Jason Momoa is sexiest CIO in Abu Dhabi: How Aquaman star landed world’s best job on Yas Island

Jason Momoa is the new face of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

PHOTO BY ARCHIVE

COO of MELT Middle East shares how the celebrity recruitment happened

Ever wondered how Jason Momoa ended up on a paddle board to Abu Dhabi, just as Kevin Hart was bidding farewell with Ma’salama?

In an exclusive interview with Expatmedia.net, Brandon Williams, General Counsel and COO of Steve Harvey Global and MELT Middle East, says: “When we brought Kevin Hart to the region, we were told that folks in the region had been trying to reach him for years. When I heard that, I picked up the phone and called his manager, Wayne Brown. From there, we were off to the races. Similar with Jason. Folks said he would be reluctant to take on the position as CIO. I just never really believed in the word, ‘no’. So we find ways to turn no’s into yes’es. So far, we have been successful.”

Jason Momoa has called it  a “ridiculously awesome job.” “They made me chief island officer of Yas Island Abu Dhabi so now I’m making sure everyone lives it up like me … Jason Momoa,” he says in a trailer video. At the end, he screams: “I am going to love this job!”

Based in Dubai, MELT Middle East’s COO shares how Hollywood’s Momoa was recruited for the role as Chief Island Officer (CIO) on Yas Island.

Jason Momoa as Yas Island CIO. How did that happen?

Yas Island was interested in bringing Jason Momoa for his role as CIO. I had several meetings with his team to sell them on the idea of Jason serving as CIO for Yas Island. Over months of negotiations with me and the team, Jason ecstatically agreed to serve as the CIO.. and what a wonderful choice he was to succeed Kevin Hart.

Whose idea was it to put Momoa as new CIO of Yas Island?

It was a combined effort and idea. Our team has regular meetings with our partners at Yas Island and Miral and we discuss exactly what level of talent makes perfect sense to give the star power and personal brand perspective we are looking for. After lengthy discussions, we landed specifically on Jason Momoa. We thought that Jason’s down to earth sensibilities and his enthusiasm for global business would be a match made in heaven. We could not have been more right.

Why Momoa?

We thought that Jason’s down-to-earth sensibilities and his enthusiasm for global business would be a match made in heaven. We could not have been more right. Jason took the role by the horns and has been awesome in living up to the role.

How was he to work with?

Jason was awesome. He went above and beyond anything that was asked of him. There was never a no. If it was to meet someone and take pictures with children, he did it with joy and enthusiasm. He is a star of the largest magnitude, but in no way does he carry himself in that way. He’s easy to work with.

Did you doubt that he would turn down the role?

Folks said he would be reluctant to take on the position as CIO. I just never really believe in the word, “no”. So we find ways to turn no’s into yes’es. So far, we have been successful.

Any unforgettable experience?

He was fully committed to eating the local food, which he loved. He really embraced the culture.

How long was he in the UAE?

Jason was in the UAE for about a week with his team. He loved his time in the region and cannot wait to come back.

What did he love about the UAE?

He loved how nice the people and the culture were. As noted, he loved the food. He’s a big man, so food is important to him. Lol. But seriously, he loved everything about the region. ICA/Expat Media

A condensed version of this story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine

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