upholding brand standards.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Managing Director
Java EA
Reading
11.2012 - Current
- Managed multi-site operations in the luxury boutique hotel, hospitality, and tour operations sectors while driving the creation of innovative hotel and tourism experiences.
- An integral facet of my responsibilities involved enhancing guest experiences through personalization, meticulous attention to detail, and continuous optimization of food and beverage offerings, along with promoting operational efficiency.
- Additionally, I played a pivotal role in financial management, implementing effective cost-control measures to maximize profitability.
- I was actively involved in talent acquisition, staff training, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Successfully orchestrated the end-to-end planning, financing, design, and development of multiple new luxury 5-star boutique hotels, ensuring strict adherence to stakeholder briefs.
- Spearheaded the development of an exclusive consortium of 'zero carbon footprint', 5-star boutique properties, demonstrating unwavering dedication to sustainable development.
- Achieved an industry benchmark by executing these projects 29% under budget.
- Supervised the comprehensive lifecycle of renovating and modernizing multiple 5-star properties.
- Demonstrated unwavering proficiency by consistently delivering completed projects within stipulated timelines and financial boundaries.
- Forged impactful consultancy partnerships with prestigious 5-star boutique property groups.
- Spearheaded comprehensive digital operational enhancements, elevating customer leisure experiences and refining F&B offerings, while implementing successful staff training programs, resulting in all properties earning TripAdvisor's coveted 'Certificate of Excellence' accreditation.
- Revamped branding, enhanced sales and marketing initiatives for Lemala Camps and Lodges and Rickshaw Travels, leading to a 22% increase in yearly turnover.
- Demonstrated culinary mastery, personally catering to seven heads of state and multiple esteemed celebrities.
- Embodied entrepreneurial acumen during the turbulence of the Covid-19 pandemic, venturing into the logistics sector.
- This calculated leap translated into an astounding 240% expansion of the logistics division during this period.
Group General Manager
Marasa Africa
Kampala
08.2010 - 10.2012
- Transformed hotels and tour operations into an industry leader, while expanding the group's tourism and hospitality offerings.
- Directly reported to the MD, and managed a team of 9 General Managers and 540 personnel.
- Full P&L accountability.
- Executed a strategic acquisition and modernization effort, growing the brand from 3 hotels to 7, increasing available bed-nights by 117%.
- Exceeded financial benchmarks for the tour operations sector, achieving profit margin increases of 17% in the first year and 23% in the following year.
- Achieved a 24% increase in repeat customer business.
- Pioneered branding, marketing, sales, and rate contracting strategies, leading to an 18% growth in B2B and B2C business.
Projects Director
New Arusha Hotels Ltd
Arusha
07.2008 - 10.2010
- Directed the seamless design, execution, and delivery of a prestigious luxury turnkey property valued at US$ 10 million.
- Ensured a timely and budget-compliant completion while upholding the highest quality standards.
- Maintained a consistent position among the top 5 Safari Lodges in Tanzania for over six years, recognized by the World Travel Awards.
- Pioneered the inception of Tanzania's inaugural 100% zero carbon footprint tourism venture, leveraging cutting-edge renewable energy and waste reduction/recycling systems.
Group Operations Director
Tanzania Big Game Safaris
Arusha
06.2006 - 06.2008
- Spearheaded operations for Tanzania's leading enterprise in hotels, hospitality, leisure, and safari and conservation operations across 19 regional sites, serving Ultra-High-Net-Worth individuals.
- Led all property, land, and community management, along with conservation initiatives, for an extensive area covering over 7.9 million acres.
- Directed a team of 19 general managers and 720 employees, ensuring operational excellence and high performance.
- Achieved significant cost efficiencies (37% reduction) and substantial turnover growth (28%) through strategic oversight and process optimization.
- Held full P&L responsibility, consistently delivering on financial targets and driving sustainable growth.
Education
Batchelor of Accounting Science -
University of South Africa
South AfricaSkills
- Multi-site Operational Excellence
- P&L Accountability
- Strategic Leadership
- Start-up Experience
- Stakeholder Management
- Revenue Growth and Business Development
- Innovation
- Workforce Development
- Change Management
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Marketing and Sales
- Guest Experience Enhancement
Certification
- Professional Guide License - Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Websites
Timeline
Managing Director
Java EA
11.2012 - Current
Group General Manager
Marasa Africa
08.2010 - 10.2012
Projects Director
New Arusha Hotels Ltd
07.2008 - 10.2010
Group Operations Director
Tanzania Big Game Safaris
06.2006 - 06.2008
Batchelor of Accounting Science -
University of South Africa
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