A premier real estate and hospitality company specializing in luxury lifestyle destinations across Cyprus and beyond, MHV Group excels in creating high-end, quality destinations. With a portfolio that includes esteemed properties like Parklane Resort & Spa in Limassol and Nikki Beach Resort in Porto Heli, MHV is dedicated to enhancing community value through exceptional hospitality and visionary real estate development.

Recently, Marilena Christodoulides was announced as the new Head of Marketing at the company. Poised to drive MHV’s marketing strategies forward, Marilena spoke to FastForward, sharing her insights on the dynamic vision of MHV Group, the unique integration of real estate and hospitality, and her plans to leverage her extensive experience to propel the company's growth and innovation.

Thank you very much for the congratulations. I am happy and honoured to take on this position, which comes with both responsibilities and challenges.

What initially attracted me to MHV Group was its dynamic vision of redefining luxury and creating exceptional destinations. The hospitality sector, specifically the management of two unique Marriott-franchised hotels in Cyprus—Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol, and The Landmark Nicosia, an Autograph Collection hotel—was a major draw. Additionally, the connection of the real estate sector to these hotels offers a competitive advantage and a unique product for the Cypriot community, allowing for the purchase of assets directly connected to 5-star branded hotels. The unique and promising connection between real estate and hospitality at MHV is something I find incredibly exciting and challenging. The opportunity to contribute to such a visionary company was simply irresistible. 

With a diverse background that has taught valuable lessons across different sectors, the combination of experiences proves to be very dynamic for contributing to MHV Group. Experience with luxury brands provides the expertise to adhere to brand guidelines, ensuring the maintenance and elevation of standards for better reviews and customer satisfaction.

Continuously updating knowledge in digital marketing, especially through my teaching role, brings diversification to existing plans. This enables the application of new strategies, ideas, and trends to meet company objectives.

Deep knowledge of the real estate market, both locally and internationally, offers a solid understanding of market trends and needs, invaluable for effectively positioning projects and responding to market demands.

The hospitality sector presents a fresh challenge, and the synergy between luxury and hospitality allows for a harmonious blending of this diverse background. With my experience and the team's support, we are well-positioned to drive MHV Group's growth and innovation, leveraging our collective strengths to enhance projects and deliver exceptional results. 

Firstly, the brands within MHV's portfolio, such as Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol, Nammos Limassol, LPM Restaurant & Bar, Park Tower Residences, The Landmark Nicosia Autograph Collection, Nikki Beach Resort Porto Heli, and Porto Paros in Greece, speak volumes. These notable projects exemplify our commitment to excellence and significantly enhance our brand's reputation.

Storytelling is fundamental to our approach. It's about keeping promises and delivering the experiences and lifestyles we promise to our customers, something I see consistently at MHV. As Carl Jung said, “You are what you do, not what you say you will do.” Enhancing our brand and reputation is about actions—actions that build trust and respect. It's not just about making promises; it's about fulfilling them and demonstrating our commitment through tangible experiences.

So let's talk about actions. It should be noted that the dynamic team at Parklane, under the MHV Portfolio, has earned the Global Elite Awards from Marriott International as the Property Marketing Team of the Year - Franchise. Parklane was also voted the Number 6 resort in Europe and 1st in Cyprus by Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2023. Additionally, the team earned the prestigious Green Key Certificate, recognized by the UNWTO and UNEP for sustainable hospitality and eco-friendly practices. These awards showcase the commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

While it is early to outline the entire marketing strategy, I can say that I’m excited and grateful to join the diverse teams at MHV. These teams are structured with individuals who respect, support, and communicate effectively, working collaboratively towards common goals. Together, we will focus on creating impactful visual narratives that resonate with our audience, enhancing our brand’s visibility and trustworthiness. 

Political instability, wars, and economic crises are significant challenges that impact consumer behaviour and market stability. However, these difficulties always present opportunities for growth. The primary challenge and opportunity lie in standing out from the crowd. It's essential to establish the company's differentiation in the market and communicate effectively with our audience, both directly and indirectly.

Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and maintaining customer engagement are also crucial. We plan to address these by adopting agile marketing techniques, staying updated on industry trends, and continually innovating our approach to connect with our audience. By leveraging data-driven insights and embracing new technologies, we can create personalized and engaging experiences that resonate with our customers.

MHV Group is fortunate to have several talented marketing teams across its various operational companies and hotels. Each team handles different assets, with unique objectives and target audiences, making the hospitality and real estate sector both challenging and dynamic. To thrive in this environment, fostering creativity and innovation is essential.

Our approach is to create an open environment where ideas can flow freely. We encourage brainstorming sessions and collaboration, allowing every member to contribute and build upon each other's ideas. This process works like a puzzle, where each piece complements the others, resulting in stellar solutions.

Investing in the strengths of each team member is key. By providing ongoing training, promoting collaboration, and recognizing creative efforts, we harness the full potential of our teams. Encouraging continuous learning ensures we stay ahead of industry trends and maintain our competitive edge.

By nurturing a culture that values creativity and innovation, we can achieve the best results and drive MHV Group’s continued success in the ever-evolving hospitality and real estate sector. 

You are right, it is a bit early to disclose specific upcoming plans. However, I can share that we are preparing something truly innovative and unique that will generate excitement within the community. Stay tuned for exciting developments that will have the whole city talking. More details will be shared soon.

What: MHV Group

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Who: Marilena Christodoulides is an experienced professional, with a strong track record in elevating brand visibility, market presence, and revenue. She has collaborated with big brands in luxury, real estate, and education, among other sectors. Marilena's academic credentials include a BA in Graphic & Advertising Design, a Certified Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing (CDMP) from the DMI Institute, and an MSc in Business Management with a specialization in Digital Marketing from the Cyprus International Institute of Management (CIIM). As a Chartered Marketer (CMktr) and active member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM, UK) and the Chief Marketing Officers Alliance (CMOA, UK), Marilena is committed to excellence. Her skills encompass communication strategy, data analytics, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, marketing budgeting, and team management. She focuses on aligning marketing activities with company goals and fostering innovation within teams, aiming to drive digital growth and achieve tangible success.