Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
International Real Estate & Financial Strategy • UAE & Switzerland
Company: Elian Real Estate AG (CHE-165.933.860) Location: Richtistrasse 2, CH-8304 Wallisellen / Zurich, Switzerland Employment: 100% | Permanent | Full-Time Start Date: By mutual agreement Languages: Arabic (native) | English C1 | German an advantage Industry: Real Estate | Property Management | Financial Strategy Applications | Subject: CEO Application 2026
About Elian Real Estate AG
Elian Real Estate AG is a dynamic, internationally oriented real estate company headquartered in Wallisellen (Canton of Zurich, Switzerland), with active operational ties to the United Arab Emirates and the broader Arabic-speaking economic region. The company is registered in the Swiss Commercial Register (CHE-165.933.860) and focuses on real estate transactions, property management, financial advisory services, and the development and marketing of real estate projects at an international level.
As part of our strategic growth, we are seeking an entrepreneurially minded, internationally experienced executive for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The incoming CEO will bear full responsibility for the strategic direction, operational leadership, and sustainable development of the company across Switzerland and the Arab‑speaking markets, particularly the UAE.
Your Responsibilities
Strategic Corporate Leadership
Full accountability for the strategic positioning, direction, and sustainable development of Elian Real Estate AG in Switzerland and the UAE
Design and execution of short-, medium‑and long‑term corporate strategies in close collaboration with the Board of Directors
Building, leading and motivating a high‑performing management team; fostering a results‑driven and integrity‑based corporate culture
Representing the company vis‑à‑vis authorities, investors, business partners and the public across Switzerland and international markets
Financial Management & Risk Control
Overall responsibility for financial governance, budgeting, liquidity management, forecasting and Board‑level reporting
Ensuring full compliance with Swiss and international accounting standards (OR, Swiss GAAP, IFRS)
Establishing and maintaining banking relationships; negotiating financing structures for real estate projects
Identifying, analysing and proactively managing entrepreneurial, legal and market‑related risks
Real Estate Portfolio & Business Development
Oversight of the full real estate portfolio including acquisition, development, management and marketing of properties
Identifying and developing new business opportunities in Switzerland and the Arabic‑speaking markets (especially UAE)
Building and maintaining investor and partner relationships in the international real estate market
Market analysis, competitive intelligence and data‑driven strategic recommendations
Compliance & Corporate Governance
Ensuring full compliance with Swiss corporate law (OR, GwG, FINMA requirements) and UAE regulatory frameworks
Responsibility for internal control systems, governance structures and audit processes
Coordinating with fiduciaries, legal counsel and authorities in both Switzerland and the UAE
Your Profile – Mandatory Requirements
Education
Master’s Degree (mandatory): MBA, Master in Finance, Master in Real Estate Management or equivalent postgraduate qualification (EQF Level 7) from a recognised university or business school
Bachelor’s Degree: in Business Administration, Finance & Banking, Real Estate Management or a related discipline (EQF Level 5/6)
Relevant professional certifications in Finance, Real Estate or Executive Management are a strong advantage (e.g. CFA, RICS, CPA or equivalent)
Professional Experience (Non‑Negotiable)
Minimum 5 years of proven professional experience in the real estate sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — candidates without this qualification will not be considered
Minimum 10 years of total senior‑level experience in finance, management or executive leadership roles
Demonstrated track record in the strategic management of international companies or group subsidiaries operating across at least two jurisdictions (UAE and Switzerland preferred)
Experience in leading real estate transactions, portfolio development and asset management at an international level
Established experience working with authorities, banks, auditors and key stakeholders in Switzerland and/or the UAE
Language Skills (Mandatory)
Arabic: Native speaker or fully native‑level proficiency (written and spoken) — strictly required
English: C1 level or above, negotiation‑level proficiency (written and spoken) — strictly required
German: Good working knowledge (B2 or above) is an advantage but not mandatory
Leadership Competencies & Personal Profile
Entrepreneurial mindset with strong results orientation, decisiveness and assertiveness
High personal integrity, reliability and ethical conduct as the foundation of leadership
Proven experience leading and developing multicultural, international teams
Excellent communication and negotiation skills at CEO and Board level
Resilience, flexibility and willingness to travel regularly between Switzerland and the UAE
Additional Qualifications – An Advantage
Knowledge of Swiss corporate, commercial and real estate law (OR, ZGB, BEHG)
Familiarity with Swiss commercial registry procedures, notarial requirements and statutory auditors
Existing professional network in the Swiss and/or UAE real estate and financial services sector
Experience with PropTech platforms, digital asset management and modern real estate software tools
In‑depth knowledge of UAE real estate market regulations, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai frameworks (RERA, DLD, ADLD)
Established relationships with institutional investors, Sovereign Wealth Funds or Family Offices in the GCC region
What We Offer
An entrepreneurial CEO role with full operational and strategic decision‑making authority
International working environment at the nexus of Switzerland and the UAE, with significant growth potential
Attractive, performance‑based compensation package (base salary + bonus) by mutual agreement
Close collaboration with the Board of Directors and direct influence over corporate strategy
Professional, dynamic working culture with short decision‑making paths
Potential for equity participation based on demonstrated performance
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