Unveiling Food and Beverage Visionaries: Hozpitalitys Best 30 Food and Beverage Leaders in the Heart of the Middle East
As we celebrate the Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East, let's take a moment to express gratitude for the profound impact they have on our culinary journeys. These leaders are not just managing restaurants but shaping experiences and elevating the art of dining.
The realm of the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry is a distinct world where enthusiasts seek opportunities to savor moments with loved ones amidst the delightful settings of restaurants. A perfect blend of ambiance and mouth-watering cuisine adds flavor to these experiences. Behind the scenes, dedicated F&B Managers and Directors invest substantial efforts to ensure seamless operations and boost footfall in their establishments. Leading a team comprising servers, and managers, they meticulously plan and execute strategies to enhance the overall dining experience.
F&B Managers/Directors play a pivotal role in planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating the operations of restaurants, bars, and cafeterias. They are the unsung heroes who navigate the dynamic landscape of the food and beverage industry, ensuring that every aspect of their establishment aligns with customer expectations. To shed light on their contributions, Hozpitality's last edition of the Best 30 list for 2023 highlights the exceptional individuals who tirelessly dedicate themselves to steering their restaurants toward success, attracting new and repeat customers.
A stellar F&B Manager/ Director possesses a diverse skill set, including strong leadership and communication skills, acute attention to detail, a profound understanding of industry trends, adept problem-solving abilities, and a customer-centric mindset. These qualities are essential in navigating the complexities of the F&B sector and ensuring a memorable dining experience for patrons.
Without further ado, let's delve into the esteemed list compiled by Hozpitality, recognizing the Best 30 F&B leaders in the Middle East. These individuals have distinguished themselves through their commitment to excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the success of their establishments. Each leader on this list has demonstrated exceptional prowess in steering their teams and contributing to the vibrancy of the region's F&B landscape.
As we celebrate the Best 30 F&B leaders in the Middle East, let's take a moment to express gratitude for the profound impact they have on our culinary journeys. These leaders aren't just managing restaurants but shaping experiences and elevating the art of dining.
Here is the list of Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders winners of 2023 (in alphabetical order):
- Ahmed Hammouda
- Amrendra Bharti
- Bhupesh Prabhu
- Carmine De Riso
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Digvijay Rathore
- Elias Saad
- Farzan Ansari
- Gabriel Bertea
- Gregory Floyd
- Hossam Belal
- Jagbir Jasrotia
- Jahfer Sadikh
- James Akinnola
- Maan Aboul Hosn
- Maher Alkatmea
- Michael John Fernandes
- Mohamed El Aziri
- Mohamed Matar
- Mohamed Rushdi
- Nayef Bou Hamdan
- Pragesh Chhikara
- Rohitha Pradeep
- Sameera Muramudali
- Sanjaya Niroshan
- Santos Castillo
- Sreejith Purushan
- Sunuj S.Deen
- Victoria Kashakashvili
- Yassin Anwar
Ahmed Hammouda
Food and Beverage Manager
The Tower Plaza Hotel
With a remarkable 20-year tenure in the food and beverage industry, Ahmed brings a wealth of expertise and insights that have the potential to transform culinary experiences.
Amrendra Bharti
F&B Manager
Ramada Hotel and Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR
With 15 years dedicated to managerial and leadership roles, and 20 years in the hospitality industry Bharti has consistently excelled in business development and operations and ensured unparalleled guest satisfaction.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Amrendra Bharti Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Bhupesh Prabhu
Food & Beverage Operations Manager
TIME Hotels LLC
With over 12 years of specialization in hospitality and casual dining restaurant management. Bhupesh’s expertise extends to staff development and maintaining customer satisfaction, reflecting a commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences that linger in the hearts of patrons.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Bhupesh Prabhu Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Carmine De Riso
F&B Director
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Carmine De Riso is a dynamic, goal-driven, and versatile professional boasting extensive experience overseeing all facets of luxury operations within the food services and hospitality industries.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Carmine De Riso Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Dhiraj Kumar
Director of Food & Beverage
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
Dhiraj Kumar's leadership style is nothing short of commendable. As the Director of F&B, he consistently demonstrates a strong strategic vision, effective decision-making skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate his team. Under his guidance, the F&B department has experienced unparalleled revenue and customer satisfaction growth.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Dhiraj Kumar Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Digvijay Rathore
Executive Assistant Manager - Food & Beverage
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
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.
Elias Saad
Executive Assistant Manager - In-charge of F&B
Bab Al Qasr Abu Dhabi
With a remarkable 24-year journey in the hospitality sector, Elias Saad has become a visionary hotelier driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to exceeding industry standards.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Elias Saad Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Farzan Ansari
F&B Manager
Swissotel Al Murooj Dubai
Farzan Ansari is a competent and diligent hotel professional with a degree in Hotel Management and over 20 years of experience in a multicultural environment.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Farzan Ansari Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Gabriel Bertea
F&B Manager
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Gabriel's journey in the hospitality industry commenced in Romania at the tender age of 15. His passion for the craft led him to Italy at 17, where he secured a position as a butler at Hotel Columbus Rome, located within the Vatican City.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Gabriel Bertea Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Gregory Floyd
Complex F&B Manager
Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai and Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai
As a highly motivated professional, Gregory consistently excels in achieving sales targets and ensuring guest satisfaction, showcasing a robust track record in all aspects of hotel and hospitality management.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Gregory Floyd Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Hossam Belal
Food and Beverage Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Business Bay
Hossam is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history in the hospitality industry; he brings a wealth of expertise in Food and beverage, Hotel Management, the Hospitality Industry, and Banquet Operations. A Bachelor of Hotel Management anchors his professional solid background focusing on Hotel Management.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Hossam Belal Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Jagbir Jasrotia
Director of Food and Beverage
Dusit Thani Dubai
With extensive experience garnered from top hotels, restaurants, and bars across the Middle East, Australia, and India, he possesses in-depth knowledge of all facets of premium food and beverage management.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Jagbir Jasrotia Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Jahfer Sadikh
Food and Beverage Operations Manager
Address Hotels
Jahfer's culinary journey ignited at the Ritz Carlton Dubai, where in-house dining laid the foundation for an extraordinary career. His pivotal roles in pre-opening teams for iconic venues like the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and French Madeline restaurant in Dubai Mall showcased his expertise in managing large-scale banquet operations.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Jahfer Sadikh Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
James Akinnola
Restaurants and Bar Manager
Radisson Red Silicon Oasis
James's strategic initiatives reflect a commitment to optimizing shifts for revenue maximization, fostering partnerships with food delivery apps, implementing customer-demand entertainment activities, and reducing plastic usage for sustainability. His creative touch extends to creating a pet-friendly environment at OUI Sports Bar, catering to a niche of pet owners.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - James Akinnola Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Maan Aboul Hosn
Head of Operations
Glee Hospitality
Boasting an impressive career spanning over 22 years in the food and beverage industry, Maan Aboul Hosn has consistently demonstrated a results-driven approach to operations management.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Maan Aboul Hosn Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Maher Alkatmea
F&B Manager
Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport
Maher's remarkable journey spans over three decades, weaving through the tapestry of the food and beverage industry. With a rich background working with renowned international brands, Maher has honed his skills across diverse culinary landscapes, adapting to evolving trends and contributing significantly to the department's growth.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Maher Alkatmea Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Michael John Fernandes
Assistant F&B Manager
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
With a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Michael has accumulated a wealth of experience across various brands, ranging from luxury establishments to four-star accommodations.
Mohamed El Aziri
Cluster Director of Food & Beverage
Wyndham Hotels Ajman - Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman,
Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman, Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche
With an impressive 24-year tenure in the F&B sector, Mohamed Al Aziri stands as a beacon of excellence within Wyndham Hotels Ajman. Steering the operations of multiple dining establishments, including all-day dining restaurants, cafes, a beach outlet, a pool bar outlet, an à-la-carte restaurant, and a ballroom accommodating up to 800 guests, Mohamed's impact is profound and far-reaching.
Mohamed Matar
F&B Director
The H Dubai
His commitment to excellence and customer service, coupled with his leadership and management prowess, establishes Mohamed Matar as a valuable asset in the dynamic landscape of hospitality.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Mohamed Matar Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Mohamed Rushdi
Cluster Director of Food and Beverage
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, Al Najada Hotel and Al Najada Hotel Apartments
Through comprehensive training programs and the establishment of quality assurance procedures, he has fostered an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Mohamed Rushdi Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Nayef Bou Hamdan
F&B Director
Address Dubai Mall and Address Boulevard
Nayef achieved revenue growth and built one of the strongest teams in the industry, specializing in various aspects. Colleagues commend him as an effective communicator and leader, highlighting his role in fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Pragesh Chhikara
Director of Food & Beverage
The Canvas MGallery Dubai
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.
Rohitha Pradeep
EAM Food & Beverage
Grand Hyatt Dubai
From humble beginnings in the Food and beverage department at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Rohitha's outstanding achievements propelled him swiftly through the ranks, assuming increasingly pivotal roles of leadership and excellence.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Rohitha Pradeep Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Sameera Muramudali
Director of Food & Beverage
Millennium Place Barsha Heights
With an impressive 21-year tenure in the Middle East and 23 years in the industry, Sameera consistently showcases outstanding leadership and innovation in the F&B sector.
Sanjaya Niroshan
Food & Beverage Manager
Dibba Mountain Park
With a remarkable 15-year career in the United Arab Emirates, Sanjaya Niroshan is a seasoned professional showcasing expertise in the dynamic realm of the food and beverage service industry.
Santos Castillo
Food & Beverage Manager
Viya Golf
Santos embodies a vibrant social life and a foodie's passion for diverse culinary experiences. His love for exploration extends to nightlife, where he thrives in the energy of social gatherings, entertainment, and the diverse offerings of the night scene.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Santos Castillo Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Sreejith Purushan
Cluster Director of Food & Beverage, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek,
Wyndham Dubai Deira, Days Hotel by Wyndham Dubai Deira, Super 8 by Wyndham Dubai Deira
With a cumulative experience of over 18 years, including five years dedicated to budget planning, forecasting, business plan creation, cost management, LRIP planning, and project management, Sreejith Purushan stands as a distinguished leader in the F&B sector.
Sunuj S. Deen
Director of Food & Beverage
Gulf Hotel Bahrain
With over 18 years of balanced, result-driven experience in the hospitality industry across India and the Middle East, Sunuj emerges as a hands-on leader. His ability to motivate teams and achieve noteworthy results is evidenced by the awards garnered in the establishments where he has worked.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Sunuj S.Deen Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Victoria Kashakashvili
F&B Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences
With over two decades of experience, Victoria has held significant positions in renowned establishments, including Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Delta Hotels by Marriott, and Ramada Plaza JBR.
Yassin Anwar
F&B Director
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
With an impressive track record of over 20 years in the industry, Yassin embarked on his career journey with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, later transitioning to IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor Hotels & Resorts.
Read more: Hozpitality Group - Yassin Anwar Named Among Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE