< Previous30 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Power List As the executive housekeeper at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Angeline James has been honoured with several awards, recognising her innovative contributions. James, who has furthered her expertise with certifications and development programs, has been instrumental in mentoring her team, leading to significant career advancements among her colleagues. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in nurturing talent, promoting sustainability, and driving professional growth within her team, showcasing exceptional leadership and dedication to excellence. ANGELINE JAMES Executive housekeeper, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Ankita Choubey leads with exceptional dedication, overseeing 580 rooms and eight restaurants catering to 1,500 guests and staff. Her leadership resulted in Grade A cleanliness certificates from Dubai Municipality, a Gold certificate for food safety, and the Wyndham Green sustainability certificate. Choubey’s approach to cleanliness, safety and sustainability extends beyond standards, shaping a culture of excellence. With a career spanning from pre-opening at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to housekeeping manager at Madinat Jumeirah and now Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Malliyekkal achieved a 92 percent guest satisfaction score and completed 11 successful projects in 2023, from room upgrades to marble flooring. He has also implemented monthly colleague celebrations and a training team leader program to recognise staff. ANKITA CHOUBEY Cluster housekeeping manager, Wyndham Dubai Deira, Days Hotel by Wyndham ANTONY MALLIYEKKAL Housekeeping manager, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel Having moved up from his position as room attendant to executive housekeeper, Arun Ramasayam has significantly elevated Rixos Bab Al Bahr’s housekeeping standards. Starting his career in 2004, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, managing a vast establishment with 714 rooms . Through his initiatives, guest satisfaction scores soared from 70 percent to 86 percent, while fostering a learning environment for his 160-strong team. His focus on hygiene, guest interaction, and eco-friendly practices has not only enhanced the guest experience but also achieved substantial cost savings per month, showcasing his adept management skills and visionary approach to enhancing the hotel’s service quality and sustainability standards. ARUN RAMASAYAM Executive housekeeper, Rixos Bab Al BahrAPRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 31 Power List Arun Rathinakumar’s transformational leadership at Paramount Hotel Midtown has elevated housekeeping standards, creating a distinguished guest experience. His innovative strategies and commitment to excellence have not only improved service quality but also fostered a culture of dedication and pride among his team, making a lasting impact on the hotel’s operational success. ARUN RATHINAKUMAR Housekeeping producer, Paramount Hotel Midtown With over 16 years in housekeeping, progressing from the Four Seasons pre-opening team in Beirut to senior roles across the Middle East and Europe, Denise Frem has been pivotal in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam’s operational enhancement and team building. Her initiatives, like an in-house water bottle refilling project, significantly have helped eliminate single-use plastics. Moreover her leadership has also boosted the overall cleanliness rating and enhanced operational efficiency. Pursuing an Executive MBA, Frem’s dedication to development, shows her desire to always improve. DENISE FREM Director of housekeeping, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Avinash Vernekar has showcased leadership in sustainability, diversity, and operational efficiency, leading to the successful opening and conversion of five hotels across the UAE, showcasing operational excellence and best practices in laundry management, which greatly enhanced property performance. Initiating eco-friendly practices such as plant-based water bottles and championing diversity with a team representing 15 nationalities, Vernekar’s strategic cleaning methods have led to high guest satisfaction and department recognition. His mentorship has developed five executive housekeepers and continues to have an impact on team empowerment and the hotel’s standards. AVINASH T. VERNEKAR Executive housekeeper, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island CHAN NYEIN KYAING Housekeeping manager, Rosewood Abu Dhabi A seasoned housekeeping expert with a background in luxury cruise liners and esteemed hotel brands like Kempinski and Rosewood, Chan Nyein Kyaing showcased his prowess during Accor’s involvement in the Qatar World Cup 2022, contributing to its success. In 2023, his focused efforts led to a remarkable 99.9 percent score on the LQA Audit. Under his leadership, team engagement soared, achieving the highest departmental satisfaction increase to date. Additionally, guest engagement improved, with a sentiment score of 95 percent, year-to-date. Chan’s leadership has set new standards for housekeeping and guest satisfaction at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, marking a significant achievement.32 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Power List Ebenezer Ahimaz has an unwavering dedication to cleanliness and guest satisfaction, emphasising exceptional performance, attention to detail, and teamwork. Notable achievements include maintaining exceptional cleanliness scores, implementing sustainability initiatives, and enhancing team engagement and community partnerships. Ahimaz’s robust manpower management skills have led to improved efficiency, quality, and cost savings within the housekeeping department. Moreover, his commitment to training ensures consistency, performance improvement, and adaptation to changes throughout the industry. EBENEZER AHIMAZ Executive housekeeper, Hormuz Grand, A Radisson Collection Hotel Efsane Uyan has significantly elevated her hotel’s housekeeping standards. in her time in the role. Uyan is known for her strategic approach to operations, dedication to sustainability, and developing a close-knit, diverse team. Her personable leadership style has earned her the nickname Cool Leader. Last year, the introduction of a recycling program helped significantly eliminate waste, driving her team towards eco-friendly practices. This has led to a notable leap in guest satisfaction scores, cementing Uyan’s status as one of industry leaders working towards championing sustainable hospitality practices. EFSANE UYAN Executive housekeeper, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Jumeirah Beach Over 13 years, Elvira Malvar has excelled in preopening hotels in the UAE and Maldives, notably at Atlantis The Royal. With meticulous attention to detail, she has reduced turnover from 71 percent to 21.87 percent, through tailored training and engagement programs, cutting costs by -2.8 percent. She has implemented innovations like QR code checklists, enhanced operational efficiency, ensuring timely facility checks and equipment maintenance. These achievements showcase her prowess in personnel management, process optimisation, and strategic partnerships, positioning her as a valuable asset in hospitality leadership. ELVIRA MALVAR Housekeeping manager, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens During an 18-year career, Fajar Herian has proved himself to be a trusted member of any housekeeping team. He has been instrumental in the successful launch of five hotels in that time. At Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, he has led the implementation of recycling bins in all guest rooms and service areas, as well as reusable bathroom amenities. FAJAR HERIAN Housekeeping manager, Marriott Downtown Abu DhabiAPRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 33 Power List An integral member of the Taj Dubai management team, Harsh Gaur embodies dedication to guest satisfaction and environmental sustainability. With 13 years of experience, including at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, he excels in elevating cleanliness standards and guest satisfaction, surpassing benchmarks consistently. Gaur’s leadership fosters a culture of excellence, evidenced by initiatives like personalised services for guests and energy conservation measures. He leads by example, actively participating in tasks like assisting the concierge team. Gaur’s commitment to innovation is reflected in his achievements, including a 97 percent housekeeping score in hygiene audits and exceeding guest satisfaction targets. HARSH GAUR Executive housekeeping, Taj Dubai As the director of housekeeping at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, Feras Alhaj has spearheaded transformative initiatives, significantly enhancing team skillsets and performance through sustainable practice-focused training modules. His leadership in orchestrating appreciation events has fostered a positive work culture, contributing to an impressive 98 percent guest satisfaction level. Alhaj’s strategic approach to pre-opening challenges and commitment to sustainability, such as eliminating single-use plastics, have been pivotal in the hotel’s success, welcoming over 250,000 guests in its first year. His efforts have not only solidified the hotel’s status in Abu Dhabi but also achieved remarkable job satisfaction rates among the team. FERAS ALHAJ Director of housekeeping, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi Georgette Quesada she ensures adherence to quality standards, reduces linen losses, and fosters collaboration across departments. Georgette has spearheaded the development of a performance analysis tool, enhancing data- driven decisions, and improved management through clear expectations and KPIs. Her commitment to sustainability is evident in launching an in-house water bottling system. GEORGETTE QUESADA Housekeeping manager, Jumeirah Emirates Towers34 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Power List Hesham Rizk has made significant contributions to Conrad Dubai’s housekeeping department and on the hotel at large, since his joining in 2014. His leadership has focused on team development, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Notable achievements include implementing a hotel signature fragrance, planting Ghaf trees, and leading the Nespresso Recycling Program, and transitioning to sustainable guest amenities, showcasing a big commitment to environmental leadership. Achievements under his leadership include a perfect cleanliness rating, exceeding laundry revenue targets, and substantial operational savings, marking a significant contribution to Conrad Dubai’s reputation for excellence and demonstrating Rizk’s impact on both service quality and operational success. HESHAM RIZK Director of housekeeping, Conrad Dubai Henry Subba, with over 15 years of experience, has significantly enhanced housekeeping operations at Jumeirah Al Naseem. His leadership over the years has fostered exceptional people management, transitioning smoothly to a largely casual staff while maintaining high performance. His commitment to quality has seen outstanding LQA scores and a Forbes five-star rating for the hotel. Subba’s financial acumen and operational management have streamlined housekeeping operations, contributing to high customer satisfaction scores. His focus on sustainability and people development, mentoring room attendants to leadership roles, reflecting his comprehensive and impactful approach to housekeeping management. HENRY SUBBA Housekeeping manager, Jumeirah Al NaseemAPRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 35 Power List Ishwar Chaudhary’s hospitality journey began at Grand Hyatt Dubai in 2007, swiftly rising from housekeeping attendant to supervisor at Raffles Dubai, then supervisor of the quarter at Kempinski Dubai. He excelled as assistant housekeeping manager at Conrad Dubai and Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi. Joining Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts as housekeeping manager showcased his adaptability. Currently, he serves as executive housekeeper at Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, prioritising talent development and fostering an inclusive work culture. His leadership revolves around colleague engagement, guest satisfaction, and stakeholder alignment, supported by innovative sustainability initiatives. ISHWAR CHAUDHARY Executive housekeeper, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea’s executive housekeeper, Ibrahim Al Qrenawi started from an entry-level position, and rapidly ascended through various roles, culminating in his current position, where he oversees one of Jordan’s largest resorts. His achievements include mastering IHG’s Way of Clean Program, specialising in laundry operations, and ensuring sustainable and visually appealing environments. Al Qrenawi’s dedication has not only elevated the standard of cleanliness but also enhanced guest experiences across the sprawling resort and its extensive spa facilities. IBRAHIM AL QRENAWI Executive housekeeper, Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Iman Setiawan’s journey at Leva, rising from housekeeping manager to director of housekeeping in five years, showcases exceptional leadership and operational prowess. He drove transformative changes, enhancing guest satisfaction and securing Leva’s top ranking on TripAdvisor in Dubai, maintaining a position in the top 20. Recognised for his leadership, Setiawan’s inclusion on MENA’s top 50-power list of housekeepers underscores his impact. He fosters a supportive work environment, prioritizing employee development, diversity, and inclusion. Setiawan’s commitment to sustainability earned Leva the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp recognition. IMAM SETIAWAN Director of housekeeping, Leva Hotel Mazaya Centre Dubai & Ekono by Leva Hotels in Jeddah36 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Power List With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and housekeeping, Jennicor Grava serves as director of housekeeping at Park Hyatt Dubai and Dubai Creek Resort since 2014. Her dedication to environmental conservation is evident through waste segregation, water and energy conservation, and implementing a paperless initiative. Grava’s leadership in implementing the Garment Management Inventory System demonstrates her commitment to efficiency. She has received numerous awards, including HK Associate of the Month and Manager of the Year. In the past year, Grava achieved high rates of employee and guest satisfaction, decreased turnover, executed 20 CAPEX projects, and maintained exceptional cleanliness standards, reflecting her commitment to guest satisfaction. JENNICOR DIAZ GRAVA Director of housekeeping, Park Hyatt Dubai & Dubai Creek Resort Jobish Francis has showcased a remarkable career trajectory from room attendant to his current leadership role. His extensive training in housekeeping operations, certifications, and leadership positions reflect his dedication to excellence. Under his guidance, the hotel has won awards for cleanliness and excelled during high-profile events. Notably, he manages a team of 85 and oversees in-house laundry services, achieving success and cost savings. Francis’s proactive approach to sustainability and waste management aligns with Dubai Tourism standards, contributing to cost reductions and environmental benefits. JOBISH FRANCIS Cluster executive housekeeper, Emirates Stars Hospitality UAE With over 24 years in hospitality and 14 with IHG, Joseph Thomas Ambalathinkal has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. He empowered room attendants, improving inspections, and collaborated with engineering for efficient defect detection. Known for strategic oversight, Ambalathinkal minimised costs while maintaining quality during pre-opening. His achievements include outstanding cleaning scores and surpassing financial targets. Ambalathinkal established the housekeeping department, recruited and trained talent, and standardised procedures for consistency. Notably, he pioneered 100 percent plastic- free guest rooms and a linen reuse program, showcasing commitment to sustainability. JOSEPH THOMAS AMBALATHINKAL Guest experience manager – housekeeping, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown With 16 years in the industry, Kuldeep Thakur leads the housekeeping department with exemplary leadership. Joining as assistant executive housekeeper, Thakur’s promotion in 2022 reflects his dedication and positive influence. Under his leadership, the team achieved exceptional cleanliness and safety standards. KULDEEP THAKUR Executive housekeeper, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar ResortAPRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 37 Power List Mahmoud Ahmed’s leadership journey in IHG, transitioning from the front office to housekeeping manager, have showcases his commitment to operational excellence and team development. By implementing innovative strategies, such as a relay-style task delegation and training initiatives, he has left a lasting impact by significantly improved room turnover efficiency by 20 percent alongside fostering job satisfaction within his team. His cross-training initiatives that created a flexible team, reduced overtime expenses during peak periods. Ahmed’s efforts in enhancing brand standards have consistently secured high quality audit scores, evidencing his impactful contribution to maintaining high service levels within the hotel. MAHMOUD AHMED Housekeeping manager, Holiday Inn Riyadh The business District Starting his career in the F&B department, Mahmoud Durgham’s journey to becoming director of housekeeping at Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah is marked by hard work and dedication to his craft. His leadership has earned the hotel prestigious accolades and high scores in employee engagement. Durgham’s innovative strategies in bridging departmental gaps and his continued focus on intensive housekeeping training have significantly contributed to operational excellence and high guest satisfaction for the property. MAHMOUD DURGHAM Director of housekeeping, Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah Lea Ruhimbaccus’s journey from room attendant to executive housekeeper at Waldorf Astoria The Palm reflects her dedication and skill. Her leadership has led to accolades including Leader of the Year at Fairmont Dubai and Sustainability Champion at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah. Ruhimbaccus has exceeded cleanliness audit scores and championed sustainability initiatives. With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Leelavathi Nannuru has demonstrated remarkable leadership and business acumen. As complex director of housekeeping for six Marriott International properties, she oversees 200-plus associates and an operation of 1,245 room keys across Dubai. Nannuru’s achievements include being recognised for leadership development programs and contributing to significant revenue growth in guest laundry services. Under her leadership, hotel cleanliness scores consistently surpass targets, and her team has achieved a perfect score in the Brand Standards Audit. Nannuru’s dedication to team development and operational excellence exemplifies her outstanding leadership. LEELAVATHI NANNURU Complex director of housekeeping, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, Le Méridien Fairway, Aloft Al Mina, Element al Mina, Aloft Dubai Airport and Element Dubai Airport LEA RUHIMBACCUS Executive housekeeper, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah38 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / APRIL 2024 Power List Mini Tareen, as the director of housekeeping at Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai, has significantly transformed its housekeeping standards. Over her 27-year career, Tareen has constantly innovated operations, enhanced guest experience and operational efficiency. Her leadership has led to some renowned projects such as infrastructure enhancements, brand alignment, and sustainability initiatives, boosting the cleanliness score from 69 percent in 2022 to 79 percent in 2023. Tareen’s approach prioritises staff alignment, training, and guest interaction, setting new standards in housekeeping for the property and industry, thanks to her passion and dedication to perfection. MINI TAREEN Director of housekeeping, Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai Manish Patwal began his housekeeping journey in 2007, rising through the ranks from coordinator to executive housekeeper. At Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah and Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb, he showcased exceptional leadership and team management skills. Joining InterContinental Bahrain in 2019, Patwal implemented IHG’s cleanliness programs, surpassing regional benchmarks with a 90.88 percent cleanliness score in 2023. His robust training initiatives and cross-departmental programs optimised efficiency and achieved cost savings. Patwal’s commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction has earned him accolades, including the IHG Housekeeping Impact Award for 2021. A mentor and coach, his positive attitude and problem-solving abilities solidify his position as a housekeeping leader. MANISH PATWAL Executive housekeeper, InterContinental Bahrain Manu Kaimal’s journey in the hospitality industry, from starting as a room attendant at Four Seasons Mumbai to becoming the director of housekeeping at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai says a thing or two about his dedication and growth. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including receiving the Dubai Quality Award and the Thrive 25 certificate. Kaimal’s commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives like using preserved flowers to reduce expenses and environmental impact, and collaborating with OCEAN R to convert ocean plastics into apparel, highlighting his innovative approach to conservation and team leadership. MANU KAIMAL Director of housekeeping, The St. Regis Downtown DubaiAPRIL 2024 / HOTELIERMIDDLEEAST.COM / 39 Power List Murtaza Warsi, has been executive housekeeper for Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf since 2014, boasting a rich career in hospitality. Beginning in 2001 at The Oberoi Resort in Jaipur, India, he swiftly climbed the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and InterContinental Dubai Festival City. He was promoted to assistant executive housekeeper in 2014, where he managed a massive 1,100 rooms. Now overseeing 572 keys, his role focuses on maximising team efficiency and maintaining Jumeirah’s service standards. Notable achievements include leading summerhouse reupholstering and successful venue reopening. MURTAZA WARSI Executive housekeeper, Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf Mordy Ahmed started his career in housekeeping in 1994 as a public area cleaner, progressing through various roles including linen supervisor and floor supervisor before working in Switzerland in 1996. Upon returning to Egypt in 2000, he continued to climb the ranks to become an executive housekeeper. Ahmed is incredibly passionate about his work and has implemented efficiency improvements, sustainability initiatives, such as bulk amenities and non-woven fabric replacements, and operational enhancements, such as new laundry machines and internal tailoring. MORDY AHMED Executive housekeeper, InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid Makkah Throughout nearly two decades in hospitality, Mukti Wagle has excelled in diverse roles and achieved notable milestones. Beginning as a room attendant in 2005, he swiftly rose to supervisor at One and Only Royal Mirage, earning Employee of the Year in 2008. Transitioning to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, he trained over 200 staff for pre-opening. At Jumeirah Emirates Towers, he garnered awards as assistant manager and led departments during absences. Joining Jumeirah Muscat Bay in 2021, he prioritised sustainability, achieving single-use plastic-free status and implementing resort-wide recycling. His leadership has driven high guest satisfaction and colleague retention, making him a beacon of excellence in luxury hospitality. MUKTI WAGLE Executive housekeeper, Jumeirah Muscat Bay, OmanNext >