Claude Kandiyoti is the CEO and founder of Krest Real Estate Investments, a Brussels-based firm with a diversified portfolio spanning offices, residential, retail, logistics, and hospitality. He transitioned Krest from his family's textile business into pioneering real estate development, including Belgium's largest office park. Under his leadership, Krest expanded significantly into Portugal in 2013, developing a substantial portfolio across Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, with over €250 million in pipeline investments. Kandiyoti champions sustainable and community-oriented projects, notably the K-Tower Lisbon Business Centre and Moxy Lisboa Oriente, emphasizing quality and affordable housing within their 600,000 sqm portfolio.

More than 15 years of experience, across geographies and cultures, in communications, marketing strategies and business development at a global level with exposure to a various sectors and industries, in start-up businesses, SME enterprises, at governmental and consulting offices and in International Companies. Extensive public speaking experience and relationship management skills with natural influencing instincts and proven risks assessment capabilities. A methodological strategic planner with abilities to employ structured tactics in private and public sectors in complex ecosystem and fast pacing market. Innovative and entrepreneurial business personality.

CoFounder & Managing Director of BOA Hotels, dedicated to contribute to shape the future of the hospitality industry with innovation and strategic thinking.

Senior Real Estate Executive with over 20 years of leadership experience across real estate investment, development, and construction. Over the last two decades, I have overseen and managed property investments exceeding €400M across residential, commercial, and hospitality assets, leading projects from origination through execution and delivery across Portugal. I have held executive leadership roles with full responsibility for strategy, capital deployment, development execution, and operational performance, working closely with shareholders, investors, financial institutions, and public stakeholders. My experience spans the full real estate lifecycle, from feasibility and underwriting to structuring, construction, commercialisation, and long-term asset value creation. My career has been dedicated to building sustainable value for assets, investors, organisations, and the communities in which they operate.

I am a results-driven CEO with extensive experience optimizing hotel profits through building strong teams and applying best practices in Hotel Operations and Hotel Asset Management. Over the past two decades, I have collaborated with leading hospitality stakeholders, developers, and investment funds, managing over 8,000 hotel rooms across five, four, and three-star segments in Europe and the Middle East. As Chief Executive Officer of Ace Hospitality Management, I lead a White Label Hotel Management and Hotel Asset Management company specializing in the Portuguese market. Our partnerships with top international brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham reflect our commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.