
Artin Zaman
Verified Expert in Management Consulting
Management Consulting Expert
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Toptal member since June 29, 2026
Artin is a strategy and operations executive with over 20 years of international experience leading business transformation, operational excellence, and digital modernization across hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and service industries. He specializes in operational strategy, ERP implementation, workflow automation, business intelligence, and performance optimization. He helps organizations build scalable operations and deliver measurable business results.
Career Highlights
Education Highlights
Certification Highlights
Case Studies
Expertise
- Business Intelligence (BI)
- Business Process Improvement (BPI)
- Business Strategy
- Business Transformation
- Digital Transformation
- Executive Leadership
- Operational Excellence
- Operations Strategy
Work Experience
COO
Crazy Garden Holding
- Led operating strategy and business planning for Crazy Garden, a large-scale destination development in Saudi Arabia, translating the concept and feasibility study into an executable operating model.
- Developed and challenged integrated financial and commercial assumptions across admissions, F&B, retail, attractions, memberships, events, leasing, payroll, CAPEX, and financing.
- Built scenario and sensitivity analyses linking attendance, visitor spend, capture rates, operating costs, and capital requirements to profitability, cash flow, IRR, and investment returns.
- Designed the visitor revenue strategy across ticketing, memberships, paid attractions, F&B, retail, events, education, corporate programs, and other ancillary revenue streams.
- Assessed operational, commercial, and implementation risks across the pre-launch business and identified dependencies, controls, and priorities required for operational readiness.
- Led preparation of investor and stakeholder materials and participated in strategic discussions with investors, government stakeholders, universities, and prospective development partners.
- Developed the operating framework for customer acquisition, visitor journey, dwell-time optimization, capacity utilization, digital engagement, repeat visitation, and revenue per visitor.
Founder and Managing Director
AZGT
- Delivered business transformation and automation initiatives that reduced administrative effort by over 90% while improving operational efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Advised SMEs on business strategy, operational optimization, and performance improvement initiatives that supported sustainable growth and profitability.
- Designed business growth roadmaps, operating models, and performance frameworks supporting organizational scalability and long-term expansion.
- Developed executive reporting systems, business analytics, and KPI dashboards that improved strategic decision-making and organizational visibility.
- Designed KPI frameworks, workflow automation solutions, and governance models that strengthened accountability and operational performance.
- Provided executive advisory services covering operational restructuring, digital transformation, financial planning, process redesign, and organizational development.
- Developed financial models, investment analyses, and business cases supporting strategic investment and growth decisions.
- Led ERP selection, implementation planning, and digital transformation initiatives that modernized business operations and reduced manual workflows.
- Facilitated executive workshops to identify operational bottlenecks, prioritize initiatives, and define transformation roadmaps.
- Supported organizations across hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and service industries with strategy, operational excellence, and organizational performance improvements.
Director of Operations and Business Transformation
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort
- Partnered with executive leadership to drive strategic planning, performance governance, executive reporting, and cross-functional transformation initiatives across the organization.
- Directed multi-department operations spanning hospitality, attractions, retail, food and beverage, and events while improving operational performance and customer experience.
- Led operational planning and launch readiness for an entertainment and events venue, expanding visitor capacity and creating new commercial revenue opportunities.
- Led ERP implementation and workflow automation initiatives that reduced manual processes, improved reporting accuracy, and increased operational efficiency by approximately 30%.
- Developed commercial initiatives and operational improvements that enhanced customer experience, strengthened partnerships, and supported sustainable revenue growth.
- Redesigned budgeting and operational planning processes, improving financial visibility, executive reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
- Developed strategic business initiatives and performance frameworks supporting revenue growth, operational scalability, and long-term organizational objectives.
- Designed KPI dashboards and performance monitoring frameworks that improved operational visibility and commercial decision-making.
- Led cross-functional transformation initiatives across finance, HR, operations, IT, procurement, and commercial functions.
- Implemented workforce optimization and organizational restructuring initiatives that improved productivity while maintaining operational standards.
Operations Manager – Business Transformation
Zoo Veterinary Center
- Reduced operating costs by 50% through organizational restructuring, vendor optimization, and process redesign while maintaining service quality.
- Increased customer retention by 50% through service improvements, customer engagement initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
- Implemented KPI dashboards and operational reporting frameworks that improved business visibility, performance monitoring, and executive decision-making.
- Developed strategic growth initiatives, commercial partnerships, and operational plans supporting sustainable business expansion.
- Improved workforce retention and operational coordination through communication and process improvement initiatives.
- Improved workforce retention and operational coordination through leadership development, communication improvements, and standardized operating procedures.
- Achieved and maintained operating margins exceeding 85% through disciplined cost control and commercial optimization.
- Increased pet hotel occupancy to approximately 120% of original capacity through pricing optimization, demand management, and service enhancements.
- Designed scalable operating procedures supporting business growth while maintaining consistent customer experience and operational standards.
Founder and CEO
Simple Office Hub
- Founded and launched a business center from concept to commercial operation, leading business planning, operational readiness, vendor management, and go-to-market execution.
- Achieved full occupancy shortly after launch through strategic market positioning, commercial planning, and operational execution.
- Developed strategic client relationships, negotiated commercial agreements, and implemented customer acquisition strategies supporting full occupancy.
- Developed business plans, financial projections, valuation models, and commercial strategies supporting sustainable growth and investment decisions.
- Managed financial planning, operational performance, customer onboarding, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient day-to-day operations.
- Negotiated and completed a profitable business exit while ensuring operational continuity and a seamless ownership transition.
- Established scalable operating procedures and governance frameworks supporting long-term operational consistency and business growth.
- Designed pricing strategies and commercial packages that maximized occupancy, customer retention, and recurring revenue.
Non-executive Director
WM International DMCC
- Led enterprise-wide ERP implementation that standardized workflows, improved reporting accuracy, and increased operational transparency across the business.
- Designed governance frameworks, executive dashboards, and KPI reporting systems to strengthen performance management and executive decision-making.
- Directed organizational restructuring initiatives across operations, HR, IT, finance, and commercial functions to improve efficiency and scalability.
- Established standardized operating procedures and internal controls supporting business growth, compliance, and operational consistency.
- Led cross-functional digital transformation initiatives that reduced manual processes and improved organizational productivity.
- Developed workforce planning and international recruitment strategies supporting organizational capability and business expansion.
- Partnered with shareholders and executive leadership to align operational priorities with strategic business objectives and long-term growth plans.
- Implemented executive reporting and performance management frameworks that enhanced accountability and organizational visibility.
General Manager
Gangga Island Resort
- Directed all aspects of resort operations, including hospitality, food and beverage, recreation, engineering, finance, HR, sales, and guest services, with full P&L accountability.
- Led the resort through the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing business continuity strategies, cost optimization initiatives, and operational restructuring while preserving service quality and organizational stability.
- Redesigned operating procedures, departmental workflows, and performance management systems to improve efficiency and strengthen operational performance.
- Developed commercial initiatives and guest experience enhancements that supported revenue generation, customer satisfaction, and long-term business sustainability.
- Implemented financial controls, budgeting processes, and cost management initiatives that improved profitability and cash flow management.
- Led, coached, and developed multicultural leadership teams while strengthening organizational culture, employee engagement, and operational accountability.
- Managed strategic relationships with owners, government authorities, suppliers, and tourism stakeholders to support operational continuity and destination development.
- Directed capital improvement projects, infrastructure upgrades, and operational readiness initiatives supporting long-term asset value and guest experience.
- Introduced KPI dashboards and executive reporting frameworks that improved visibility, performance monitoring, and strategic decision-making.
- Successfully managed a luxury island resort within a remote operating environment, balancing commercial performance, sustainability, guest satisfaction, and operational resilience.
Recreation Manager
Velaa Private Island
- Led luxury recreation and guest experience operations at one of the world's most exclusive private island resorts, delivering exceptional service to ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients.
- Directed multi-disciplinary teams across watersports, diving, recreation, marine operations, and guest activities while maintaining world-class luxury service standards.
- Designed bespoke guest experiences tailored to individual preferences, reinforcing the resort's reputation for personalized luxury and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Developed operational procedures, training programs, and service standards that enhanced consistency, safety, and guest experience.
- Collaborated with executive leadership and other departments to deliver seamless cross-functional experiences for VIP guests and high-profile visitors.
- Optimized departmental scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to improve operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional service quality.
- Maintained the highest standards of operational safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management across marine and recreation activities.
- Mentored and developed multicultural teams, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Supported commercial objectives through guest engagement initiatives, premium activity offerings, and personalized luxury experiences.
- Contributed to the operational excellence of an internationally recognized ultra-luxury destination renowned for personalized service and uncompromising quality standards.
Director of Operations – Dive and Watersports
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Led the pre-opening planning, operational readiness, and successful launch of the dive and watersports division for The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, ensuring world-class service standards from opening day.
- Designed operating procedures, service standards, staffing plans, and training programs aligned with Marriott Luxury brand requirements and St. Regis service excellence standards.
- Directed daily operations across diving, watersports, marine activities, and guest recreation while delivering exceptional experiences for luxury international guests.
- Built and developed a multicultural team through recruitment, onboarding, coaching, and performance management in a pre-opening environment.
- Managed departmental budgeting, procurement, inventory, and operational planning to support efficient service delivery and financial performance.
- Worked closely with engineering, housekeeping, food and beverage, front office, and other operational departments to ensure seamless guest experiences across the resort.
- Implemented comprehensive health, safety, and regulatory compliance procedures while maintaining the highest operational and environmental standards.
- Supported commercial performance through premium guest experiences, activity programming, and personalized luxury service.
- Contributed to one of Marriott International's flagship luxury resort openings, establishing operational processes that supported long-term service excellence.
- Maintained exceptional guest satisfaction through disciplined operational management, continuous improvement, and strong leadership within a highly demanding luxury hospitality environment.
Founder, CEO
iDivecenter
- Founded and scaled a specialist scuba training, marine services, and luxury watersports business serving both individual clients and the international yachting community.
- Developed and delivered professional-level instructor training programs, certifying divemasters, open water scuba instructors (OWSI), specialty instructors, and staff instructors while maintaining high training quality and safety standards.
- Managed end-to-end business operations, including strategic planning, budgeting, sales, procurement, marketing, scheduling, customer service, and financial performance.
- Built strategic relationships with yacht owners, marina operators, resorts, and tourism partners, expanding commercial opportunities and strengthening the company's market presence.
- Expanded revenue streams by introducing premium marine equipment and luxury watersports products, including Seabobs, compressors, scuba cylinders, and diving equipment.
- Designed and managed bespoke yacht-based diving experiences, coordinating logistics, vessel charters, instructors, equipment, and guest services for high-end domestic and international clients.
- Established operational procedures, safety protocols, and instructor performance standards to ensure consistent service quality and regulatory compliance.
- Recruited, trained, and managed instructors and operational staff, developing a high-performing team capable of delivering premium customer experiences.
- Negotiated supplier agreements and managed inventory, procurement, and equipment maintenance to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.
- Built a reputation through customer referrals and strategic partnerships, generating repeat business within the luxury tourism and marine sectors.
Training & Operations Consultant
Four Seasons Maldives
- Designed and managed a structured three-month instructor internship program, recruiting and selecting high-potential candidates before preparing them for professional instructor certification and luxury hospitality operations.
- Interviewed, assessed, and selected instructor candidates, ensuring they met the technical, service, and cultural standards required for deployment within Four Seasons Maldives.
- Delivered intensive instructor development programs, preparing candidates for internationally recognized professional certification examinations while maintaining rigorous training and quality standards.
- Coached and mentored instructor candidates throughout their practical development, supporting successful transition into operational instructor roles within the resort.
- Conducted continuing professional development programs for newly certified instructors, strengthening technical capability, guest service delivery, and operational consistency.
- Delivered refresher training and professional development programs for existing recreation teams, ensuring alignment with evolving operational procedures, safety standards, and guest experience expectations.
- Advised resort leadership on recreation operations, service delivery, instructor development, operational efficiency, and business best practices to enhance overall department performance.
- Provided strategic guidance on merchandising, retail product selection, and equipment procurement, supporting commercial performance and guest satisfaction within the recreation department.
- Collaborated with resort leadership, department managers, and external certification bodies to ensure seamless program delivery and successful certification outcomes.
- Supported workforce planning by helping identify, develop, and retain high-performing instructors, contributing to a sustainable talent pipeline for resort operations.
Head of Career Development Center
Dive Asia Phuket
- Led the Career Development Center, overseeing the commercial and operational delivery of professional instructor development programs across multiple international markets.
- Designed, marketed, and delivered professional instructor certification programs, establishing the center as a recognized destination for career-focused diver education.
- Managed concurrent instructor development courses in multiple languages, coordinating instructors, resources, scheduling, and logistics while maintaining consistent training quality.
- Drove business growth by developing sales initiatives, marketing campaigns, and strategic partnerships that increased enrolment in professional training programs.
- Advised prospective dive professionals on career pathways, building long-term relationships that supported student recruitment, retention, and program completion.
- Recruited, mentored, and developed future dive professionals through internationally recognized instructor development programs, maintaining high certification success rates.
- Managed program planning, instructor scheduling, budgets, and operational resources to ensure efficient delivery and strong commercial performance.
- Collaborated with resorts, dive centers, and industry partners to create employment opportunities for graduates, strengthening the center's reputation and placement success.
- Maintained quality assurance and compliance with international PADI standards while continuously improving program delivery and participant experience.
- Contributed to business strategy by identifying new market opportunities, expanding professional training offerings, and supporting the organization's long-term commercial growth.
Marine Operations & Tour Leader
Dive Asia
- Coordinated daily marine operations for multi-stop diving excursions, planning routes and site selection based on weather forecasts, sea conditions, customer experience levels, and operational risk assessments.
- Led cross-functional teams of instructors and boat crew, allocating resources to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery for divers and non-diving guests.
- Managed daily operational logistics, ensuring vessels were correctly equipped with diving equipment, safety gear, oxygen systems, and customer supplies before departure.
- Applied dynamic operational decision-making to adapt itineraries and dive plans in response to changing weather, sea conditions, customer requirements, and safety considerations.
- Supervised the safe loading, transportation, maintenance, and return of diving equipment, improving operational efficiency and equipment readiness.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences while maintaining strict adherence to international diving safety standards and operational procedures.
- Responded to and managed on-water incidents and emergency situations, coordinating appropriate actions to ensure guest and staff safety.
- Collaborated with reservations, operations, instructors, boat captains, and support teams to ensure seamless execution of daily schedules and optimal resource utilization.
- Mentored newly qualified instructors and dive professionals, supporting their operational integration and adherence to organizational standards.
- Contributed to operational improvements by identifying process efficiencies that enhanced scheduling, logistics, safety, and overall guest satisfaction.
General Manager
Sahargahan Seafood
- Led the overall transformation and expansion of the business from a single trout farming operation into a diversified seafood production and international export company serving European markets.
- Directed end-to-end business operations across harvesting, aquaculture, processing, quality assurance, logistics, international sales, and commercial management.
- Developed and implemented an integrated live seafood supply chain spanning harvesting, transportation, processing, export logistics, quality assurance, and international distribution, supporting expansion into European markets.
- Successfully led the implementation and certification of the company's HACCP food safety management system, strengthening operational controls and enabling international exports.
- Negotiated commercial agreements with international buyers, distributors, and strategic partners while developing long-term customer relationships across European markets.
- Expanded the company's product portfolio by introducing additional premium live seafood products, increasing market opportunities and export revenue potential.
- Represented the company at international seafood exhibitions and trade events, generating new business opportunities and expanding the company's international commercial presence.
- Led recruitment, organizational development, and workforce training across production, operations, logistics, harvesting, and commercial teams.
- Managed geographically dispersed field operations, coordinating fishing vessels, harvesting crews, transportation assets, and processing facilities to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Directed maintenance planning and lifecycle management for marine vessels, production equipment, vehicles, and processing assets, maximizing operational reliability and minimizing downtime.
Education
Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine
Islamic Azad University - Tehran, Iran
Certifications
Data Analytics for Decision Making
Microsoft
Microsoft Power BI – Enterprise Reporting and Analytics
Microsoft
Operations Management: Organization and Analysis
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Advanced Zoho CRM and Zoho Analytics Training
Zoho Corporation
IBCCES Autism Certification
IBCCES
TÜV Kaizen – Lean Operations
TÜV
PADI Platinum Course Director
PADI
Skills
Finance
Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Revenue Optimization, Pricing Strategy, Market Research, Data Analysis, Business Intelligence (BI), Finance Strategy, Financial Modeling, Valuation, Interim COO, Total Addressable Market (TAM)
Industry Expertise
Pets, Hospitality, Professional Services, Sports
Output Software
Microsoft Excel
Other
Analytical Thinking, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Project Management, Business Transformation, Operational Excellence, Performance Management, Business Process Improvement (BPI), Strategic Planning, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Customer Experience, Vendor Management, Business Development, Operations Strategy, Process Optimization, Business Strategy, Operational Readiness, Commercial Operations, Business Planning, Change Management, Executive Leadership, P&L Management, Leadership, Guest Experience, Luxury Hospitality, Team Leadership, Service Excellence, Training & Training Content Development, Quality Management, Pre-opening Operations, Health, Safety, & Environment (HSE), Customer Service, Training, Risk Management, Team Development, Process Improvement, Continuous Improvement, Business Process Optimization, Operations Management, Management, Management Consulting, Business Consulting, Communication, Contract Review, Documentation, Compliance, Business Process Analysis, Finance, Investor Presentations, Pitch Deck Consultant, Business Model Strategy, Partnerships, Business Operations, Operations, B2B Partnerships, IT, Pitch Decks, Executive Consulting, PowerPoint Design, Organizational Change Management (OCM), Performance Improvement, KPI Tracking, SOP Development, Emerging Markets, Full Cycle Sales, Client Relationship Management, Deal Structuring, Relationship Based Networking, Client Retention, COO, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Event Management, Event Operations, Strategy, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Workflow Automation, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Automation, Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS), Dashboard Development, CRM, Research, Risk Assessment, ERP Implementation, Organizational Design, Executive Reporting, Organizational Development, Digital Transformation, Business Process Automation, Executive Support, Business Analytics, Business Plan Consulting, Finacial planning, Integrated Sales & Operational Planning, Quality Assurance (QA), Lean, Kaizen, Zoho CRM, Zoho Analytics, CRM Implementation, Data Analytics, Decision Support, KPI Analysis, Data Visualization, Performance Analysis, Microsoft Power BI, Process Analysis, Capacity Planning, Workflow Optimization, Process Mapping, Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM), Positioning, Sales Strategy, Strategy Consulting, Startup Consulting, Startups, Exit Planning, Go-to-market (GTM) Strategy, Launch Strategy, Infrastructure, Communication Strategy, Process Flows, Growth, Business Research, Business Cases, Business Modeling, Feasibility Studies, Customer Segmentation, Risk & Compliance, Strategic Partnerships, Deal Closure, Fractional COO, Growth Strategy, Human Resources (HR), Ticketing, Lean Startups, Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI), Retail Sales, Professional Development, Travel, Train the Trainer (TTT), Marketing, Career Coaching, Marine Activities, Food Manufacturing, Farms, Design, Revenue Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Investor Relations, Sales Pipeline Management, Business & Digital Transformation, Lead Generation
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