8. Niki Walsh
Director of food & beverage, TAJ Dubai
Walsh’s role at Taj Hotels may be her first foray into hotel F&B but the UK national is no stranger to hospitality, having opened her own outlet, Graze Bar & Kitchen, in 2005 in her native country and turned around an ailing The Ivy Dubai after joining Jumeirah Restaurant Group. Walsh started at Taj Dubai nearly two years ago, and since then has conceptualised and opened its rooftop bar Treehouse — steering it into profitability in just a year. In order to maximise revenue year-round, she arranged for a bespoke cover throughout summer and ran a temperature-related discount. The outlet is forecasted to finish the year 20% ahead of budget, as will The Eloquent Elephant. At this outlet, Walsh focused on growing its food reputation by adding a series of weekday products showcasing the chefs' talents. There are two Taj properties in the pipeline, for which Walsh has designed seven restaurant concepts for consideration.
Bite-sized facts:
Number of years in the F&B industry: 15
Number of years with this company: 1.8
Number of years in this role: 1.8
Number of years working in the Middle East: 5.5
Number of people you are responsible for: 95
Number of F&B outlets in the Middle East: 6
Nationality: British
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