Dr. Christoph Berentzen is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of TECOM Group PJSC, the developer and operator of 10 sector-focused business districts across Dubai. With more than 20 years of experience in driving financial performance across real estate portfolios in Europe and the United States, he plays a pivotal role in steering the Group’s strategic priorities and delivering long-term value to shareholders, partners, and employees.
Dr. Berentzen brings deep financial leadership and operational expertise, with a history of leading complex integrations, streamlining processes, and driving profitability across borders.
As CFO for Central Europe at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), one of Europe’s largest commercial real estate groups, he led the integration of four distinct national operations into a unified Central European region. He also established a Shared Service Centre to centralise finance functions, unlocking significant efficiencies.
Previously, as CFO of Westfield LLC in the United States, he aligned financial strategy with corporate priorities during the pandemic. Under his leadership, like-for-like EBITDA grew at a compounded annual rate of 10% from 2021 to 2024. He also led firm-wide initiatives to enhance operational performance across divisions.
Earlier, as Director of Finance for URW Germany, he drove a 60% increase in EBITDA through strategic acquisitions, project delivery, and organic growth.
Dr. Berentzen began his career at Ernst & Young GmbH, where he rose to Senior Manager in Financial Advisory and Audit Services. He led complex audits under IFRS and German GAAP and managed cross-functional teams and budgets across a range of industries.
Dr. Berentzen holds a PhD in Accounting from the University of Münster in Germany, where he also earned his Diplom-Kaufmann (MBA equivalent). He further broadened his international perspective with studies in International Relations and East Asia Studies at Seoul National University in Korea.
A German Certified Tax Advisor (Steuerberater) and qualified German Auditor (Wirtschaftsprüfer), he has a strong command of international financial regulation. In 2024, he completed the CFO Leadership Program at Harvard Business School, underscoring his commitment to forward-looking financial leadership.
Dr. Berentzen has held board positions across the EU, US, and the UK, reinforcing his global governance credentials. At TECOM Group, he works closely with the CEO as a member of the senior management team to advance the Group’s vision for sustainable growth and innovation.