Azhar Sajan

Founder & Visionary Leader
Casa Milano

Azhar Sajan is a second-generation entrepreneur and Director of Casa Milano and Danube Hospitality, two businesses under the Danube Group that are redefining residential and hospitality environments across the Middle East and Africa. At Casa Milano, he leads one of the region’s fastest-growing home improvement brands, offering an extensive portfolio that spans bathware, kitchens, wardrobes, tiles, flooring, and architectural solutions. His vision is to bring international design excellence to the region while delivering integrated project solutions that combine style with functionality.

In parallel, Azhar heads Danube Hospitality’s Operating Supplies & Equipment division, supporting hotels, hospitals, and restaurants with tailored post-construction solutions to ensure seamless operational readiness. By bridging both pre-opening fit-outs and post-construction functionality, he delivers a complete design-to-delivery experience. With a strong focus on innovation, partnerships, and strategic growth, Azhar plays an active role in shaping the future of the Danube Group and transforming how spaces are designed and experienced.

Philippa Jones

Senior Manager
Mart®

Philippa Jones joined Mart ® in 2021 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth and client success. With over ten years of experience in the furniture industry, she combines deep knowledge of leading global brands with a sharp eye for design, budget control, and delivery excellence.

As Senior Manager, Philippa leads the in-house project management team at Mart ® , guiding projects from contract handover through to final delivery. Her focus on precision, efficiency, and detail ensures every project is executed to the highest standard, while her commitment to post-project support strengthens long-term client relationships.

Henrique Dias Intro

Principal & Middle East Hospitality Design Director
DLR Group

Henrique Dias is an award-winning architect and Design Director at DLR Group Middle East with over 19 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His portfolio spans hospitality, mixed-use, and residential projects for leading clients. Known for blending practical functionality with visionary design, Henrique brings a global perspective to every project with a design ethos centered on human experience, environmental stewardship, and timeless architecture that harmonizes with its cultural and physical context.

Stefan Schmied

Leader IMEA
LIXIL International

Stefan Schmied is currently the Leader of LIXIL International, IMEA region. The IMEA region entails India and the Subcontinent, the Middle East including Türkiye, and the entire African continent. He is responsible for accelerating growth and enhancing the long-term sales performance of the GROHE brand through cross-regional collaboration and strategic innovation.

Schmied has over 20 years of industry experience, during which he has led key strategic initiatives, expanded channels, built brands, and managed sales operations in the retail, wholesale, and project business for global companies. Stefan previously took over the project business channel at GROHE, transforming it into an independent Business Unit which became a key growth driver for LIXIL EMENA. He led the specification and execution of new-build and renovation projects with globally leading hotel brands, iconic airports, international healthcare groups, and prominent residential developers worldwide.

Before joining GROHE as part of LIXIL, he was the CEO and President of major construction material groups in Europe and Asia. Previously, he served as President of the Tiles and Sanitary Ware Division at a global manufacturer of premium ceramic products based in the Middle East. Stefan also spent nine years at an international manufacturer of sanitary technology in various international senior management roles.

Alina Valcarce

Founder & Design Director
Valcarce Architects

Born in Cuba and raised in Spain, Alina Valcarce has always seen architecture as a bridge between cultures and perspectives. Her studies and career took her across the UK, China, India, and Vietnam, with each experience adding depth to her design philosophy. Founding Valcarce Architects was a defining milestone, transforming a dream into reality and establishing a practice that now works across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Miami, USA.

Driven by curiosity, passion, and a strong belief that architecture is more than just buildings, Alina focuses on creating spaces that shape how people live, feel, and connect. For Alina, leadership is not about standing above—it’s about standing with her team. She believes creativity flourishes when people feel trusted, inspired, and encouraged to bring their ideas forward.

Diviya Naval

Manager - Design & Business Development
Al Shirawi Interiors

With over two decades of experience across hospitality, commercial, healthcare, and branded residential sectors, Diviya Naval stands at the intersection of creativity and commerce. As an architect and business development leader, she has built a reputation for translating design vision into tangible growth stories — shaping inspiring spaces while forging strong client partnerships and driving business success.

Currently serving as Manager – Design & Business Development at Al Shirawi Interiors, Diviya is an architect and leads strategic initiatives that merge design excellence with operational efficiency. Her portfolio includes landmark projects such as Pullman Hotel & Residence, Mr. C Residences, DIFC AI Campus, and the Plagette Beach Club.

A graduate of NIT Trichy, Diviya is a LEED Accredited Professional (ID+C) and registered with the Society of Engineers UAE and the Council of Architecture India. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively contributes to sustainability and community initiatives as part of YES4US, PAN NIT Alumni Middle East, and RECAL UAE Chapter.