The Bench restructures leadership to support global growth and investor engagement | News
The couchorganizer of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) series and the Branded Residences Forumhas announced strategic leadership appointments to support the company’s next phase of global growth and focus on investor engagement and the impact of personal industry platforms.
In this new chapter for the company, Ali Shahid has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, after spending nearly nine years at The Bench. In his new role, Ali will lead global strategy, product direction and overall business performance, working closely with Founder and Chairman Jonathan Worsley.
This move reflects the changing dynamics in the hospitality and real estate industries, with an increasing emphasis on capital flows, curated investor engagement and the role of live platforms in deal-making and relationship building.
Commenting on his appointment, Ali said: “What excites me most about taking on the role of CEO is the strength of the team we have built. The Bench has an exceptional group of people, and a large part of our progress to date is due to the team who care deeply about the quality of what we bring to market. My focus is to give them clarity, momentum and the confidence to continue to evolve with the industry.”
Jonathan Worsley, added: “This structure positions the company for the next phase of growth. We have aligned leadership around clear priorities: growth, commercial results, investor relations and operational excellence, while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture that has always defined The Bench.”
With Ali taking on the role of CEO, Jonathan will transition fully to the position of chairmanfocused on long-term strategic initiatives, partnerships and new growth projects. The updated structure reinforces The Bench’s commitment to coherence, pace and global consistency within its portfolio.
Additional leadership changes include:
• Matthew Weihs steps into the role of Growth Director, focusing on new initiatives and high-level strategic partnerships
• Daria Smith leads from the company’s Dubai office as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa
• Marina Franolic expands investor engagement as Investor Relations Director
• Muhammad Ahmed appointed Head of Marketing
• Mala Patel was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for AviaDev, while also continuing his African operations
From flagship meetings such as FHS World (formerly AHIC) and FHS Saudi Arabia to FHS Africa (formerly AHIF), the Branded Residences Forum, SAHIC Brazil and AviaDev, The Bench creates events where ideas are born, relationships deepen and investments take off
