Profile

David Thomson

Senior Vice President - Development
The First Group Hospitality

David Thomson is Senior Vice President - Development at The First Group Hospitality. He joined the company in 2019 to lead the continued development of its expanding hotel portfolio across the Middle East and beyond. With a career spanning senior operational leadership, commercial strategy, and brand development, David brings deep industry insight and a strong entrepreneurial mindset to the business. He is regularly recognised among the region’s most influential hospitality leaders, appearing in Hotelier Middle East’s annual Power 50 ranking, and is a long-serving member of Dubai Tourism’s Five Star Hotel Committee. Prior to joining The First Group Hospitality, David was Chief Operating Officer at Dubai-based JA Resorts & Hotels, where he oversaw a portfolio of nine hotels and multiple leisure venues across the emirate, as well as luxury resort assets in the Maldives and Seychelles. In addition to his operational background, David has extensive experience in advertising, sales, and marketing, having worked with several leading global agencies. David holds a degree in history and social anthropology from the University of Stirling.