Tyrone Reid

Group CEO
MMI and Emirates Retail Leisure

Tyrone joined the ELR & MMI Group as Group CEO earlier this year with extensive experience spanning over two decades across the F&B, Hospitality, Retail, Travel Retail and Drinks Retail sectors throughout Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, UK, and Russia. He recently held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Alabbar Enterprises where, over his eight-year tenure, he successfully grew the business to over 15 F&B and Retail brands. In his position as CEO, he was instrumental in creating a dynamic F&B and Retail landscape throughout the region, across an array of different service styles from fast-casual, upscale casual, full service, confectionary retail to lifestyle retail service segments. During his time in the region, Tyrone has delivered a strong track record of successfully launching and growing sustainable businesses. Whilst with MH Alshaya, Tyrone successfully launched the Shake Shack business across the Middle East, Russia, UK and Turkey, helping make the business the globally recognised brand it is today. After moving to the UAE, whilst with Alabbar Enterprises, he also onboarded and launched further global iconic franchise brands such as Five Guys and developed award-winning homegrown concepts. In addition, while supporting Emaar Malls, he also brought the iconic Time Out Market to the UAE. Tyrone is proud to have started his career as a Commis Chef at the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel where he eventually transitioned into various senior positions in F&B, Drinks Retail, Travel Retail and Retail with Mitchells & Butlers, SSP Group, and Threshers Wine. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University and is an active member of the UAE Restaurants Group Advisory Board and the Global Restaurant Investment Forum. He was also recently awarded the coveted Restauranter of the Year Award at The Caterer Middle East Awards 2021, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the UAE’s restaurant sector. A committed value-driven leader, Tyrone is known for taking a people-first approach throughout his businesses and is passionate about developing his team whilst empowering their focus on customer experiences. During his downtime, he is a keen fitness enthusiast enjoying paddle tennis and spending quality time with his wife and son.