Prerna Sood named among Hozpitality's Best 30 Most Popular Finance Leaders in the Middle East for 2023
Prerna Sood, a seasoned and dynamic finance professional, has recently been recognized as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Most Popular Finance Leaders in the Middle East for 2023. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a remarkable career spanning over 17 years, Prerna has established herself as a prominent figure in the financial landscape of the UAE hospitality sector.
Prerna Sood, an accomplished finance leader in the Middle East hospitality industry has a diverse background, entrepreneurial mindset, and exceptional achievements, she has made her mark in a traditionally male-dominated field, earning accolades for her transformative leadership and financial acumen.
Originally from India, Prerna brings a culturally diversified perspective to her work and is proud to call the UAE her home for the past nine years. As one of the few young females Finance Directors in the country, she has made a mark for herself in an industry traditionally dominated by men, earning her nomination alongside 87% male counterparts.
Prerna's journey in the hospitality industry began with Oberoi Hotels, and she has since worked with esteemed hotel chains, including ITC, Alila (Hyatt), Zuri, Starwood, Marriott, and Jumeirah. Her experience spans various segments, from heritage hotels and resorts to city hotels, a desert resort, and the iconic global landmark, the Burj Al Arab. Notably, she has successfully managed two pre-opening hotels and played a pivotal role in Project Oryx during the acquisition of Starwood Hotels by Marriott International.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prerna showcased her exceptional leadership skills. Taking over a new hotel that was only two years old, she transformed it from a loss-making entity to the best-performing hotel in the ownership portfolio. Thanks to her strong negotiation abilities, the hotel became one of the few in the UAE to receive a substantial insurance claim for COVID-19, amounting to millions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Prerna is an avid traveler, having explored more than twenty-five countries. In her free time, she indulges her passion for dance and fashion, showcasing her diverse interests and well-rounded personality.
Colleagues and industry professionals commend Prerna for her expertise and work ethic. With a demonstrated history of delivering results, she possesses a wealth of knowledge in management reporting, financial and company reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, credit control, and cost control. Her proficiency in various accounting services and functions, combined with her attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, make her a valuable asset to any organization.
As Prerna continues to excel in her career, her positive attitude, professionalism, and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to her peers and aspiring finance leaders alike. With her hands-on experience, master’s degree, and track record of success, Prerna Sood is undeniably a force to be reckoned with in the Middle East hospitality finance landscape.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE