Speaker Biographies
THRIVE
Three days of market insight, investment discussion, founder-led exchange and hospitality experiences across Dubai.
Tyrone Reid
Group CEO, MMI and Emirates Leisure Retail
Tyrone Reid is the Chief Executive Officer of MMI and Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR). He joined the Group in 2022 and has since led a significant business-wide transformation focused on strengthening digital capabilities, deepening customer engagement, and driving long-term, sustainable growth.
Under Tyrone’s leadership, the Group has accelerated its digital transformation, marked by the successful launch of MMI Home Delivery and the continued evolution of digital customer engagement platforms, including the widely popular Costa Club UAE app. These initiatives reflect a strategic shift towards omnichannel experiences aligned with changing consumer behaviours and expectations.
A committed and values‑driven leader with a people‑first leadership style and an unwavering focus on the customer, Tyrone consistently places customer needs, experiences, and expectations at the centre of strategy and execution. This commitment is reflected in his championing of loyalty‑led initiatives such as the MMI Cheers Club, which recognises and rewards long‑term customer relationships. Through initiatives like this, the Group continues to evolve in line with how customers choose to interact, shop, and engage with its brands.
Passionate about building high-performing teams, he empowers his people to consistently deliver meaningful, high-quality, and memorable customer experiences at every touchpoint.
With more than 20 years of international experience spanning food and beverage, hospitality, retail, travel retail, and drinks retail, Tyrone has worked across Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. He remains highly focused on nurturing existing partnerships while building new collaborations, particularly with home-grown and local businesses, to drive mutual growth, authenticity, and long-term value across the Group’s portfolio. Recent examples include partnerships with Saddle, Qinwan, and Bateel.
Before joining MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail, Tyrone served as Chief Executive Officer of Alabbar Enterprises. He played a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic regional F&B and retail landscape. His tenure included onboarding globally recognised franchises such as Five Guys, developing award-winning home-grown concepts, and partnering with Emaar Malls to introduce Time Out Market to the UAE.
Earlier in his career, Tyrone led the launch of the Shake Shack brand for M.H. Alshaya Co., contributing to its growth as an internationally recognised brand. He began his career as a Commis Chef and, through hard work and determination, climbed the hospitality ladder, later progressing into senior leadership roles across food and beverage, and drinks retail, with organisations including Mitchells & Butlers, SSP Group, and Threshers Wine.
Tyrone holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University and is an active member of the UAE Restaurant Group Board. He was named Restaurateur of the Year at The Caterer Middle East Awards in 2021 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the UAE restaurant sector.
Outside of work, Tyrone is a strong advocate of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A fitness enthusiast, he enjoys paddle tennis, cycling, and spending quality time with his wife and son. In his own words: “Showing up at your best personally is what enables you to lead at your best professionally.”