El Gouna’s beloved CEO ascends to executive board while continuing to champion the Red Sea destination’s growth and innovation
El Gouna, Red Sea Governorate – In a significant leadership development that underscores El Gouna’s central role within Egypt’s premier resort development portfolio, Orascom Development Egypt (ODE) has announced the appointment of Mohamed Amer to its board of directors as an executive board member. Amer, who has served as CEO of El Gouna since May 2022, will simultaneously take on the new role of Managing Director for Commercial Activities while continuing his stewardship of the Red Sea destination.
Strategic Leadership Restructuring Strengthens Operations
The board changes reflect a strategic realignment designed to capitalize on ODE’s strong market position and growth trajectory. Alongside Amer’s elevation, the company has appointed Ashraf Nessim as Managing Director for Finance and Operations, creating a dual leadership structure that combines commercial expertise with financial acumen.
Key Leadership Appointments:
- Mohamed Amer: Executive Board Member and Managing Director for Commercial Activities (continuing as El Gouna CEO)
- Ashraf Nessim: Managing Director for Finance and Operations
The restructuring follows the resignation of Omar El Hamamsy from his position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. El Hamamsy will transition to serve as Advisor to the Chairman of Orascom Development Holding AG (ODH) in Switzerland, leading strategic projects through March 2026.
Mohamed Amer: From Global Executive to El Gouna Champion
Since joining Orascom Development as El Gouna’s CEO in May 2022, Mohamed Amer has become a passionate advocate for the destination’s unique character and sustainable development approach. His international business background, combined with deep understanding of the hospitality and tourism sectors, has positioned him as an ideal leader for El Gouna’s continued evolution.
Amer’s Distinguished Background:
- 22 years of leadership experience at Xerox Corporation
- Former VP and Regional General Manager for Middle East and Africa
- Managed operations across 85 countries during tenure at Xerox
- Regional General Manager for 34 countries in Caribbean, Central America, and South America
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Alexandria University
Under Amer’s leadership, El Gouna has continued to strengthen its position as Egypt’s flagship integrated resort destination, balancing luxury tourism with community development and environmental stewardship.
Financial Leadership Through Proven Expertise
Ashraf Nessim brings extensive financial leadership to his new role, having served ODE in various capacities since 2012. His appointment as Managing Director for Finance and Operations reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining robust financial management while pursuing strategic growth opportunities.
Nessim’s Professional Profile:
- Group Chief Financial Officer of Orascom Development Holding (ODH) since 2017
- Chief Financial Officer of ODE since 2012
- Over 25 years of experience in finance, infrastructure, and hospitality
- Former Chief Financial Officer at Beltone Private Equity and Mobiserve
- CFA designation earned in 2004
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
What This Means for El Gouna’s Community
For El Gouna residents, business owners, and stakeholders, these leadership changes represent continuity and enhanced focus on the destination’s commercial success. Amer’s dual role ensures that El Gouna’s interests remain prominently represented at the corporate level while benefiting from his expanded responsibilities across ODE’s portfolio.
Community Benefits:
- Continued Local Leadership: Amer remains committed to El Gouna’s day-to-day operations and community needs
- Enhanced Resources: Access to broader ODE capabilities and strategic initiatives
- Commercial Growth: Focused attention on revenue-generating activities and business development
- Integrated Approach: Stronger coordination between El Gouna and ODE’s other destinations
Acknowledging Past Leadership
The board expressed sincere gratitude to Omar El Hamamsy for his exemplary leadership over the past five years. During his tenure, ODE experienced remarkable growth and institutionalization, successfully navigating complex real estate and hospitality market conditions. His transition to an advisory role with ODH’s Chairman Naguib S. Sawiris ensures continuity of strategic vision at the holding company level.
El Gouna’s Strategic Position Within ODE Portfolio
As ODE’s flagship destination, El Gouna represents the pinnacle of the company’s integrated development approach. The destination’s success has provided a blueprint for ODE’s other projects, including O West near Cairo, Makadi Heights, Taba Heights, and Byoum in Fayoum.
ODE’s Impressive Portfolio:
- Land bank exceeding 50 million square meters
- 28% of land developed or under active development
- 24 premium and luxury hotels with over 4,900 rooms
- Multiple integrated communities across Egypt
Industry Leadership and Innovation
The leadership changes come at a time when ODE continues to set industry standards for sustainable resort development. El Gouna’s recognition as a Global Green Town, combined with its comprehensive amenities and services, demonstrates the effectiveness of the integrated development model that these new appointments will help advance.
Recent Achievements:
- Record-breaking financial performance in 2024
- Successful completion of major financing initiatives
- Continued expansion of sustainability programs
- Enhancement of community services and amenities
Looking Forward: Enhanced Commercial Focus
Amer’s expanded role as Managing Director for Commercial Activities positions him to leverage El Gouna’s success across ODE’s broader portfolio while ensuring the Red Sea destination continues to receive the focused attention that has made it a regional tourism leader.
Strategic Priorities:
- Revenue Optimization: Enhanced focus on commercial activities across all ODE destinations
- Market Expansion: Leveraging El Gouna’s brand recognition for portfolio growth
- Operational Excellence: Applying proven El Gouna management practices company-wide
- Sustainable Development: Maintaining environmental leadership across all projects
Community Engagement and Transparency
The leadership transition reflects ODE’s commitment to transparent governance and community engagement. As a publicly traded company on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX: ORHD), ODE maintains high standards of corporate disclosure while ensuring that local communities remain informed about developments affecting their daily lives.
Continued Community Focus:
- Regular communication with El Gouna residents and stakeholders
- Ongoing investment in local infrastructure and services
- Support for local businesses and entrepreneurship
- Commitment to sustainable tourism practices
About the Leadership Team
The new leadership structure combines international business expertise with deep knowledge of Egyptian market dynamics. This blend of global perspective and local insight positions ODE to capitalize on growing demand for integrated resort destinations while maintaining the unique character that makes each location special.
Mohamed Amer’s journey from international corporate executive to passionate El Gouna advocate exemplifies the destination’s ability to inspire deep commitment from its leadership. His expanded role ensures that this passion will now benefit ODE’s entire portfolio of destinations.
Stay informed about El Gouna’s continued development and community news through elgouna.directory, your comprehensive resource for everything happening in Egypt’s premier Red Sea destination.
About Orascom Development Egypt (ODE): ODE is the largest subsidiary of Orascom Development Holding (ODH), specializing in creating vibrant, integrated communities across Egypt. With over 30 years of experience in destination development, ODE has established itself as a pioneer in sustainable luxury resort development, with El Gouna serving as the flagship example of successful integrated community planning.