André Erasmus joins Auriga as COO, reinforcing operational leadership at Auriga International Management Consultancy as the firm expands hospitality asset transformation across the GCC.
The appointment brings more than two decades of hands-on hotel operations experience to Auriga, including expertise in launching, refurbishing and optimising hospitality properties. The firm said the move supports its strategy to help asset owners unlock long-term value by converting existing properties into efficient, market-ready hotels and resorts.
Focus on operational execution and asset performance
In his new role, Erasmus will enhance operational frameworks, scale service delivery and expand refurbishment capabilities across Auriga’s portfolio. His mandate also includes improving on-ground execution so that rebranding and renovation strategies translate into measurable performance gains for owners.
Erasmus noted that successful refurbishment depends on aligning strategy with operational reality, adding that his priority will be to strengthen execution and maximise asset performance across market cycles.
Strengthening leadership collaboration
Auriga Managing Director and Co-founder Priya Jaganathan said the appointment reflects both a long-standing professional partnership and a strategic step for the company’s next growth phase. She highlighted their earlier collaboration on an Anantara project in Abu Dhabi, which evolved into a trusted working relationship over time.
According to Jaganathan, Erasmus’s operational leadership will enhance Auriga’s ability to deliver refurbishment and repositioning programmes that perform effectively once operational.
Expanding regional hospitality advisory footprint
Erasmus has held senior operational roles across global hospitality brands, giving him deep insight into how brand standards, design strategy and asset management influence day-to-day hotel performance. As COO, he is expected to scale Auriga’s operational advisory services across the GCC and Africa.
Auriga supports a wide spectrum of hospitality formats, including hotels, food and beverage concepts, lifestyle venues, wellness brands and cloud kitchen operators. While maintaining a strong base in Abu Dhabi, the firm also operates across Dubai, the broader Gulf region and select African markets, advising both local and international stakeholders on hospitality and mixed-use developments.
