Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About the job

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, SwitzerlandEmployment:100% | Permanent | Full-TimeStart Date:By mutual agreementLanguages:Arabic (native) | English C1 | German an advantageIndustry: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

HOW TO APPLY

We look forward to receiving your complete application in English or German, including the following documents: