Based in the UAE / Available globally / Remote support with optional site visits
Services
Services disciplines
Marina Design & Development Yacht Club & Upland Commercial & Destination Benchmarking Studies Sustainability & Smart Marina Pre-Opening & Mobilisation Customer Experience Operations & Management Standards & Accreditation Yacht Charter Operations Ecosystem
Ecosystem stages
Vision & Destination Strategy Marina Design & Development Yacht Club & Upland Development Commercial & Destination Strategy Pre-Opening & Mobilisation Operations & Management Experience Leadership
Leadership
Philip Sather — CMM Oliver Rees The partners Discuss your project
Certified Marina Manager (CMM)

Philip Sather, CMM

Pioneer of the Fractional Marina Director model

Philip Sather is a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) and the pioneer of the Fractional Marina Director — a model that gives marinas, yacht clubs, and waterfront developments access to Director-level leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.

Listed in the Global Marina Institute CMM Directory, Philip has led marina operations and projects across the UAE and international markets. He specialises in optimising performance, streamlining systems, and delivering exceptional service standards for high-end waterfront assets.

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Portrait — Philip Sather
CMM Founder, FMD Platinum Gold Anchor Superyacht Ready
Career at a glance 2004 — Present

Two decades of luxury hospitality and marina operations leadership

Across the GCC and beyond — from ultra-luxury hotel front-of-house into the operations of one of the region's busiest marinas, and now into the fractional model he originated.

2026 — Present
FMD — Fractional Marina Director

Founder & Fractional Marina Director

Launched the Fractional Marina Director model to deliver senior marina leadership remotely, with optional site visits. First client: Bali Gapura Marina, Indonesia.

2017 — 2024
Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Director of Operations

Led operations for a 575-berth marina across a 4km canal. Maintained Five Gold Anchor accreditation and oversaw berthing, service standards, and commercial operations.

2013 — 2017
Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Marinas Sales and Administration Manager

Managed administration, berth holder relations, and operational systems for one of the region's busiest marinas.

Earlier career
Burj Al Arab · Emaar Hospitality · NBC Olympics Athens 2004

Luxury Hospitality Leadership

Front Office and Guest Services leadership roles in ultra-luxury hospitality before transitioning full-time into marina operations.

Areas of specialism
  • /Marina operations & performance
  • /Pre-opening readiness & execution
  • /SOPs, systems & process optimisation
  • /Reporting, KPIs & financial oversight
  • /Service standards & guest experience
  • /Five Gold Anchor & accreditation readiness
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Philip established a robust and professional administrative infrastructure that streamlined processes, improved profitability, and built stronger demand for the marina through better structure and customer focus.