The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) is delighted to announce that Dayle Kelly, Deputy General Manager – Operations at The Club, Abu Dhabi, has achieved the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation.
The CCM is the highest level of professional certification in club management, recognising excellence across leadership, governance, finance, strategy, operations and member experience. Dayle’s achievement reflects a long-standing commitment to professional development and a willingness to embrace personal growth throughout the CCM journey.
With more than three decades of experience in Abu Dhabi, Dayle has played a key role in the operational leadership of The Club — one of the region’s most established and diverse private members’ clubs. His success in achieving the CCM designation highlights both his dedication to the profession and the strength of the global CMAE education pathway.
Torbjörn Johansson, CEO of the Club Management Association of Europe, commented:
“Dayle’s journey to achieving the CCM is a great example of perseverance, openness to learning, and professional courage. The CCM is not only about technical knowledge, but about personal development and leadership growth — and Dayle has embraced that fully. Congratulations to him on this significant and well-earned achievement.”
Q&A with Dayle Kelly, CCM
Dayle – congratulations on achieving CCM. How do you feel now?
Above all, I felt a great sense of relief. I have avoided exams from a very young age, but there was something about the CCM that encouraged me to face that fear. With the support of the CMAE family — Toby, Michael, Debbie and the team — I was able to overcome my fears and achieve this milestone. I would also like to thank Darshan for all his help and support.
You work at The Club in Abu Dhabi, which we have been fortunate to visit. Tell people about the club and the current status regarding a potential move.
The Club is a private members’ leisure facility established in 1962. Since its opening, it has grown into a vibrant community offering a wide range of amenities, including swimming pools, two private beaches, 11 food and beverage venues, tennis courts, sailing, diving, rowing, and amateur dramatics, to name just a few.
Today, the Club provides more than 90 different services and hosts numerous events throughout the year, supporting an active and diverse membership. We have recently been advised that the Club will be required to relocate, and we are currently awaiting further details.
You have been in Abu Dhabi for around 30 years now — how did you end up there?
I originally came to the UAE from the UK in 1990 for what was intended to be a three-month period teaching golf. Almost 35 years later, I am still here. I have been incredibly fortunate to live and work in such a unique environment and to have had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional people.
What has been your highlight on the journey to CCM?
To be completely honest, I cannot identify a single highlight, as the true value lies in the journey itself. From the people you meet and the places you visit, to the high quality of the presenters and the knowledge gained — and more importantly, the opportunity to apply that learning in practice and watch your team grow.
You attended the CCM Exam Review Week in March but had to return to Abu Dhabi without sitting the exam. How was it sitting the exam in November instead?
When I arrived at the review course, I had read Contemporary Club Management and gone through my notes from past MDP courses, but I lacked focus and a clear sense of direction. The course changed that. It provided structure and clarity, which for me made the greatest difference. On a personal level, I genuinely believe I would not have passed without it. Thank you to everyone involved.
Anything you would like to say to people thinking about the CCM?
Embrace the journey. The CCM is about far more than passing an exam — it is about personal growth, confidence, and applying what you learn in a way that positively impacts your team and your club. If you commit to the process, the rewards go well beyond the qualification.
