Hozpitality Group Honors 30 Influential Food & Beverage Leaders
Hozpitality Group, a key player in the global hospitality sector, has unveiled an exciting initiative: the 2026 Powerlist naming the top Food & Beverage leaders in the Middle East. This selection highlights the individuals who are making significant impacts in their organizations and revolutionizing the region's Food & Beverage landscape.
The Powerlist celebrates those who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, consistently pushing standards, unveiling innovations, and contributing to the evolution of the hospitality industry. The selection process involved nominations from respective companies, focusing on their influential contributions to the field.
The community then took part in a thorough voting process, which enabled industry peers to recognize and vote for their top choice among the nominees. This ensures that the Powerlist reflects genuine respect and admiration from colleagues in the hospitality arena.
The Celebration of Excellence
A grand recognition event is set to take place, merging the Powerlist announcement with the Middle East F&B Excellence Awards 2026. This prestigious gala is scheduled for:
Event Details
Date: March 25, 2026
Venue: Anantara Hotel, Downtown Dubai
At this gala, industry leaders will gather to celebrate the honorees. Each of the winners will receive a coveted trophy and an official certificate, underlining their contributions to the industry's growth.
Raj Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group, emphasized the significance of the Middle East market, stating, "This Powerlist showcases leadership, innovation, and resilience. Each honoree is playing a pivotal role in shaping the hospitality scene in our region."
Meet the Leaders
The following individuals have made it onto the esteemed Hozpitality's Best 30 F&B Leaders in the Middle East 2026 list:
- Andrew Vieira, Director of Food & Beverage, Anantara Downtown Dubai
- Ashraf Al Maghrabi, Director of Food & Beverage, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
- Danijel Veljovic, F&B Manager, Dusit Thani Dubai
- Dario Buonavoglia, Cluster Director of F&B, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah & Hilton Dubai The Walk
- Darrell De Souza, F&B Manager, City Seasons Muscat
- Dhiraj Kumar, Director of Food & Beverage, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
- Digvijay Rathore, Executive Assistant Manager – F&B, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
- Hesham Abdalla, Director of Food & Beverage, Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residence
- Jerome Barbeau, Director of F&B, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City
- Julia Margariti, Director of F&B, Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach
- Kevin Rowe, Cluster Director of F&B, Hilton Bahrain
- Khaled Kamal, F&B Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Jadaf
- Kiran Ramsaran, Director of F&B & Culinary, Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre
- Leni Thomas, F&B Manager, Aloft Abu Dhabi – Marriott International
- Luca Barba, Director of F&B, The Mangroves Abu Dhabi, LXR Hotel & Resort
- Michael John Fernandes, Cluster F&B Manager, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah & Bahi Ajman Palace
- Mohamed El Aziri, Cluster Director of F&B, Wyndham Hotels Ajman
- Mohammad Omarjee, Owner, Sushic Dubai
- Mohan Raj, General Manager, WaFi Restaurants
- Nader El Omari, Senior Director of Operations, Intercat Hospitality
- Pierre Desfotaine, F&B Director, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
- Raffi Torikian, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina
- Rajan Malik, General Manager, Asha's Restaurant International
- Ruben Serra, Director of Food & Beverage, JW Marriott Hotel Muscat
- Samrat Sharma, Director of Operations, Talabat
- Shiv Kapoor, F&B Manager, Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah
- Tarun Jewalikar, Cluster Director of F&B, Accor – Novotel & Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha
- Vishva Shekhawat, F&B Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach
- Vladislav Zabelin, Director of F&B, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Dubai
- Walid Shabrawy, Director of F&B, Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo, Egypt
Recognizing Remarkable Contributors
Alongside the main honorees, Hozpitality Group extends its recognition to Commended Winners for their extraordinary contributions:
- Akhilesh Bahl, Founder & CEO, Malt & Salt Hospitality
- Andre Grove, F&B Director, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
- Francesco Sica, General Manager, CÉ LA VI Dubai
- George Rodopoulos, General Manager, Bar Du Port Abu Dhabi
- Karim Shokry, Director of F&B, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai
- Laurent Milliasseau, Executive Assistant Manager – F&B, The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort
- Raneesh Gangadharan, General Manager, Silk Lantern
- Rania Saied, CEO, Arabian Hospitality – Alrais Holding
- Shrey Mehta, Director of F&B, Sheraton Marriott International – Oman
- Swadha Kuthiala, Director of F&B, Rotana Hotels – Oman
About Hozpitality Group
Hozpitality Group serves as a comprehensive network and media hub for professionals involved in the hospitality sector, connecting them to brands and leaders across hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle industries. The platform focuses on fostering growth and connection within the community through various awards and recognition methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hozpitality Powerlist?
The Powerlist showcases the top Food & Beverage leaders recognized for their contributions and innovation within the hospitality industry.
When and where will the Middle East F&B Excellence Awards be held?
The awards ceremony is slated for March 25, 2026, at Anantara Hotel in Downtown Dubai.
Who selects the leaders for the Powerlist?
The leaders are nominated by their organizations and selected through an industry-wide voting process among peers and professionals.
Why is the Powerlist significant?
The Powerlist highlights exceptional talents shaping the future of hospitality, reflecting both individual achievements and broader industry trends.
How is Hozpitality Group involved in the hospitality industry?
Hozpitality Group connects hospitality professionals and provides platforms for growth, recognition, and networking within the industry.
