The Race to Be Heinz – A High-Impact Talk on Branding Strategies at GIOHIS 2025

We’re looking forward to joining the 8th edition of GIOHIS – the Gulf & Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit, a leading regional event that has been bringing together hotel real estate investors, developers, and operators. Known for its sharp industry focus and senior-level attendance, GIOHIS has become a key platform for shaping hospitality investment conversations in the Middle East and beyond.

Event Details:
Dates: April 7–8, 2025
Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE

At this year’s summit, our Group CEO, Roger Allen, will participate in two sessions:

1. April 7, 14:00 | Panel Moderator
“The Race to ‘Be Heinz’ – Is There Brand Saturation in the Market?”

In today’s crowded hotel landscape, branding has become both a differentiator and a challenge. With over 1,000 brands now in circulation, this session will explore whether the rapid expansion of hotel labels is strengthening brand identity or diluting it. Roger will guide a frank discussion on what makes a brand genuinely distinct—and how cultural consistency, leadership, and operational models play into long-term brand value.

Panelists include:

• Saurabh Bakshi, COO, Hospitality Management, Azizi

• Paul Macpherson, Chief Asset Officer, Modon Hospitality

• Vijay Raghavan, Board Member, Golden Sands Hotels

• Dr. Naim Maadad, Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality

2. April 8, 16:15 | Speaker
“Has the Wellness Trend Found New Legs for Investors or Is It Still Too Narrow a Niche for Real Profitability?”

Roger will also speak on a panel examining the evolving role of wellness in hospitality. His contribution will bring a broader investment and strategy perspective to the discussion, highlighting how wellness fits into the larger picture of value creation and guest experience.

Moderator:

• Virna Ramazzini, Partner, Z-65 Vision Collaborative

Speakers:

• Roger Allen, Group CEO, RLA Global

• Sharon Codner, Director of Wellness, Atlantis

• Prateek Kumar, Senior Vice President, Dusit Hotels and Resorts

• Judith Cartwright, Founder & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting

We look forward to joining this top-tier hospitality investment event and reconnecting with peers and partners.

To meet Roger during GIOHIS 2025, feel free to reach out at contactus@rlaglobal.com.