Digvijay Rathore Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East

In the dynamic world of Middle Eastern hospitality, Digvijay Rathore, the Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, has achieved a distinguished honor. Hozpitality Group has recognized him as one of the Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East, celebrating his unparalleled leadership and innovative initiatives in the ever-evolving Food and Beverage industry.

Described as a person full of ambition, focus, and high motivation, Digvijay Rathore exemplifies a commitment to achieving excellence. His journey in the hospitality industry reflects not just a career but a dedication to shaping the future of F&B.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, Rathore has demonstrated unparalleled leadership and creativity. He spearheaded initiatives to reduce and eventually eliminate the usage of plastic materials, replacing them with recyclable and biodegradable F&B operational items. His commitment to sustainability showcases a dedication to the industry and a responsibility towards the environment.

In the fiercely competitive market, Rathore's leadership has been relentless. His motivation and dedication to achieving the team's goals have borne fruit, with overall F&B revenue increasing by 5%, surpassing GOP YTD compared to previous years. This accomplishment confirms his strategic vision and the support of his entire team.

Handling a team of 190 professional colleagues in a cluster of hotels, Rathore's aim extends beyond financial stability. While achieving financial success, he is dedicated to developing every team member, enabling them to grow and excel in their careers. His leadership philosophy emphasizes both professional and personal growth.

"This achievement will continue as more initiatives and projects are lined up towards the end of the year and up until 2024. The team will not stop considering upgrading our standards, becoming one of the sustainable hotels, and creating more exciting activities and dining offers to delight our guests. We look forward to a better year to ensure that we meet our targets and, most importantly, the guest experience and satisfaction will be our top priority." – Digvijay.

With over seventeen years of experience in international and Indian hotel operations, Rathore's track record confirms his multi-skilled strategic business leadership. Having played key roles in the pre-opening of esteemed establishments like Fairmont Bab Al Bahar, The Westin Abu Dhabi, The St Regis Polo Habtoor Club, and Four Points Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, he brings diverse background experience.

Rathore's expertise spans various aspects of hotel operations, including Food and Beverage, Revenue Management, Rooms, and housekeeping disciplines. Specializing in leadership, mentoring, coaching, team building, negotiations, sales & marketing, operations, public relations, business development, F&B operations, restaurant design, and concept management, he is a versatile professional with a diverse skill set.

In his multifaceted role as the Executive Assistant Manager at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, Digvijay Rathore oversees the complex operations of two properties encompassing 12 food and beverage outlets, 941 keys, and 435 apartments. This intricate responsibility requires a keen eye for detail and strategic management to ensure the seamless functioning of these diverse establishments.

At the helm of a dynamic team, Rathore leads the efforts for 10 outlets with 150 associates, managing the extensive accommodation facilities of 941 rooms and 435 apartments. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing cost-saving procedures, resulting in a remarkable 36% turnaround to profitability for the dual-property.

Demonstrating his prowess in strategic planning, Rathore has successfully developed and implemented an innovative marketing strategy. This initiative contributed to a 20% increase in sales in 2018 and 2019 compared to the preceding year, showcasing his ability to drive substantial growth in the competitive hospitality market.

Recognizing the importance of attracting new clientele, Rathore orchestrated 61 events and promotional nights in 2019, a strategy that seamlessly continued into 2021. These endeavors were aimed at retaining existing patrons and captivating a broader audience, enhancing the hotel's visibility and desirability.

In his commitment to fostering a positive work environment, Rathore significantly reduced employee turnover from 45% to 20% in 2019. This accomplishment signifies a more stable workforce and translates into better-trained staff, ultimately improving the overall service quality.

Digvijay Rathore's responsibilities extend beyond the operational realm as he takes charge of all beverage contracts and engages in food and beverage negotiations to secure advantageous deals for the hotels. His adept negotiation skills contribute to the financial success and sustainability of the establishments.

One of the noteworthy feathers in Rathore's cap is his outstanding employee engagement overall score of 93%, the highest in the region in 2019. This accomplishment underscores his ability to cultivate a positive and motivated work culture, further enhancing the guest experience and satisfaction levels.

In navigating the complexities of managing multiple outlets and accommodations and catering for significant events such as EXPO 2020 Catering pavilions, Digvijay Rathore stands out as an exemplary leader, contributing significantly to the success and reputation of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai.