Avinash Vernekar Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 Housekeeping Leaders in the Middle East for 2024
Avinash Vernekar of Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island was included in Hozpitality’s Best 30 Housekeeping Leaders
Avinash T. Vernekar, Executive Housekeeper at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, has been honoured among Hozpitality's top 30 housekeeping leaders in the Middle East for 2024. This prestigious accolade, presented by the renowned Hozpitality Group, celebrates Avinash's exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the hospitality industry.
Avinash's journey with Hilton began in 2002 as part of the pre-opening team at Hilton Kuwait Resort, managing the impressive 975-bedroom property. His innovative approach to housekeeping operations, such as introducing staff-managed minibar operations, set a precedent within the Hilton group, which other hotels subsequently adopted.
Since relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2013, Avinash has played a pivotal role in converting and opening five hotels across four different Hilton brands in the UAE. His commitment to empowering talent is evident in his proud accomplishment of training and promoting five executive housekeepers within the hospitality industry. Avinash emphasizes internal promotion, ensuring all supervisor positions are filled from within and fostering a culture of development and retention of talent.
Diversity is a cornerstone of Avinash's leadership. His department comprises 15 nationalities, promoting a rich blend of cultures and backgrounds. Notably, his team boasts a higher ratio of female to male members, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and equality in the workplace.
Avinash's cost-effective management style is marked by outsourcing most public area housekeeping duties, complemented by tailored training programs and extended shift hours. This strategic approach ensures efficient operations, facilitates seamless handovers, and reduces dependency on outsourced staff.
In pursuit of sustainability, Avinash has championed initiatives like replacing plastic water bottles in guest rooms with plant-based alternatives, underscoring his proactive stance on environmental stewardship within the industry.
Beyond operational excellence, Avinash prioritizes work-life balance for his team, ensuring all staff, from attendants to supervisors, benefit from regular two-day weekends. This practice serves as both an incentive for talent retention and an attraction for top professionals seeking a supportive workplace culture.
Avinash Vernekar is a driven and passionate hospitality professional with extensive experience in luxury hotel and resort management. He specializes in pre-opening operations and operational efficiency. His strategic insight aligns with company objectives, driving positive bottom-line results while fostering a superior guest experience.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE