The Firm
Stärken Consulting is a distinguished boutique consultancy, celebrated for its expertise in high-end investment advisory, bespoke project management, and luxury hospitality consulting, with a dedicated focus on the Maldives.
We go beyond strategic counsel, bringing visionary concepts to life through the development of exceptional, thoughtfully crafted properties. Each project is approached with cultural depth, environmental sensitivity, and timeless elegance.
Our multidisciplinary team brings decades of experience in hotel development, finance, and investment strategy, working discreetly alongside a select clientele on transformative ventures. What sets us apart is not only our expertise, but the trust we cultivate through discretion, seamless execution, and a long-term commitment to excellence.
At the heart of Stärken lies a singular philosophy: to elevate every project into a legacy.
We don’t simply manage investments, we shape enduring experiences.
Our Services
Investment Advisory
We provide strategic insight and financial structuring for discerning investors seeking long-term value in the Maldives. From feasibility studies to capital planning, our advisory services are tailored to unlock the full potential of every investment.
Project Development & Management
From concept to completion, we oversee every stage of the development process. Whether revitalizing heritage land or creating a luxury resort from the ground up, we ensure timelines are met, quality is upheld, and visions are fully realized.
Hospitality Consulting
We work with emerging and established hospitality brands to shape experiences of distinction. Our expertise spans concept creation, operator selection, brand negotiations, and pre-opening strategies—always with a focus on authenticity, wellness, and lasting impact.
Property Development
Beyond advising, we also act as developers, bringing landmark projects to life with intention and artistry. Each property is thoughtfully designed to reflect its natural surroundings, cultural context, and the evolving desires of a global luxury traveler.
Our team
Christel Ezgi Ahmed
Christel is the visionary founder of Stärken Consulting, leading development strategy across all projects. With a global career at Daimler, Airbus, and Mercedes-Benz spanning Germany, Indonesia, and beyond she brings deep experience in managing complex ventures across Europe and Asia.
At Stärken, she guides hospitality and real estate projects from land acquisition to concept and investment, blending precision with cultural and environmental sensitivity.
Nicole Schepanek
A global leader in finance and entrepreneurship, Nicole has guided capital growth and strategic investment across five continents. She has advised boards, founders, and funds, earning recognition for her financial insight and future-forward thinking. As co-founder of Insurtech Ladies, she also champions women’s leadership in finance and tech. Nicole advises clients on capital structuring, investor strategy, and global partnerships bringing clarity, depth, and decades of experience to every engagement.
Ibrahim Ahmed
With over a decade of experience in hospitality and tourism, Ibrahim brings unmatched expertise in investment, development, and government relations within the Maldives. His international background spans Southeast Asia and the Middle East, adding valuable regional perspective to every project. At Stärken, he advises clients on implementation serving as a vital bridge between community stakeholders, government entities, and global investors to ensure grounded, culturally aligned execution.
Ali Nihad
Ali’s career spans 20 years of commercial leadership in luxury hospitality throughout the Maldives and Asia. As a former executive at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Marriott, Anantara, and IHG, he has shaped strategies for some of the region’s most iconic resorts. Ali supports clients with operator selection, brand alignment, and commercial strategy bridging vision with market execution and long-term value creation.