Pekka is Director of Business Development – Middle East, Africa & Turkey at The Ascott Limited (Ascott), leading its business development in the Middle East, Africa & Turkey (MEAT).

Pekka has graduated with an Executive MBA from the National University of Singapore, Bachelor of Hospitality Management from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland and Associate Degree in International Hospitality Operations from The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Dubai, UAE.

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pekka has managed strategic planning, overseen over 50 development projects for management and franchise agreements, conducted feasibility studies, valuations and investment analyses. With comprehensive experience and knowledge of the MEAT region, Pekka has worked with renowned brands including Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Accor and more in Corporate Finance and Business Development.

He joined Ascott for the MEAT region in January 2023 with wealth of experience to steer and manage the company’s growth and development ambitions to reach its regional target of an additional 5,500 units by 2025. In his role, Pekka is responsible for expanding Ascott’s presence in MEAT by focusing on the major source markets that include the UAE and KSA and build up Ascott’s regional portfolio in new prospective markets. Prior to joining MEAT region Pekka spearheaded Ascott’s global franchise and development strategies, expanding the group’s global footprint through partnerships, identifying potential new markets, and developing new franchise businesses at Ascott Singapore H.Q.