MIKE KILEMI
Tourism & Hospitality
Summary
Dynamic hospitality and tourism executive with over 13 years of progressive leadership experience in luxury hotels, safari camps, resorts, and multi-property hotel groups. Proven track record in general management, commercial leadership, and sales strategy, driving revenue growth and enhancing brand positioning in competitive leisure markets. Expertise in P&L oversight, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and seamless integration of sales and marketing initiatives. Recognized for integrity and adaptability, with a strong ability to future-proof hospitality businesses by aligning operations, talent, and market trends to achieve sustainable growth and exceptional guest experiences.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Sales
Temple Point Resort & Lichthaus
08.2025 - Current
- Led sales strategy and revenue growth for a luxury leisure resort portfolio.
- Directed corporate and travel trade room sales across domestic and international markets.
- Developed and strengthened key accounts through structured engagement and relationship management.
- Identified new market segments and strategic growth opportunities.
- Led sales calls, FAM trips, site inspections, and trade shows.
- Worked closely with Revenue Management to align pricing strategies with profitability goals.
- Oversaw sales planning, quarterly action plans, and performance reviews.
- Mentored sales teams, identifying skills gaps and implementing targeted training.
- Ensured timely response to all business leads within 24 hours.
- Maintained strong collaboration with Front Office and Operations teams.
Country Sales Manager
MARASA AFRICA
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Provided national commercial leadership for a portfolio of iconic leisure properties, driving revenue growth and strengthening brand presence in key markets.
- Designed and executed country-level sales strategies aligned with group objectives.
- Led market intelligence initiatives, identifying growth opportunities and emerging travel trends.
- Set and delivered ambitious sales targets through structured performance management.
- Recruited, coached, and led a high-performing sales team across multiple segments.
- Built strong partnerships with travel agents, tour operators, DMCs, and corporate clients.
- Led high-value negotiations and resolved escalated client matters.
- Collaborated with Marketing to develop promotional campaigns and brand messaging.
- Represented Marasa Africa at international trade fairs, exhibitions, and industry forums.
- Managed sales budgets, forecasts, and ROI-driven resource allocation.
- Produced executive-level sales reports and strategic recommendations.
- Worked cross-functionally with Operations to ensure seamless guest journeys.
- Contributed to regional and international commercial alignment initiatives.
Sales Manager
Temple Point Resort & Lichthaus
08.2022 - 07.2024
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Managed key accounts with strategic planning and relationship building, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
General Manager
Arkman Limited (Jade Lotus Restaurant & Arkman Safaris)
04.2022 - 08.2022
- Held full P&L and operational responsibility for hospitality and safari business units.
- Led operations for Jade Lotus Restaurant and Arkman Safaris Ltd.
- Developed and marketed hospitality and safari products.
- Managed budgets, financial controls, and cost optimization initiatives.
- Oversaw sales performance, client relationships, and revenue targets.
- Maintained accurate financial, sales, and operational records.
- Managed high-profile clients and strategic partnerships.
General Manager
Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge
07.2019 - 03.2022
- Directed full lodge operations within a high-demand safari destination.
- Oversaw accommodation, catering, guest services, events, and logistics.
- Developed and implemented sales, marketing, and revenue strategies.
- Managed budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Led recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management of staff.
- Ensured exceptional guest satisfaction and service standards.
- Supervised maintenance, renovations, suppliers, and contractors.
- Ensured compliance with health, safety, licensing, and statutory regulations.
Sales & Marketing Manager
Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Expanded corporate, leisure, and group business segments.
- Developed marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and group packages.
- Built partnerships with corporates, wedding planners, and event organizers.
- Managed VIP and high-value client accounts.
- Ensured guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- 5 Star Hotel
Sales & Marketing Manager
Mombasa Continental Hotel
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Led corporate and travel agent room sales.
- Implemented sales action plans aligned with hotel strategy.
- Identified new markets and represented the hotel at exhibitions.
- Conducted daily sales calls and site inspections.
Sales Accounts Manager
Kilimo Grand Resort
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Negotiated prices, terms of sale and service agreements.
- Achieved higher client satisfaction ratings through consistent communication and problem resolution.
- Anticipated clients' needs by staying in touch on regular basis.
Credit Controller
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve billing errors, ensuring timely payment from clients.
- Reached out to customers to check on payments and convey options.
- Obtained payments and entered details into system.
- Reviewed customer accounts for compliance with repayment obligations.
Payables Accountant
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Safeguarded company resources by thoroughly reviewing expense reports for compliance with policies and guidelines.
- Conducted regular audits of accounts payable files to maintain data integrity and ensure proper documentation retention practices were followed.
- Assisted in the implementation of new accounting software, facilitating a smooth transition for the payables department.
Human Resource Officer
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Coordinated onboarding processes for new hires, integrating them seamlessly into the workplace environment.
- Assisted managers and supervisors with employee disputes, disciplinary actions and other workplace issues.
- Coordinated employee placements and administrative details.
- Processed paperwork and hiring details for promotions and lateral position changes.
Management Trainee
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Enhanced hotel operations efficiency by assisting in various departments such as front desk, housekeeping, and food and beverage.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of Nairobi
11-2026
Diploma - Sales & Distribution Management
Alison Online
01.2022
Certificate - Human Resource Collaboration
Yunnan University, China
01.2019
BSc. - Ecotourism & Hospitality Management
Chuka University
01.2014
KCSE - undefined
Burieruri Boys Secondary School
01.2009
Skills
Leisure, Hospitality & Tourism Strategy
Timeline
Head of Sales
Temple Point Resort & Lichthaus
08.2025 - Current
Country Sales Manager
MARASA AFRICA
08.2024 - 08.2025
Sales Manager
Temple Point Resort & Lichthaus
08.2022 - 07.2024
General Manager
Arkman Limited (Jade Lotus Restaurant & Arkman Safaris)
04.2022 - 08.2022
General Manager
Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge
07.2019 - 03.2022
Sales & Marketing Manager
Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge
05.2018 - 06.2019
Sales & Marketing Manager
Mombasa Continental Hotel
09.2017 - 05.2018
Sales Accounts Manager
Kilimo Grand Resort
01.2016 - 12.2017
Credit Controller
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2015 - 12.2016
Payables Accountant
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2014 - 12.2015
Human Resource Officer
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2013 - 12.2013
Management Trainee
Mombasa Continental Resort
01.2011 - 12.2011
Diploma - Sales & Distribution Management
Alison Online
Certificate - Human Resource Collaboration
Yunnan University, China
BSc. - Ecotourism & Hospitality Management
Chuka University
KCSE - undefined
Burieruri Boys Secondary School
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of Nairobi
Executive Core Competencies
- Leisure, Hospitality & Tourism Strategy
- Multi-Property Sales & Revenue Leadership
- General Management & Operations Oversight
- P&L Management, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Market Expansion & Business Development
- Brand Positioning & Go-to-Market Strategy
- Stakeholder & Trade Relations (DMCs, Agents, Corporates)
- Team Leadership, Talent Development & Performance Management
- Customer Experience & Service Excellence
- Governance, Compliance, Health & Safety
Technology And Systems
- Computerized Reservation Systems
- MS Office Suite (Advanced)
- Sales Reporting & Forecasting Tools
- General Hospitality IT Systems
Education And Executive Development
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Nairobi, Ongoing
- BSc. Ecotourism & Hospitality Management, Chuka University, 2014-01-01
- Diploma: Sales & Distribution Management, Alison Online, 2022-01-01
- Certificate: Human Resource Collaboration, Yunnan University, China, 2019-01-01
- KCSE, Burieruri Boys Secondary School, 2009-01-01
Professional Referees
- Mr. Godfrey Isenye, Mara Sweet Acacia Lodge Ltd, +254 712 215 249, godfrey.chel001@gmail.com
- Mr. James Mwakiremba, Kenga Equatorial Companies, +254 722 874 514, mwakiremba@gmail.com
- Mr. Titus Murungi, Arkman Limited, +254 721 691 533, titusmurungi@yahoo.com