Aneesh Senan, purchasing manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island Aneesh Senan, purchasing manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island

Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island purchasing manager on what he looks for

How long have you been in hotel purchasing?

I started my career in hotel purchasing nine years ago. I moved over to the UAE in 2005 and haven’t looked back since. I worked for some great companies before moving to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Park Inn by Radisson, Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

What products are you on the lookout for?

I am constantly on the lookout for good quality products at a competitive rate; whether it is a food and drink product or operational items, we never compromise on quality. I also keep an eye out for new suppliers and welcome their products, especially if they have something which will delight our guests.

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What area of your hotel are you most proud of?

On the whole I am really proud of both Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Park Inn by Radisson, Abu Dhabi Yas Island. I am especially proud of the award winning restaurants, Amerigos Mexican restaurant and bar and Filini bar and restaurant as well as the management and the entire team as they truly have a ‘yes I can’ spirit.

Tell us about one of your most successful deals

Whenever I make a deal I always look at how it will benefit the properties in a positive manner. We make many successful deals, with the most recent ones being an AED 51,000 (US $13,885) saving on printing supplies and an AED190,000 (US $51,726) saving on seafood.

How is procurement evolving in hospitality?

Hospitality procurement has evolved a lot from previous years. Suppliers are competing to introduce innovative products that bring mutual benefits to both the hotel and the supplier and as a result turn into a long term relationship.

What does a supplier have to do to impress you?

The most important factors that impress me are when a supplier provides consistent quality, competitive pricing and timely delivery. The supplier must be reliable, trustworthy and service-minded, anticipating the hotel’s need to satisfy our guests.