Olivier Garaïalde is a veteran of more than 25 years in the theme park and leisure attraction industry, specializing in financial and operational development. As the CEO of Abu Dhabi-based Farah Experiences, Olivier oversees strategic operations and optimization of Farah’s portfolio of attractions, which today includes Yas Island’s three iconic theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland, Olivier started his career in 1991 as a Financial Analyst on the opening team of Disneyland Paris. From there he advanced to the role of Director of Finance Operations in 2002, where he oversaw the reorganization and optimization of financial operations, managing €980 million in revenue.
In 2003, Olivier took on the role of Director of Operations Hotels at Disneyland Paris where he was in charge of product definition, financial performance and service standards in seven hotels. He moved to Compagnie des Alpes in 2005 as Director of Operations and reorganized the Leisure Parks division, which encompassed 23 parks in five regional offices. Olivier joined the company’s Management Board in 2009 as Vice President of Operations.
