Kristina Kovshun – The Global Hospitality Vision Driving Qatar’s Automotive Event
- Maqina Team
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
From luxury hospitality to high-octane automotive showcases, Kristina Kovshun’s career is a masterclass in vision, precision, and reinvention. As Project Manager of The Grand Auto Show 2025, she is shaping one of Qatar’s most anticipated luxury automotive events. We sat down with Kristina to explore her journey—from global hospitality beginnings to steering Qatar’s next big motoring milestone.
Foundation and Professional Pivot
Q: Your career spans from earning an MBA at the prestigious Les Roches to building a hospitality business in Istanbul. How did that international foundation prepare you for the Qatari market?
A: My education at Les Roches Hospitality School gave me a solid foundation in global standards and operational excellence. Living and working in Istanbul for ten years refined that into a hands-on, A-to-Z approach to business. When I arrived in Qatar in 2020, I was ready to transition from traditional hotel operations—like my ten-month Sales & Marketing trainee role at W Doha—into full-scope consulting as a Managing Partner. Today, I specialize in delivering complete business concepts: from developing the idea to launching fully operational cafes, restaurants, retail spaces, and beauty centers. My mission is always to provide a 360° business solution, not just a single piece of the puzzle.
Q: After ten years in Istanbul’s hospitality industry, you moved to Qatar in 2020. How did you make the transition from a traditional industry role to becoming an A-to-Z business consultant and Managing Partner?
A: Moving to Qatar in February 2020 was a conscious entrepreneurial leap. I quickly realized the local market highly values hands-on expertise that covers every phase of business development. My time in Istanbul had equipped me to manage projects from concept through operations and profitability. I applied that experience to new ventures in Qatar—cafes, restaurants, beauty lounges, and shops—overseeing everything from concept creation and licensing to staffing and marketing. As a Managing Partner, I’ve always focused on creating sustainable businesses that generate measurable results from day one.
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The Supercar Pivot and The Grand Auto Show 2025
Q: Your career has recently taken a fascinating turn toward the automotive world. What inspired this pivot, and how did your personal passion for cars—from your first BMW to your Bentley Continental and now your Mercedes-AMG GTR—shape this new direction?
A: Cars have always been one of my greatest passions, alongside sports. Between 2009 and 2025, I’ve personally owned twelve cars. In 2022, when I became the proud owner of a Mercedes-AMG GTR, I became actively involved in the regional Supercar community. That passion evolved into purpose when I joined the organizing team for 402 Automotive Events – Automadness 2024 in Qatar, where I managed F&B and entertainment. The experience allowed me to merge my hospitality expertise with large-scale event management, opening the door to my current role as Project Manager of The Grand Auto Show 2025, an opportunity offered by Mr. Ronald himself.
Q: The Grand Auto Show 2025 is a major project. What are the key milestones you’ve achieved so far?
A: Compared to last year, our progress has been exceptional. I’m especially proud to have secured the Patronage of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani and a major sponsorship partnership with Snoonu. On the commercial side, I successfully finalized significant exhibition contracts, including spaces of 700 m² and 500 m² with leading car dealerships. These accomplishments highlight our vision to create not just an event, but a commercial platform that connects top automotive brands, industry leaders, and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts. It’s a demanding, full-time role that draws on every bit of my project management experience from hospitality openings to large-scale international events.
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Vision and Future
Q: Once The Grand Auto Show 2025 concludes, what’s next for you? Do you see your future rooted in the automotive industry?
A: Absolutely. The Grand Auto Show 2025 is only the beginning. I’m fully committed to making it the benchmark for automotive events in the region. Beyond that, I aim to expand my portfolio into more high-profile, large-scale events across Qatar and the wider Middle East—projects that combine strategic partnerships, luxury experiences, and community engagement. This field perfectly merges my business expertise with my lifelong passion for performance and innovation.
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Empowering Entrepreneurs
Q: What advice would you offer to young entrepreneurs looking to launch a business or project in Qatar today?
A: My philosophy is simple: Localize, Formalize, and Digitize.
Localize: Understand the market and build strong, trustworthy relationships. Your reputation is your most asset—keep your word, always.
Formalize: Set a solid legal and operational foundation through local partnerships, or by registering with QFC or QFZ.
Digitize and Innovate: Build your business within the digital ecosystem from day one. Don’t settle for just a basic website—integrate with local digital platforms like Snoonu and embrace technology as a growth tool.
And most importantly—be passionate. When your passion drives your purpose, success naturally follows.
