03. Dani Jan Gicquel Billington, Operations Manager, Rmal Hospitality
Billington is responsible for more than 300 employees, 20 managers and AED 100 million (US $272,200) in revenue. The group currently runs five concepts — Wheelers of St James, Frankie's Bar and Grill, MPW Steakhouse and Grill, Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge and Wagamama. Prior to joining Rmal, Billington worked in the US, Australia, and the UK. From 2005, he created and opened a number of concepts in the Middle East for Emirates Leisure Retail. After returning to the UK in 2009, where he worked as a F&B business consultant, Billington arrived back in the region in 2012 and went on to develop brands for independent companies before joining Rmal Hospitality. Having focused on brand development during 2015, particularly for Wagamama, Rmal is on course for much improved profit this year. There are Wagamama outlets scheduled to launch in Abu Dhabi in April and August, Al Ain in July, and Ras Al Khaimah in August, as well as a new Frankie’s Bar and Grill in the pipeline for Ras Al Khaimah, also in August next year. Another MPW Lounge and Grill and a Trader Vic’s are planned for 2017.
Bite-sized facts:
Number of years in the F&B industry: 23
Number of years with this company: 2
Number of years in this role: 2
Number of years working in the Middle East: 8
Number of people you are responsible for: 300+
Number of F&B outlets in the Middle East: 9
Nationality: British
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