Biography
About Me
A Friendly and Ambitious Global Hospitality Leader
- Country of Origin – Sri Lanka
- Global Exposure – Switzerland, India, Philippines, Malaysia, Maldives, UAE
- Advocate on – Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Hospitality
- Hobbies – Playing Golf, Coaching, Collecting Watches
My journey in the hospitality industry began 25 years ago at Hilton Colombo in Sri Lanka, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of holding diverse leadership roles across the globe. I obtained my diploma in Hotel Operations from the International Management Institute in Lucerne, Switzerland and later an MBA from the University of Leicester in the UK.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to grow with esteemed hospitality giants like Hilton Worldwide and Radisson Hotel Group before joining the Accor Hotels family in 2016. I currently hold the position of Regional General Manager for Dubai & Emirates North. I currently oversee 15 Accor Hotel properties, including well-known brands like Pullman, Movenpick, Novotel, Adagio and ibis comprising a total of 3424 rooms and a Shared-Service office. In this capacity, my role extends across various facets of hotel operations, from Guest Journey, Team Engagement, and Talent & Culture to Financial, Sales & Marketing, Revenue Generation, Information Technology, Data Science, and ESG.
I value the importance of innovation to gain a competitive edge in the hospitality industry. Having had the privilege of working in Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia, India, Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates, my experiences have shaped my present. In 2022, I completed my Doctorate, delving into ‘A Ten-Year Outlook on the Role and Importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in High-End Hotels’ from California Southern University, USA. Additionally, I participated in a program on Driving Corporate Performances at Harvard Business School, Boston, and earned a certification in Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Breakthrough Innovation and Strategic Impact from Stanford University, San Francisco.
My leadership journey has been shaped by various hospitality experiences across Asia and the Middle East. I strive to understand the intricacies of the industry, guiding business units through challenges. My belief in delivering authentic and personalized guest experiences drives me, and as a data science consultant, I work towards creating a work environment that fosters creativity and excellence. I aim to inspire my team to provide exceptional service, with the goal of creating lasting memories for our guests.
In my leisure time, I enjoy exploring Dubai’s golf courses as an avid golfer and indulge in my passion for collecting watches.
Education
Experience
Achievements
Certificate in Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Breakthrough Innovation and Strategic Impact
University – Stanford University, Silicon Valley, California, USA, Residential Program
2023
Certificate in Driving Corporate Performances
University – Harvard Business School, Boston, USA, Residential Program
2022
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
University – California Southern University, USA, Magna cum Laude
2017-2022
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University – University of Leicester, United Kingdom
2002-2004
Regional General Manager
Accor Hotels
Sep 2023 - Present
Functions as the primary strategic business leader of 15 hotels and shared-services office under five brands of Pullman, Novotel, Adagio, ibis and Ibis Styles. Responsible for key aspects of the hotel operations, including Guest and Heartist satisfaction, Talent & Culture, Financial, Sales & Marketing, Revenue generation, Information Technology, Data and Analytics, ESG and delivering forecasted return on investment to both Accor properties and ownership.
Ensures implementation of the Accor brand service concepts and corporate initiatives with the objective of driving holistic hospitality experience, increase revenue and market share. The position ensures Accor properties commercial engines are leveraged and initiates independent and proactive Sales and Marketing activities to generate demand. Drives the objectives and goals of Accor properties and owner by working together to strengthen a strong brand positioning.
Builds brand and owner loyalty through proactive communication, managing expectations and delivering solid business results. Represents Accor vision and brand values in all leadership actions, along with brand’s new global signature positioning – Powered by Emotion and loyalty programme ALL– Accor Live Limitless.
Cluster General Manager
Accor Hotels
Sep 2018 – Aug 2023
Functioned as the primary strategic business leader of 07 hotels in the shared-services office under three brands of Pullman, Novotel and ibis. Responsible for key aspects of the hotel operations, including Guest and Heartist satisfaction, Talent & Culture, Financial, Sales & Marketing, Revenue generation, Information Technology, Data and Analytics, ESG and delivering forecasted return on investment to both Accor properties and ownership.
General Manager
Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Hotel & Residence, Dubai, UAE
Feb 2016 - Sep 2018
Awards/Achievements under my leadership:
- International Hotel Awards 2018, Best City Hotel Dubai
- Winnow Solutions Certificate of Excellence 2018/19, Food Waste Management
- World Luxury Spa Awards, Luxury Hotel Spa 2019, Soma Spa
- Dubai Sustainability Hotel Awards from DTCM 2019, ibis Mall of Emirates
General Manager
Radisson Blu, Cebu, Philippines
Feb 2014 - Feb 2016
Awards/Achievements under my leadership:
- HICAP Sustainable Hotel Awards Hong Kong 2014, Sustainable Operations
- International Hotel Awards London 2014-2015, Best 5-star Convention Hotel
- Hotel Planner and Meetings.com 2015, Top 50 Group and Meeting Friendly Hotels in the World
- Safehotels Alliance Sweden Premium Certificate 2015 – Only hotel in the Philippine to be awarded
General Manager
Radisson Blu Plaza, Hyderabad, India
Feb 2012 - Feb 2014
Awards/Achievements under my leadership:
- Responsible Business Hotel of the Year 2013 – Carlson Rezidor Group, Asia Pacific
- Best Five Star New Entrepreneur Award 2013 – By Indian Hospitality Awards
- Best New Business Hotel of 2012 – By Hospitality India Magazine, New Delhi
- Rising Star of the Year 2012 – Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific
General manager power list 2023: top 101 influential hoteliers in middle east region
2023
This is an annual list published by the esteemed Hotelier Middle East, selecting the most influential hoteliers in the Middle East Region. The award was received while serving as the Regional General Manager, playing a pivotal role in driving Accor’s premium, midscale, and economy hotel operations in Dubai & Emirates North, overseeing 15 hotels in the region.
General manager of the year
2014
The award was received during my tenure as the General Manager at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, presently known as Radisson Hotel Group. It was presented at the Asia Pacific Business Conference in Chongqing, China
Young restaurateur of the world award by ih & ra congress
1999
Presented by the International Hotel & Restaurant Association, France (IH & RA). The award was created with the Hotel’s magazine, The IH & RA‘s official journal to recognize the outstanding career achievement among hospitality professionals under the age of 30. Award presentation was in Durban, South Africa at the 37th IH&RA’s Annual Congress.