SHAMS ZAIDI

Entrepreneur and business leader with over 15 years of international experience across the USA, China, Vietnam, UAE, and Australia. Expertise in hospitality technology, SaaS platforms, apparel manufacturing, and cross-border business development.

Founder & CEO of Genus Hotels Inc., driving innovation in the hospitality industry with AI-powered digital reception and concierge systems. Recognized for building ventures across diverse markets, leading multicultural teams, and delivering commercially scalable solutions.

Founder & CEO

Genus Hotels Inc. – Washington DC, USA

• Founded and currently leading a hospitality-focused SaaS company that replaces traditional reception with AI-powered avatars.
• Spearheaded product development integrating facial recognition, voice interaction, digital key issuance, and PMS/HMS integration.
• Designed a RevPAR-linked subscription model to ensure scalability across boutique hotels and global chains.
• Positioned Genus Hotels as a solution to hospitality labor shortages, creating efficiency while enhancing guest experience.

Founder/CEO

Fiber2Fiber International – New York, New York, United States

• Fiber2Fiber is a textile sourcing and 3rd party quality control company that began operations in Karachi, Pakistan, and has since expanded to Australia and the USA.
• Promote services and products to international buyers while supervising a team of merchandisers and quality controllers.
• Ensure optimal production, timely deliveries, and stringent quality control measures.
• Pioneered in manufacturing and exporting bamboo textile articles, aiding numerous customers globally in establishing eco-friendly product lines.

International Sales Marketing Manager

Mehran Spice & Food Industries – New York, United States (Part-time)

• Initially hired as Sales and Marketing Manager Australasia to establish rice and spice brands in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji markets.
• Successfully increased sales and enhanced market visibility, leading to expansion into North American markets.
• Secured a master distributor and significantly increased brand reach in both USA and Canada.

Director Imports

Calvary Merchandise Trading – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

• Managed the Australian associate office of Fiber2Fiber Pakistan.
• Procured textile orders from Australian importers and arranged production in factories located in India and Pakistan.

Head of Sales, USA / Country Head, China & Vietnam

Sourceasy – Tech-enabled Apparel Manufacturing & Textile Sourcing Startup

• Directed sales operations in the USA, driving customer growth and partnerships.
• Relocated to Asia as Country Head, China & Vietnam, overseeing manufacturing, sourcing, and vendor relations.

Manager Business Development

Allianz EFU Health Insurance – Pakistan

• Worked in Corporate Sales department for a collaboration between Allianz AG of Germany and EFU of Pakistan.
• Sold corporate health insurance to clients across the province of Sind and achieved a premium portfolio of 20 million.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Simplilearn SkillUp

BSc

Karachi University

French Language - DALF

Alliance Française de Karachi

• Accepted into Founders Institute DC (mentorship on startup ideation & scaling)
• Selected for Founders Boost DC cohort
• Joined 757 Startup Studios (Virginia, USA)
• Engaged with ICAP Virginia (Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program)
• Regularly mentored by Prof. Gary, George Mason University and startup leaders in the ecosystem