Ilyas Najim was born in Rabat, Morocco and attended a French school there before moving to France to study Business Administration. He holds a master’s degree in International Business and Management, and Corporate Finance and is now Managing Director of MMI-Advisors. 

He spoke with mylombok recently and told us more about his background and the work he’s currently doing in Lombok, and beyond. 

Can you tell us more about where your career has taken you? 

It began with internships in the banking industry, including roles as a credit analyst and risk analyst. My first experience in the hospitality sector was in Marrakech at the Royal Mirage Deluxe, which was then operated by Sheraton Hotels. 

I’ve also worked as a consultant in investor relations, organising events in Europe that connected small and mid-cap companies with our investor database and helped them grow and sustain their businesses.

After completing my studies, I joined BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) and BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Services (REIS), as a financial analyst. My time at BNP Paribas was incredibly valuable; it gave me a strong foundation in financial analysis and helped me build a wide professional network.

My next career move was to Freo France, a boutique asset management firm, where I worked as an asset manager and had the opportunity to focus on value add and opportunistic real estate strategies.

What brought you to Lombok?

After two years at Freo, I decided to take a break and focus on personal growth. I chose to travel and take some time to understand what drives me.

A friend of mine insisted I visit Indonesia again. I’d been to Bali in 2013 and I was surprised at how the islands had evolved since then. In 2019, I took short trips to the Gilis, to Kuta in South Lombok and then a boat trip from Lombok to Flores. It made me realise that Indonesia is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers and it has such a rich culture and friendly people.  

I partnered with Stuart, a Canadian who also had a finance background, to create a boutique hotel. We considered several locations but ultimately chose Lombok for its appeal and its significant economic potential. 

In January 2020, we moved to Lombok. It was just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which  presented challenges, but we really enjoyed it. I eventually joined Invest Islands to support the development of the Gran Melia Lombok Resort and Spa and The Mandala Eco-Village. I spent three years there, heading the finance and asset management department.

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How did you become involved in MMI-Advisors?

With my wife, Jamsa Sesari, I decided to incorporate MMI-Advisors in early 2024. It’s a boutique consulting firm specialising in finance and investment management, real estate development and asset management. 

Our goal is to help our clients establish sustainable strategies and achieve their growth objectives. We offer international clients assistance with direct investments in Indonesia and help local clients gain international exposure.  

What have been your major achievements?

One of my significant accomplishments is to advocate for mutualised funds. This allows small investors to enter the real estate market. I am proud to be involved in the Kedungu Fund, thanks to Omri Ben Canaan, the CEO of Kosong Satu Group in Bali. It’s a dedicated team that offers a financial vehicle to invest within the dynamic market of Kedungu in Tabanan Regency. We are also collaborating in real estate ventures in Lombok and Bali and exploring opportunities in Jakarta. With our partners, Antoine and Eric, we’re developing a boutique hotel on the island of Nusa Penida. 

We have a feeling of achievement and satisfaction whenever we support a client on a successful journey

Do you have a particular vision or specific goals you hope to achieve?

I have a vision of more sustainable development in South Lombok. For me, this means balancing financial viability with environmental and social responsibility – thinking about how we build on the land, the materials and the energy sources we use and the impact of the operation in terms of waste. It’s about how to limit our carbon footprint and maximise the circular economy. 

The Nusa Penida project, for example, will allocate a percentage of its revenue to environmental and social causes.

Future developments might include hotels and entertainment facilities, supported by improved infrastructure. For example, I hope to create a boutique hotel chain throughout Indonesia, expanding to Lombok after Nusa Penida. 

What are your responsibilities on a day-to-day basis?  

Obviously, my work involves a lot of screen time. I work in three main fundamentals. First, analytics, where we understand our clients' needs and conduct feasibility assessments; this might involve coordinating with third-party specialists. Then there’s strategy development and, finally, we support the clients’ execution phase until they achieve their goals. 

In the B2B environment, another responsibility is asset management; it’s crucial for optimizing real estate strategies and development.

What do you see as your special skills and biggest strengths?

I have more than a decade of experience in investment banking and private equity real estate; that has been a game-changer. I can navigate complex environments with a focus on optimization and problem-solving. And for more than three years I have also been on the board of a property development company; that’s an eye opener in terms of how to do business in Indonesia. In addition to my experience, I am committed to staying informed about the highest industry standards and continuously striving for excellence. This approach ensures that I bring the most up-to-date knowledge and best practices to every project.

 What do you like most about your work?

Every client’s success is our success. When I see clients achieving their dreams it makes me happy and proud to have played a part in it. It’s also satisfying that our clients appreciate what we offer: an understanding of their ambitions and objective opinions, based on data.

There are also special moments that make the work so enjoyable, such as receiving recognition from our peers at a conference or dinner. From a pure financial performance angle and during my last pan-European fund experience, we sold an office building in Europe for over €100 million with a three-figure IRR; that was a notable achievement.

The incorporation of our companies and the start of our advisory firm and our real estate development program were memorable moments. Opening our Nusa Penida program and future projects in Lombok and Bali will also be proud moments. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face? 

Being in the real estate industry can be a roller-coaster ride. It’s not about immediate rewards; it takes time to initiate projects and bring them to life. Some need to be completely reshaped if they are to succeed.

What are your impressions of the property industry in Indonesia and Lombok?

Indonesia is one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia, and has potential for significant growth. Various economic and social factors will have their effects but, generally, I believe Indonesia has a bright future. And they say that when the building trade thrives, everything thrives.  

For the future, I would hope for improved sustainability guidelines in real estate development, easier access to financing and greater transparency. I also hope to see even  better connections between major tourist destinations and air transport. These things are essential for the industry's growth. 

Lombok is part of the super priority destination program of the Indonesian government. Once the market dynamics and cultural nuances are well understood, coupled with the ongoing infrastructure development, ITDC’s involvement in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, and private developers highlighting Lombok's natural beauty, the region is poised for high-yield returns. However, it's crucial to collaborate with trustworthy partners to effectively execute your investment plans and operations.

What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? 

I hope to continue to advise clients, to develop our hospitality and real estate portfolios in Indonesia and beyond, to grow our real estate funds and to explore fintech opportunities with our partners.   

Basically, I see myself contributing to our clients’ successes and to Indonesia’s real estate industry.

And, on a personal note, what do you like about living in Lombok?

My time is split between Lombok, Bali and Jakarta; it’s a great balance. And in Lombok, when I have spare time, I enjoy escaping into nature. I like to play sports, especially boxing and padel tennis, which is quite addictive. I also love travelling and any time I’m on a boat with my wife and friends, I’m a very happy man.