Over 15 years of Hotel Industry Success

Mark’s success in hospitality and leisure industry spans the entirety of the hotel spectrum. Mark has headed the brokerage of hotels such as trophy assets and portfolio property sales whilst also having vast experience in the debt re-financing of assets as well as sourcing equity participation for a range of projects from distressed hotels to new developments.

Mark has managed to recruit quality individuals to the Company, including high-level corporate directors from the hotels sector as well as MBA Analysts from leading Universities.

Mark understands the needs of the hotels investors, lenders and finances leveraging this knowledge to the advantage of Soric International’s clients. His skills within this sector have resulted in more than $3 billion worth of hotel transactions and giving him an enviable reputation as one of the industry’s leading experts in this field.

His previous positions include Managing director of Choice Hotels International European Division headquartered in Paris. Here he directed Choice’s growth through all European markets growing hotel development in 14 countries of Europe with a total portfolio of 550 Hotels. He managed and prospered joint venture relationships with Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Hotels Scandinavia and launched Choice Hotels India.

Mark also developed his understanding of hotel operations during his time with the Doyles Hotel and the Savoy Hotel Group as an executive. Prior to this he was a Professor for Hotel Consult in Switzerland for a period of 2 years in Hotel management.

Piran has twenty years’ experience in real estate and hospitality and tourism development in West Africa. Piran couples expertise in the financial, legal, political and social sectors of the West African market.

Piran links substantive expertise to insightful strategies and consistently delivers superior results to the advantage of Soric International’s clients.

Piran is currently the lead on several major Soric projects in West Africa, including the finance and brand management of a five star hotel on Sal Island, Cape Verde. Piran is fluent in English, Portuguese and Krioulu.

His previous positions include CEO of Sotavento Consulting, Cape Verde. Here he oversaw the placement of over seven million Euros in private capital in projects in Cape Verde as well as introducing strategic management partnerships between Viceroy Hotels and one of the largest resorts in Cape Verde and senior involvement in delivering over 30 million euros in project finance through Afrexim. Piran also holds a certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management from Cornell University.

With over 25 years of experience in hotel management, Gilberte has worked with many internationally recognized hotel organisations.

Starting in Operations Management and Business Development, she earned a Bachelor’s degree while gaining expertise in Brand Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Project Management. Gilberte has played a key role in rebranding initiatives, FF&E and M&E remedial work, and strategic extension planning for several high-value three and four-star hotel projects

At Soric International, Gilberte advised and represented international clients on brand operator selection and acquisition, with a particular focus on the French and African markets. Her strategic counsel proved instrumental in aligning clients’ objectives with market opportunities and optimising their investment strategies.

As Senior Vice President of Operations and Special Projects, Gilberte brings expensive technical and operational expertise. Her commitment to organisational efficacy and quality assurance drives successful project outcomes. With her industry insights and collaborative leadership, Gilberte ensures optimal performance and sustained profitability for her clients and stakeholders.

Born in Huesca (mainland Spain) Héctor started his professional career in Food and Beverage management in different hotel establishments on the island of Fuerteventura after graduating as a Higher Technician in Hotel and Tourism and later as a Real Estate Agent. His professional career has been characterized by the specialization in property management of different   assets including hotels, tourist apartments and residential buildings.

Héctor is characterized by his innate social skills which, together with his negotiating skills and experience, enable him to lead the projects that he is involved in, to which he fully dedicates himself. His career has led him to manage and develop both local and international projects for different types of investments, actively involved in the different phases of the project.

Alex Slors is a leader with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Practical knowledge of hotel operations as well as corporate environment within prestigious international companies defines the balanced approach to business challenges we are facing today.

Having worked his way up through the ranks in hotels in Europe and Asia, followed by regional roles leading up to Vice President of Finance, Alex has in depth knowledge and practical experience that is invaluable for any hotel owner or investor. Alex is based at our London office.

Edward J. Blum is a Principal of Washington DC based Delancey Realty Advisors, a hospitality focused asset management, investment and capital markets advisory firm. Prior to joining Delancey, Blum was Executive Vice President, Development & Acquisitions for Aimbridge Hospitality and its predecessor company Interstate Hotels and Resorts.

Blum’s responsibilities included identifying acquisition and management contract opportunities and managing thecompany’s relationships with real estate brokers, financial and institutional fund managers, hotel franchise companies and hotel owners.

Edward’s 35-year hospitality real estate careerencompasses extensive domestic and international experience in corporate and real estatefinance, capital markets, real estate acquisition and development, capital formation, corporateand real estate workouts and investor and lender relations. Prior to joining Interstate, Edwardwas Managing Director, Capital Markets for Molinaro Koger, an international hotel real estate advisory firm.

In this role, he represented domestic and international hotel owners in structuringdebt and equity financing in excess of $1 billion globally. Edward was also Senior Vice President of Finance for Europe at Wyndham International, where he divested $300 million in non-core assets, restructured Wyndham’s European investments and directed hotel acquisition and development activities in the UK, France, Italy and Spain. He also served as Chief Financial Officer for Grand Heritage Hotel Group; Vice President of Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions at Patriot American Hospitality; and as Chief Financial Officer of the Imperial Hotel Corporation and The Cafritz Company. Edward is member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) recreation development council and has spoken at the ALIS, NYU, Lodging and Berlin IHIF Conferences among others.

Edward has lectured at universities around the world including serving as a visiting speaker at the EHL Lausanne and a member of Penn State’s Hotel School’s Real Estate Advisory Board. Edward, a Certified Public Accountant, holds a Master of International Management degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Maryland University College.

As the Executive Assistant and Office Coordinator, Amira brings a strong background in administrative management and organisational support to ensure seamless office operations and effective executive-level assistance.

With experience gained from her tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malta, Amira has honed skills in scheduling, event coordination, and communication with diverse stakeholders. Her ability to manage complex projects, maintain discretion, and adapt to dynamic environments enables her to provide exceptional support to leadership and contribute to the overall efficiency of the team. Driven by a passion for excellence and collaboration, she strives to foster a well-organised, productive, and professional workplace. At Soric International, Amira has provided comprehensive administrative support to the CEO, and senior executives. Managing their calendars, coordinate meetings, preparing reports and presentations, and handling travel arrangements, ensuring seamless executive operations. Additionally, she oversee the day-to-day management of the office, maintaining a professional and organised environment by liaising with vendors, managing supplies, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Haven supports the operations and marketing of Soric International with his professionalism and expertise. With a strong background in marketing and communication, he creates impactful marketing materials with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that complex information is presented concisely and elegantly to drive project success.

Possessing exceptional skills in copywriting and branding, Haven develops engaging content, manages timely updates, and executes strategic campaigns that enhance brand visibility and audience engagement across various social media platforms. His expertise in website management ensures that the firm’s online presence remains accurate, up-to-date, and visually appealing. In addition, Haven conducts in-depth market research and reporting, delivering valuable insights to refine marketing strategies. He collaborates closely with internal teams and external partners to coordinate marketing efforts, ensuring seamless execution of campaigns.

With a proactive approach to operations assistance, Haven streamlines workflows and optimises marketing processes, contributing to efficient project execution. His strong communication and project management abilities take part in driving the success of marketing campaigns and overall brand growth.