Filipino HR professional in UAE initially aspired to be a priest

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Thirty-seven-year-old Kieth Walter Ayuso had wanted to be a priest, having spent 11 years in the seminary, but following second thoughts, he decided he’d rather be someone else—and so he became an award-winning human resource practitioner.

“Dati po gusto ko mag-pari (Back then, I wanted to be a priest). Then, I left since I needed to be honest; as they say, 'Many are called, few are chosen,'” said Ayuso.

“Yes, I wanted to be honest that I can still serve the Lord outside the seminary. And after leaving, human resources immediately became my life. It’s hard to leave the seminary, especially since I was happy there,” added Ayuso, who earned a philosophy degree (cum laude) from Oblates of St. Joseph College of Philosophy in Lipa City, Batangas.  

“But I needed to contemplate hard if this is the life I wanted.”

Ayuso said he can still serve God even if he is not a priest, which is the reason why he’s been active with church ministries in Dubai.

Career

He began his career in Makati in the HR team of a medical BPO company. For the last 15 years, he has never worked out of the HR department, either in the Philippines or the UAE. 

His move to Dubai in 2013 saw him starting as an HR coordinator for a pre-opening hotel. From there, he steadily progressed through the corporate landscape across hospitality, defense, government, and aviation. 

Today, Ayuso serves as Head of HR–Middle East at an aviation company, overseeing strategic HR direction, talent management, and workforce development across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. 

Previously, he held roles as corporate director of HR at Jannah Hotels & Resorts, corporate HR manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts–Franchised Hotels, and key corporate HR leadership positions at Emaar Group, where he spent seven years. Emaar is an Emirati real estate firm in Dubai.

On November 20, Ayuso was recognized among the Top 100 HR Leaders in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) 2025.

His past works have also earned him multiple awards, including Top HR Leaders in the Middle East of 2024, Commended HR Leader of the Year of 2022, and inclusion among the 300 Most Influential Persons in the Gulf of 2020.

Beyond his corporate role, Ayuso remains active in the faith community through the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community, serving in chapters across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. — VBL, GMA Integrated News