Manish Jha Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 GM Powerlist for the Middle East – 2024

In a definitive acknowledgment of exceptional leadership and tenacious dedication, Manish Jha, the General Manager of NH Collection Dubai The Palm, secured a coveted position in Hozpitality's prestigious Best 30 General Managers in the Middle East power list for 2024. This recognition demonstrates his outstanding contributions, as attested by votes from respected peers and colleagues. Hozpitality Group, renowned for its commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry, meticulously curates this esteemed accolade.

Meet Manish Jha, the luminary orchestrating the remarkable success of NH Collection Dubai The Palm, the inaugural NH Collection in the Middle East. With a rich tapestry of over two decades in the hospitality industry, Manish seamlessly integrates his expertise in operations, leadership, and team development, setting unprecedented standards in the hotel industry.

Currently at the helm as the General Manager, Manish has navigated the hotel through its inaugural year with unparalleled success. Boasting 227 hotel rooms, 306 serviced apartments, and a 14-story marvel, the property has received widespread acclaim, earning nominations such as the World Travel Awards' "Middle East's Leading New Hotel," Arabian Travel Awards' "Best Debut Hotel," and Golden Tree Awards International GM Awards' "Best General Manager."

Manish's visionary leadership extends beyond conventional success metrics. Committed to sustainability, he has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives at NH Collection Dubai The Palm. From implementing smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption to establishing an in-house water bottling plant to minimize plastic waste, Manish is promoting an eco-conscious hospitality industry.

Taking sustainability a step further, he introduces an all-vegan guest room featuring vegan materials, furniture, and a delectable vegan menu for room service. This innovative concept underscores Manish's dedication to both environmental sustainability and animal welfare.

The accolades Manish has received underscore his exceptional leadership. From Minor Awards of Excellence for his continuous efforts to being a Stelliers finalist and a top six finalist for GM of the Year Asia, Manish consistently pushes the boundaries of excellence.

Before leaving an indelible mark in Dubai, Manish played pivotal roles at Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited in Bangkok, Thailand. His responsibilities included shaping the company's expansion growth strategy and overseeing business development and asset management processes. A globally mobile individual, Manish's track record of success renders him a valuable asset to the Dubai business community.

In an exclusive interview with Hozpitality, Manish shares insights into his career journey, leadership style, innovative strategies, team development initiatives, and guest satisfaction's critical role in NH Collection Dubai The Palm's success.

Manish demonstrates on his diverse career trajectory marked by experiences ranging from pre-opening projects to overseeing luxury resorts and multi-property setups. Before assuming the role of General Manager at NH Collection Dubai The Palm, his role at Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited involved shaping expansion strategies and overseeing business development. These experiences and a dedication to sustainability primed him to steer NH Collection Dubai The Palm to success.

Expressing deep gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his career, Manish looks forward to contributing his best to NH Collection Dubai The Palm.

Describing his leadership style as rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to fostering a positive and empowering work environment, Manish details the evolution of his approach. From a more directive style in the early stages of his career to embracing a collaborative and inclusive approach in leadership roles with global exposure, Manish recognizes the power of tapping into the collective expertise of diverse teams.

According to Manish, transparency has been a constant in his leadership style. Open communication channels build trust and empower team members to understand the broader vision and contribute meaningfully. This has proven crucial in navigating the complexities of managing diverse teams across different countries and cultures.

Manish sheds light on the innovative strategies implemented at NH Collection Dubai The Palm to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. Fostering an environment where ideas are celebrated, he encourages a culture of innovation within his teams, aligning with the vision of the corporate office, Minor Group.

Acknowledging the fast-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, Manish emphasizes staying agile and proactive, regularly engaging with market insights and emerging technologies. This adaptability allows NH Collection Dubai The Palm to meet evolving guest expectations and maintain a competitive edge.

Building and leading large teams are critical to Manish's role as General Manager. In recruitment, he prioritizes identifying individuals who bring relevant skills and align with NH Collection's values and commitment to excellence.

Once onboard, a comprehensive training program ensures that team members are well-acquainted with standards and procedures. Continuous development is encouraged through ongoing training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs.

Leading a diverse team at NH Collection Dubai The Palm, comprised of around 35 nationalities, Manish finds the unique blend of cultures in Dubai enriching. Embracing this diversity, he recognizes that it brings a wealth of perspectives and skills. Effectively communicating and collaborating is pivotal, and their commitment to training ensures inclusivity and understanding of different cultures.

Manish highlights the importance of guest feedback in shaping offerings at NH Collection Dubai The Palm. An impactful instance involves a suggestion for more sustainable amenities. In response, the hotel introduced biodegradable toothbrushes and natural toiletries, aligning with their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

Responding to challenges expressed by guests, NH Collection Dubai The Palm developed the NH Hotel App, offering a seamless check-in experience and a feature allowing guests to request services and access their rooms using their mobile phones. Wooden key cards were introduced recently by Manish, addressing specific concerns and elevating the overall guest experience.