Resources for Leisure Assets Global (RLA Global) has appointed Paul Boldy to the role of managing director of RLA Global, Middle East.

The hospitality advisory group has previously worked on several projects across the region. Now, with post-lockdown recovery in sight and further EMEA assignments scheduled, RLA Global felt it was time to expand the team and appoint a leader to manage the business and drive growth.

“I’m thrilled to be leading RLA Global’s business for this region at such a significant point in time,” commented Boldy.

“It’s fascinating to work in such a creative environment and to influence the way we shape projects to deliver our clients ambitions.”

Boldy founded BoldConsult in 2015, providing feasibility and advisory services to the hospitality, retail and commercial sectors.

He’s been based in Dubai for the past 17 years – where he held corporate roles at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and the Jumeirah Group – giving him a deep understanding of the region as well as the sector.

Boldy will headquarter RLA Global Middle East from the UAE where he’s seen the hospitality sector grow to be a global player.

RLA Global CEO Roger Allen said: “In welcoming Paul we’re underlining our commitment to the Middle East, an area growing in opportunity for the challenging, diverse developments which are our core business.

“We’re proud to be working in a region home to some of the most exciting and groundbreaking projects in the sector.”

Commenting on the market, Boldy said: “Dubai became the benchmark for the region and holds an enviable position with sustained occupancy.

“As economies move away from reliance on oil, tourism and hospitality form an ever-increasing contribution to the region's GDP. Visionary leadership has meant that innovation and strategic growth have become the watchwords of the Middle East, with iconic projects and developments now inspiring the rest of the world.”

In other news, RLA president and co-owner Lynn Curry has recently departed from the group and relaunched her independent spa consultancy, Curry Spa Consulting.

In 2016, the two companies merged to form RLA USA, LLC, but have now parted ways.

Curry Spa Consulting launched in 2011, providing feasibility, creative concept, design development and pre-opening consulting for high-end and luxury resort and hotel spas.