Colja Smely

Colja Christian Smely is an Investment Director at the Investment and Development Office (IDO) of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. In this role, he leverages his extensive expertise in strategic and operational value creation, performance improvement, and his experience supporting numerous transactions in the European Private Equity sector to support IDO’s portfolio companies.

Colja is also a dedicated Member of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Executive Committee for RAK Academy, as well as a Member of the Board of Governors for RAK Modern Private Schools. His involvement in these institutions is focused on comprehensive strategic support and governance.

Prior to joining IDO, Colja amassed over 12 years of experience in the Private Equity field across Germany and Europe. He served as a consultant at leading firms, including Alvarez & Marsal and lately as a Director at EY-Parthenon.

Colja’s passion for education and academia is evident from his work in the field with IDO and before, having published management articles, held and supported lectures at German universities and also worked as a research assistant. He holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Mannheim, an M.Sc. in International Management from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, and an LL.M. in Corporate Restructuring from the University of Heidelberg Law School.