Pragesh Chhikara Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Pragesh Chhikara, Director of Food & Beverage, The Canvas MGallery Dubai, has been recognized as one of the Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East by Hozpitality Group.
In the dynamic landscape of hospitality, where the fusion of creativity, strategy, and operational acumen is paramount, Pragesh Chhikara emerges as a seasoned Director of Food and Beverage, earning his place among the Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East, as recognized by Hozpitality Group.
With a diverse career spanning 15 years and a rich background with prominent brands such as Oberoi, Taj, Marriott, Hyatt, and Accor, Pragesh has consistently spearheaded the growth of individual hotels, establishing himself as a driving force in the industry.
Pragesh's journey in hospitality showcases an impressive breadth of expertise, ranging from budget-friendly accommodations to luxurious resorts and lifestyle hotels. His acute understanding of Food and Beverage (F&B) marketing and cost management, combined with his versatility across different segments, sets him apart as a leader in the industry.
A creative Pre-Opening Expert, Pragesh brings innovation and finesse to every project. With successful orchestration of three pre-opening properties in distinct cities and ecosystems, he proves his ability to adapt and thrive in varied environments, acting as the bridge between ownership, project teams, and operational units to ensure a seamless transition from concept to reality.
Passionate about sustainable F&B concepts, Pragesh envisions and implements projects that serve as stepping stones for the future of the industry. His keen eye on environmental and social impact underscores his commitment to creating concepts that stand out and contribute to the evolution of the F&B sector.
Pragesh's leadership style is marked by independence, accompanied by strong mentoring, supervisory, and motivational abilities. He formulates departmental strategies holistically, considering people, profit, quality, and guest satisfaction. His successful leadership in primary and secondary research initiatives defines positioning and pricing strategies that drive both top-line revenue and sustainable bottom-line growth.
With an impressive track record across resort, luxury, boutique, MICE/convention, and lifestyle hotels, Pragesh's yearly budgeting, monthly forecasting, and meticulous cost analysis reflect his commitment to maximizing Gross Operating Profit (GOP) and ensuring financial sustainability.
Pragesh Chhikara's impact on the F&B sector transcends his immediate role; a legacy of innovation, sustainability, and strategic foresight establishes new benchmarks in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. As he continues to shape the future of F&B, one concept at a time, Pragesh stands as an influential figure in the hotels he elevates and the broader industry that looks to him for inspiration and leadership.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE