The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) has announced Christopher May CCM, CEO of Viya, as its new Vice President.
His election was confirmed at the Association’s Annual General Meeting at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland. He will serve alongside newly appointed President Michael Newland CCM, Secretary of The Berkshire.
May leads Viya’s golf and hospitality operations in the UAE, with a portfolio that includes Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Before moving to Dubai in 1999, May held management roles at London Golf Club, Woodbury Park Golf & Country Club and Marriott Tudor Park. His career has since spanned more than two decades in the UAE’s golf industry, alongside a commitment to professional development that saw him help bring CMAE’s Management Development Programme to the Middle East in 2016.
Part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure, Viya’s roots in the region date back to the opening of Emirates Golf Club in 1988. Its portfolio also includes Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, alongside entertainment venues such as Topgolf Dubai.
Christopher May, CEO of Viya, commented: “I’m delighted to have been elected Vice President of CMAE. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from sharing ideas and learning from others in the industry, and I see this role as an opportunity to contribute to that exchange.
“At Viya, developing our teams is a big part of how we improve the experience for members and guests. I look forward to bringing that perspective to the Board and helping CMAE support club managers at different stages of their careers.”
Founded in 2001, CMAE brings together 15 national associations and more than 4,500 members across 50 countries. Its work focuses on education and professional development, including the internationally recognised Certified Club Manager qualification held by May.
Michael Newland, CMAE President, said: “Chris brings decades of international experience and an understanding of the challenges club managers face, from developing their teams to planning for the future. His experience at Viya will be valuable as we consider how CMAE’s education and support should evolve. I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure our programmes remain relevant to the people running clubs every day.”
