Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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ABDI SHAKUR AHMED

Kensington,London

Summary

Resourceful Sales Executive with 10+ years of experience working independently and collaboratively with team to foster client relationships and drive sales. Astute in identifying decision makers within prospect account to initiate sales process and deliver successful results. Team-minded in collaborating with management to strategise and improve sales approaches.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work history

Reservation Specialist

Dorchester Collection
London, City of Westminster
03.2025 - Current
  • Maintained organised records of all reservations during each shift.
  • Responded promptly to customer queries, ensuring satisfaction.
  • Handled special requests to elevate customer service.
  • Managed high-volume calls for bookings and reservations.
  • Facilitated room upgrades to enhance guest experiences.
  • Built strong customer relationships through effective communication.
  • Provided accurate information on availability and rates to prospective guests.
  • Identified and engaged potential business clients to boost corporate bookings.

Business Development Executive

Emirates Holidays U.K
London, Royal Kensington and Chelsea
05.2024 - 07.2024
  • Facilitated negotiation meetings, fostering long-term client relationships.
  • Devised strategic revenue generation plans aligned with company objectives.
  • Streamlined internal and external communications to enhance workflow processes.
  • Managed project timelines to ensure on-time completion within defined parameters.
  • Developed new business relationships by networking with industry professionals.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
  • Identified potential clients for business expansion initiatives.
  • Trained junior staff on sales techniques, enhancing overall team performance.

Sales Executive

Emirates Holidays U.K
London
07.2016 - 07.2024
  • Exceeded conversion and productivity targets through effective sales strategies.
  • Provided specialist knowledge to enhance customer understanding of products.
  • Utilised multiple reservation systems for accurate quotations and seamless bookings.
  • Maximised sales opportunities by implementing strategic switch-selling techniques.
  • Followed up on customer leads to enhance overall sales outcomes.
  • Ensured precision in bookings to consistently meet Quality Assurance standards.
  • Identified client needs and recommended tailored product solutions within budget.
  • Developed robust client networks to expand business opportunities and revenue.

Product Support Executive

Emirates Holidays
London
04.2019 - 03.2020
  • Organised familiarisation trips for sales agents and trade partners to network destinations.
  • Conducted weekly competitor analyses to inform strategic decisions.
  • Facilitated meetings and workshops with suppliers and hoteliers to strengthen relationships.
  • Managed all telephone and email product enquiries, addressing servicing queries effectively.
  • Served as primary point of contact between suppliers and internal teams.
  • Ensured comprehensive loading of product and service information into sales system.
  • Delivered training sessions for sales and service teams on new products.
  • Monitored multiple databases to maintain accurate company inventory records.

Service Consultant

Virgin Holidays
Crawley
10.2015 - 07.2016
  • Facilitated resolution of booking queries, including re-optimisation and upgrades.
  • Managed complaints arising from errata letters to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Provided quotes for modifications to existing arrangements, enhancing service offerings.
  • Executed upselling strategies that contributed to additional revenue generation.
  • Engaged proactively with customers based on feedback from service questionnaires.
  • Responded to customer correspondence, adhering to ABTA guidelines and relevant SLAs.
  • Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to gather critical insights and provide support.
  • Adeptly handled over 100 inbound calls daily, generating £80,000 in annual sales revenue.

Customer Service Agent

American Airlines
London
09.2013 - 10.2015
  • Managed bank check-in desks to ensure efficient passenger processing.
  • Conducted airside operations, coordinating inbound and outbound flights.
  • Assisted transfer passengers to enhance connectivity between flights.
  • Upsold premium cabin seats to maximise revenue and charged for excess baggage.
  • Ensured adherence to safety and security protocols at all times.
  • Facilitated customer connections from other Oneworld carriers to American Airlines flights.
  • Manned first-class desks at curbside kiosks, providing premium service.
  • Escorted VIPs to gates and from flights, ensuring a seamless experience.

Cabin Crew

Virgin Atlantic
London
09.2010 - 12.2012
  • Prepared cabin for passengers, ensuring cleanliness and presentation standards.
  • Conducted thorough safety and security checks before boarding.
  • Assisted senior crew in setting up upper class cabin and bar area.
  • Provided friendly, punctual service to passengers in premium and economy cabins.
  • Upsold upgrades to upper class or premium cabins when available to maximise revenue.
  • Welcomed silver and gold cardholders, ensuring a pleasant experience regardless of cabin class.
  • Participated in promotional events for inaugural flights globally, enhancing brand visibility.
  • Stocked cabin with essential supplies, maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Customer Service Agent

Virgin Atlantic
London
06.2007 - 09.2010
  • Managed check-in desks for main bank operations and conducted airside activities.
  • Manned departure gates, assisted transfer passengers, and coordinated with inbound flights.
  • Maximised revenue through excess baggage charges and premium seat sales at gates.
  • Ensured daily customer revenue targets were achieved by providing prompt service.
  • Escorted VIP passengers to the Clubhouse, enhancing their travel experience.
  • Coached and mentored new gate agents on timely aircraft departures.
  • Maintained vigilance on security and safety protocols at all times.
  • Facilitated swift customer check-ins to promote on-time performance.

Education

B.A - Open Degree

Open University

Bachelor of Arts - World Development and Politics

Middlesex University
London
07.2012

Skills

  • Competitor analysis
  • Conversion Skills
  • Customer service
  • Mentor
  • Network
  • Sales
  • Time management
  • Team liaison
  • Strong verbal communication
  • Communication skills
  • Team leadership
  • Powerful negotiator
  • Extremely organised
  • Self-motivated
  • Problem solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Product and service knowledge
  • Territory management
  • Market trends understanding
  • Sales goal attainment
  • Relationship management
  • Customer relations

Languages

Swahili
Fluent

Timeline

Reservation Specialist

Dorchester Collection
03.2025 - Current

Business Development Executive

Emirates Holidays U.K
05.2024 - 07.2024

Product Support Executive

Emirates Holidays
04.2019 - 03.2020

Sales Executive

Emirates Holidays U.K
07.2016 - 07.2024

Service Consultant

Virgin Holidays
10.2015 - 07.2016

Customer Service Agent

American Airlines
09.2013 - 10.2015

Cabin Crew

Virgin Atlantic
09.2010 - 12.2012

Customer Service Agent

Virgin Atlantic
06.2007 - 09.2010

B.A - Open Degree

Open University

Bachelor of Arts - World Development and Politics

Middlesex University
ABDI SHAKUR AHMED