AK Advisors Team
AK Advisors Team
Philippe Avice
CEO – Senior Asset Manager
DNA
Philippe Avice is one of Europe's specialists in repositioning distressed hotels and resorts. He is also a pioneer in techniques and tools for rapid asset turnaround and valuation. He possesses extensive and interdisciplinary sector knowledge in the hospitality and wellness & spa industries.
Experience
With 30 years of experience, Philippe Avice has established himself as a seasoned expert in the sector of hospitality and medwellness. From 2003-2009, he served as Executive Director of the Lodging & Hospitality division of Hudson Advisors Germany (exclusive asset manager of Lone Star Funds). Throughout his career, he also has served as a trusted advisor, operational asset manager, and operating partner for both private and institutional opportunistic investors. Notable collaborations include renowned entities such as Lone Star Funds/Hudson Advisors (15 years), Blackstone, Benson Elliot, and SG (representing over 80 hotels, turnaround & exits).
Characteristics
Embodying the qualities of a true rainmaker, Philippe Avice combines creativity, vision, tenacity, and speed in his approach. His ability to navigate complex challenges with ingenuity and determination sets him apart as a driving force in the industry.
Corinne Klucik
COO – Senior Asset Manager
DNA
Corinne Klucik is a seasoned specialist in crisis management within the lodging & hospitality sector. With a comprehensive grasp of legal, financial, and institutional reporting functions, she navigates challenges with finesse. Additionally, her expertise extends to the repositioning of spas and medwellness centers, reflecting a deep understanding of industry dynamics.
Experience
With a rich background spanning 20 years, Corinne Klucik has held pivotal roles as a consultant, asset manager, and executive director. Notably, she has spearheaded the execution of restructuring plans for hotel management platforms and portfolios of hotels & resorts. Her notable achievements include leading the restructuring plan for a Pan-European portfolio comprising 27 four-star and five-star hotels. Over the years, she has collaborated with esteemed entities such as Lone Star Funds/Hudson Advisors, Blackstone, and Benson Elliot.
Characteristics
Renowned for her pugnacity and resilience, Corinne Klucik is distinguished by her exceptional negotiation skills. She approaches challenges with determination and strategic acumen, earning respect within the industry for her tenacity and ability to navigate complex scenarios.
Philippe Souterbicq
Director of Operations
DNA
Philippe Souterbicq is an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur at heart. He specializes in crisis operational management and transactions within the lodging & hospitality sector. His interpersonal skills and rigor make him an indispensable expert in the world of French private investors.
Experience
With 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Philippe Souterbicq has held leadership roles in marketing and operational management of hotel establishments (Single assets and portfolio). He has created and developed management and recruitment platforms dedicated to the hospitality industry. He also served as the Managing Director for France M&A at Christie & Co, overseeing a total of 120 successful asset disposition operations.
Characteristics
Philippe embodies adaptability, flexibility, and imagination. These traits define his approach to navigating challenges and fostering innovation. Whether leading through uncertainty or envisioning new possibilities, Philippe's steadfast resilience and creative thinking shine through in every endeavor.
Alejandro Arnau
Portfolio Manager
DNA
Alejandro Arnau is a Zurich-based asset manager specialising in the acquisition and restructuring of multi-family rental properties. He has applied his extensive financial, legal, and tax expertise to this area.
Experience
With eight years of experience managing private client equity and real estate portfolios and brokering residential and commercial properties across Europe and North America, Alejandro Arnau has established himself as the go-to strategic advisor for a number of family businesses and UHNWI. These cross-disciplinary skills have already enabled him to lead real estate development and restructuring projects.
Characteristics
Alejandro is known for his astute and diligent approach to financial problem solving, as well as his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to delivering superior value to his clients and partners.
Alexandre Ballerini, Esq.
Senior Advisor – Legal Expert
DNA
Alexandre Ballerini, through his mastery of all disciplines in the world of real estate investment and his involvement in numerous complex business disputes and litigations, has, over the years, established himself as a remarkable deal maker. Born in Italy, educated in France, and later pursuing a career in the United States, he possesses the unique ability to engage and collaborate seamlessly with investors from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Experience
With 25 years of experience, Alexandre Ballerini is a distinguished attorney recognized for his excellence in law. He has received numerous accolades, including being named Super Lawyer of the Year in the United States twice. His expertise in real estate spans Structured Finance, Operations, Brokerage, Development, and Law. He served as Vice President of the 20th largest real estate development company in the United States, where he oversaw the acquisition and market placement of a portfolio exceeding $3 billion. Additionally, he was Vice President of a prominent brokerage firm, leading a team of 80 agents and directing the marketing and sales efforts for a portfolio valued at over $3 billion in retail sales. Finally, his legal expertise includes handling the closings of hotels, multifamily buildings, distressed assets, foreclosures, estate sales, and court-proceeding assets.
Characteristics
Recognized by his peers and clients for his creativity, negotiation skills, and ability to deliver value-added results, Alexandre’s fluency in multiple languages and diverse professional background make him a valuable asset in both domestic and international legal settings. His expertise ensures successful outcomes for his team.
Marcin Kecik
Senior Advisor – Capex Expert
DNA
Marcin Kecik is a recognized expert and entrepreneur in the renovation of hotels and resorts. The industrial process he has developed allows him to offer a comprehensive service with unparalleled performance in terms of price, quality, and speed of execution.
Experience
In less than 20 years, the company MCP Polska, created and led by Marcin Kecik, has established itself as one of the undisputed European leaders in the renovation and fitting out of hotels and resorts. Since 2008, MCP Polska has completed more than 200 renovation projects, including interior design, fitting and decoration, manufacturing of furniture equipment, and finishing works. Marcin Kecik and his company have worked for the largest investment funds in partnership with the world's leading hotel brands such as Sofitel, Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, and Crowne Plaza.
Characteristics
Marcin Kecik is multicultural, multilingual, and deeply knowledgeable about the hospitality industry beyond CAPEX, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional reliability in project execution.
Norbert Couvreur
Senior Advisor
DNA
Norbert Couvreur is a specialist in managing hotels and resorts in challenging situations and zones. He has unique expertise in leading multicultural teams and a recognized ability to navigate through unstable political environments.
Experience
Norbert Couvreur has 30 years of experience in the hotel industry. He has served as GM of hotels & resorts within the Sheraton group in the following countries: Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Seychelles, and Scotland. He has also held the position of regional director for the same group in the following countries: Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe (representing 1950 rooms). He then joined the Beachcomber group as GM and managed leading resorts in French Polynesia, Mauritius, Seychelles, and mainland France. Norbert Couvreur also has extensive experience in real estate promotion in the lodging & hospitality sector.
Characteristics
Norbert is a forthright and resourceful leader, known for his charismatic approach to management. With a keen eye for solutions and a knack for navigating complex situations, Norbert inspires and empowers his team to perform.
Aldina Duarte Ramos
Senior Advisor – Wellness Expert
DNA
Aldina Duarte Ramos is a recognized international expert in the field of MedWellness. She is constantly in pursuit of the latest trends and innovations in the sector to provide the best solutions and concepts. Her personality has always led her to break boundaries.
Experience
Before starting her consulting career, Aldina Duarte Ramos held managerial positions within the Accor group for 18 years. After serving as Director of Wellness Brands & Strategy at Sofitel, she then advanced within the Accor group to become the Global Wellness Director for nearly 10 years. During the same period, Aldina also served as the president of Spa-A, the network for reflection and progression of Well-being Professionals.
Characteristics
Aldina has always combined and expressed her passion and expertise in two fields: hospitality and wellness. This combination of skills allows her to showcase her know-how and bring added value in the creation and development of health destinations.
Michael Sales
Financial Structuring Expert
DNA
Michael Sales is a specialist in financial engineering. His expertise lies in complex financial arrangements for LBOs and OBOs, primarily focused on the sale and acquisition of companies of all sizes, both national and international.Experience
With 15 years of experience in the fields of credit banking, investment banking, and auditing firms, he has been involved in more than 30 merger and acquisition operations and company sale/transaction transactions. His position as Financial Auditor & Transaction Consultant at Grant Thornton allowed him to showcase his talent in the real estate and healthcare sectors. He is proficient in the codes and operational execution of fundraising.Characteristics
Cross-disciplinary skills in the M&A universe. An entrepreneur at heart. He masters both the communication codes of company founders and those of financial institutions (investors & bankers). This added value, combined with his skills, makes him a valuable and recognized member of the Advisory Boards in which he is involved.Ghislain Moncharmont
Business Development Manager
DNA
Ghislain Moncharmont excells in network creation and management. His passion for teaching has led him to dedicate part of his time as a professor at an international business school.
Experience
Ghislain Moncharmont is a dynamic and seasoned professional with extensive experience in financial audit, financial modeling, fundraising, venture capital, and operational consulting. His career has included roles at prestigious companies such as Unilever and PwC. A true global citizen, he has worked in Paris, Barcelona, Hong Kong, and currently, Dubai.
Characteristics
Ghislain is an entrepreneur with a passion for the hospitality and wellbeing industry. With a background that is both multicultural and multilingual, Ghislain has cultivated significant relationships in the dynamic world of real estate investment.
Mathieu Avice
Business Development Manager
DNA
Mathieu Avice possesses the natural qualities of a mediator, listener, communicator, and leader. Passionate and deeply involved in the realms of real estate, sports, and well-being, his life journey has taken him to reside in several countries with distinct cultural identities, including Germany, France, Spain, Morocco, and Dubai.
Experience
From a young age, Mathieu Avice was immersed in the world of turnaround business in the lodging and hospitality industry. He gained firsthand experience by living through real estate restructuring and repositioning operations. Pursuing his passion, he completed a BBA with a specialization in Sports Management, seamlessly merging his interests. Over the past two years, Mathieu has excelled in a role focused on Sales and Business Development within the MedWellness sector.
Characteristics
Mathieu thrives in dynamic environments where sports and business intersect, leveraging his multicultural background to drive positive change.