Job Description

The Head of Investment Strategy is responsible for developing and leading Abu Dhabi Airports’ mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment strategy in alignment with the organization's corporate objectives, shareholder interests, and risk appetite. The role drives the global investment agenda across airports, airport infrastructure, free zones, and real estate sectors by identifying, evaluating, and originating strategic investment opportunities.

The position focuses on market intelligence, government-to-government engagement, deal origination, investment opportunity assessment, stakeholder management, and strategic advisory support for acquisitions, partnerships, concessions, and financing structures. The role ensures a strong pipeline of investment opportunities and supports informed investment decision-making through strategic analysis and risk evaluation.

Responsibilities

Investment Strategy Development

• Develop and continuously refine long-term investment and M&A strategies across airports, free zones, real estate, and airport infrastructure assets.
• Define investment themes, geographic priorities, asset allocation guidelines, and investment criteria.
• Establish return expectations and risk appetite frameworks.
• Align investment strategy with shareholder mandates and national strategic objectives.

Market Intelligence & Growth Identification

• Establish and maintain global infrastructure market intelligence capabilities.
• Monitor airport infrastructure trends, privatization programs, PPP opportunities, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic factors.
• Identify acquisition, concession, partnership, and other inorganic growth opportunities.
• Build relationships with governments, advisers, banks, and industry stakeholders to access proprietary opportunities.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences and networking events.

Strategic Positioning & Government Engagement

• Position the organization as a preferred global airport and infrastructure operator.
• Develop value propositions for government and public-sector stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with governments, regulators, and state-owned entities.
• Support participation in privatization initiatives and strategic partnerships.

Deal Origination

• Lead direct sourcing of investment opportunities through government relationships, advisors, and financial institutions.
• Engage with potential acquisition targets and strategic partners.
• Manage responses to Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Build and maintain a diversified investment pipeline.
• Prioritize opportunities based on strategic fit, feasibility, and value creation potential.

Opportunity Screening & Evaluation

• Conduct initial assessments of investment opportunities against predefined criteria.
• Maintain market benchmarks and transaction intelligence.
• Evaluate strategic alignment, market attractiveness, operational feasibility, and financial potential.
• Assess risks including political, regulatory, operational, and capital expenditure exposure.
• Develop preliminary valuation and transaction structuring perspectives.
• Recommend go/no-go decisions for further due diligence.

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Influence investment committees and government stakeholders.
• Present complex investment opportunities through clear strategic narratives.
• Support negotiations with senior government and ministerial stakeholders.
• Align internal stakeholders across strategy, finance, and risk functions.

Investment Transaction Support

• Support deal execution and transaction management activities.
• Assist in deal thesis development and synergy assessments.
• Oversee due diligence processes and deal risk management.
• Provide guidance on project financing and capital structuring.
• Support negotiation strategies and transaction structuring.
• Coordinate with internal and external legal advisors on transaction documentation, including:
• Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs)
• Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs)
• Concession Agreements

Debt & Financing Advisory

• Advise on debt financing structures for investments.
• Support PPP structures, asset-backed financing, and joint venture arrangements.
• Coordinate with Treasury regarding optimal funding solutions.
• Liaise with investment banks and debt advisory firms for external financing arrangements.

Requirements and Skills

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in:
• Investment Banking
• Private Equity
• Corporate Development
• Infrastructure Investments
• Aviation-related investments
• Experience in:
• M&A transactions
• Due diligence processes
• Investment structuring
• Concession agreements
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Required Skills & Competencies

Strategic Investment Thinking

• Ability to develop and execute long-term investment strategies aligned with business objectives.

Market Insight & Opportunity Identification

• Strong understanding of industry trends, market dynamics, and growth opportunities.

Origination & Relationship Management

• Proven capability to source investment opportunities through extensive professional networks.

Government & Stakeholder Influence

• Experience engaging and negotiating with governments, regulators, and institutional stakeholders.

Commercial Judgment & Opportunity Screening

• Ability to evaluate investment opportunities quickly and effectively with limited information.

Risk-Reward Assessment

• Strong knowledge of investment risk frameworks and value creation drivers.

Financial & Investment Acumen

• Expertise in valuation methodologies, infrastructure investments, airport operations, free zones, real estate, and regulated assets.

Decision-Making Under Uncertainty

• Ability to make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous investment environments.

Communication & Executive Presence

• Strong presentation, influencing, and executive communication skills.

Negotiation Skills

• Strong transaction structuring and negotiation capabilities.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment across multiple stakeholders.