Leadership
Benoy Kurien
Group CEO
Benoy Kurien has been the driving force behind Al Hamra’s successful expansion.
As the Group CEO of Al Hamra, one of the top real estate developers in the UAE, Benoy oversees the operations and assets of the US$1 billion group.
He started his career with Al Hamra in 1998 and successfully earned his stripes, climbing the career ladder to his current position in a short span of time. He has a wealth of experience working across a range of functions including strategy development & implementation, shopping malls management and leasing, people management, marketing and facilities management.
An inspirational leader, Benoy has been instrumental in shaping Al Hamra and its many entities. Keeping himself up-to-date with all critical financial and strategic information, he focuses on driving Al Hamra’s sustained growth.
Originally from Bangalore, India, Benoy has a BA in Commerce, Economics, Taxation and Accounting from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bangalore, India.
Raman Garg
Group CFO
Raman Garg is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Al Hamra and a veteran in strategic finance and business transformation, with over three decades of experience. He brings to the table his rich experience across business ownership, financial management, M&A and restructuring, fund raising, commercial and customer operations, business development in rapidly changing business environments.
Prior to joining Al Hamra, Raman served as Head of Portfolio Finance at Sequoia Capital, the top-tier venture capital firm where he worked closely with CEOs and CFOs alike managing over 100 portfolio companies, where he implemented significant improvements in key strategic and operational metrics to enhance shareholder value. He was also a founding member of India Shelter Finance Corporation Ltd, an innovative micro-home finance company in India. Raman has also held several senior-level business positions at global multi-nationals including Max New York Life Insurance, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Akzo Nobel and ITC.
Raman is a certified Chartered Accountant from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, a Company Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and a Cost Accountant from Costs and Works Accountant of India. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from St. Xavier's College in Kolkata, India.
Christopher Hewett
Senior Vice President, Hospitality
Christopher Hewett is the Senior Vice President of Hospitality at Al Hamra.
An advisory and development professional with over 13 years’ experience in the hospitality industry in MENA, Christopher oversees the growth and development of Al Hamra’s expansive and diverse hospitality and leisure division.
Prior to joining Al Hamra, he served as a Director at TRI Consulting where he consulted high-net-worth individuals, government organizations, international real estate developers on market and financial feasibility, operational reviews, due diligence, negotiation, strategic development planning and hotel valuations.
His experience in the industry has taken him from New Zealand to Australia and the United Arab Emirates, working across renowned hospitality brands.
A people person with strong leadership skills, Christopher is an award -winning industry leader with a strong track record in delivering innovative ideas and fresh concepts that result in outstanding service.
Christopher has a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Australia.