1.We understand you holds a Degree in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, New Delhi, Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Delhi University & Masters in Business Administration from IGNOU. Did you always want to work in the hotel industry?  I mean, was there a calling?

Studying in Indian the education hub for ICT, hospitality was more of a stambling block and honestly I wasn’t ready for it until I was picked in one of the courses I had applied. From then it has been a sail to heighten the scales of hospitality across the world

1. With 18 of experience under your belt, In terms of leadership style, how would you describe yourself?

From a manager trainee to the current position now, I believe in working better together as an integral force to deliver a memorable guest experience. Team player to say the least with an open ear to inclusivity

1. You were successfully involved with Marriott Hotels and Intercontinental Hotel Group ( IHG ) , across various brands and roles in India and Arica over the past decade. What have you learned from these experiences?

Working with different people and cultures calls to understand their aspects and traits to be able to deliver a per-perfect experience. Again, working as a team to develop coherent guests strategies

1. You were involved with opening of Crowne Plaza in Delhi and the upgrade of InterContinental Lagos in Nigeria. How would you compare the Kenyan hospitality industry vs. these other markets?

Kenyan hospitality is a bucket list to enthusiasts across the world. The players have triggered an influx of big brands into the market due to the native nature of Kenyas. The market growth is eminent as triggered by the willingness to learn, explore, experiment and adopt new technologies and attributes emulated across the world. The hospitality future is even brighter.

1. Tell us more about Holiday Inn Nairobi two rivers, a part of Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG)

Having opened just this year, Holiday Inn brings a fresh breath of experience to the Kenyan Market. Vibrant, modern and memorable experience is what you expect. Our cuisines traversing continents and our facilities culminate the hospitable experience. Definitely, your to go place with a hint of suavity.

1. You are now in a pole position to reposition Holiday inn in the industry. What does Holiday Inn bring to the Kenyan market?

This 70 years young brand injects a genuine guest experience unlike to others. We authenticate the service experience with clients expectations

1. Considering that Holiday Inn is located within the Two Rivers mall, do you have some activities for Nairobians within the vicinity?

For sure, the Two Rivers Mall by its self is a complete destination for luxury brands and Kenyas who are inn for shopping, Go karting, or even the Ferris Wheel ride for more thrill. There is a full package to sample from before dinning in at Holiday or doing your bookings for the staycation.

1. Your hotels have won, accolades in the past. Can you pinpoint the reason for your success?

Definitely the experience gained over the years in handling guests takes precedence. A well informed and functional team falls close second.

1. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge working in a luxury hotel in Africa?

Frankly, it’s not a walk in the park. Running a luxury hotel is like running a city, people staying there, working there, eating and sleeping. It functions 24/7 and you have to be astute with every detail.

Also read Holiday Inn Opens Its Doors In Kenya

1. What are the most challenging issues you are facing on your current position?

We’re still healing from the pandemic that devastated the industry. We have to be more creative as the pandemic shifted balance on the normal norms and now we handle guests with different perspectives.

1. What do you do at work that you enjoy so much you actually lose track of time?

Welcoming guests and just making sure they feel at home in here. I love it when all boxes are ticked for the clients. They come for the service and live for the holiday Inn experience.

1. We recently posted a question in our Dishy Instagram story “Why do you think your GM is important to you?”  Someone answered: “I don’t think my GM is important to me but he might be important to the company.”  Do you agree with this statement?

I rebuff. On the contrary, I would say I am as strong as my team and inversely.  The GM weaves together the Human resource of the various departments to meet the company objectives. That said, it filters to how the GM works with the team of human resource to meet the desired heights. The balance is key. I work with an open door policy for my team and It has been a pillar to my success.

1. In the eyes of your employees, what is the single most important quality you should have?

To create a good working environment, they require me to be open with them on feedbacks and open to listen to them

1. In your opinion, what is the single best quality your employees can possess?

Open to learn. One needs the self-desire to become better and deliver.

1. At work, what puts a smile on your face?

A simple ‘Thank you’ from our guests does the magic. Positive feedback on the other hand gives life to me and my team.

1. What trends that you are seeing in the hospitality industry currently?

F&B has become core to the hospitality industry and hotels are doing their best in raising levels

Hotels are buying into more conference facility, like the hybrid camera, as more virtual meetings are being practiced across the world.

1. What advice would you offer to those who are inspired to become successful in the hotel industry?

It’s as simple as you need to cultivate the desire to learn and ready for change. Discipline is all it takes.