JOANN WRIGHT

Joann Wright is a veteran of the business world, having spent 40 years in the executive business ranks. She has owned and operated several successful mid- sized business ventures, before turning her attention to National and International real estate.

Joann lived in Africa and was a Manager on a large construction project as well as on the Washington D.C. subway project. Joann has also worked and lived in Panama and continues to maintain a home in Panama. She is a veteran in International real estate sales, a career initiative stemming from her extensive experience living overseas, mostly in Central America. She has been awarded by the Chicago Association of Realtors for industry leading sales production in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Joann believes in putting her clients first and opening up the global marketplace to her extensive clientele.

Joann is a member of various national and international organizations, including: The World Trade Center, F.I.A.B.C.I. – World Real Estate Federation, Chicago International Real Estate Council, Transnational Referral Consultant, I.C.R.E.A – World Properties, the National Association of Realtors, the Illinois Association of Realtors, and the Chicago Association of Realtors. Joann also has important accreditatons through the National Association of Realtors - - CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist, RSPS - Resort and Second Home Property Specialist and TRC, Trasnational Referral Consultant. Joann is currently withSudler Sothebys International Realty, Chicago, Illinois.

Joann can be reached at 773-430-6228 email: joann@world-wide-properties.net

MARTIN KUBLER - Director of Operations Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

Originally from Munich, Germany, Martin relocated to London, United Kingdom, after completing his apprenticeship at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, one of Germany's finest, family owned luxury hotels.

In London, Martin completed his BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Management at London Metropolitan University and afterwards joined Thistle Hotels as Night Manager and later moving to Assistant Front Office Manager.

Following 3 years with Thistle Hotels, he joined the Bonnington Group as Front of House Manager at the Bonnington in Bloomsbury where he was actively involved in opening of the hotel's boutique-style extension (45 rooms & suites).

In 2004, Martin relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates and spent the following two years working as Front Office Manager at the Novotel World Trade Centre. During his time at the hotel, Martin successfully coached two of his team-members to win the prestigious “Hotelier Middle East - Hoteliers’ Hotelier of the Year Award 2005” and the “Discover Dubai – Concierge of the Month May 2006 Award”.

Following his time at the Novotel, Martin spent a year in Doha, Qatar, working for the Ramada Plaza Doha where he was involved in managing the construction & opening process of the hotel’s second wing (259 rooms & suites), which opened in June 2007 and in upgrading & re-branding the hotel from Ramada to Ramada Plaza.

In October 2007, Martin returned to Dubai as Director of Operations for the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

This 480 keys (208 hotel rooms and 272 serviced apartments) property is scheduled to open early 2009 and will be Dubai’s first 100% British owned and operated 5-star hotel.
A fellow hotelier once described Martin as “An interesting mixture of German commitment to quality and doing things correctly and properly – yet flavoured with the English ability to be flexible.”

Martin’s specialities are building and leading teams that perform outstandingly for the benefit of their customers and their employers, using social media solutions to attract & retain guests, visitors and employees, hotel pre-opening planning and change management.

In his spare time, Martin likes to play backgammon, ride motorcycles, read or enjoy a good meal.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/martinkubler
Plaxo: http://martinkubler.myplaxo.com
WIWIH: http://www.wiwih.com/profile/26021110.html