Hotelier Awards 2017 shortlist: Hotel Engineer of the Year
Hotelier Middle East is pleased to reveal the six finalists in the Hotel Engineer of the Year category for the 2017 edition of the Hotelier Middle East Awards.
If you'd like to meet last year's winners of all categories, click here to find out more...
Click through to find out who has been shortlisted this year... and take a look at last year's event in the video below!
Chithrananda De Alwis, regional director of engineering, The H Dubai
Chithrananda De Alwis has been the director of engineering at The H Dubai since February 2014. In August 2016, he was promoted to regional director of engineering where he is now playing a key role in the development of H Hospitality’s ongoing projects. His responsibilities include the management and decision making authority for day-to-day operations and overseeing The H Dubai property engineering team. Called 'chief' by his team, he has implemented cost-saving and green initiatives for the property, and reduced utility expenses below the budget, while keeping hotel fully operational.
Nicholas Fernandez, director of engineering, Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay Dubai
Nicholas Fernandez has worked in this region for more than 16 years, and with the Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay Dubai, set up the engineering inventory system and work areas, while creating all procedures and programmes that are vital to the smooth running of engineering. He has ensured set standards are adhered to in the snagging of all areas, and introduced creative ideas to contribute to energy saving and the greening of the hotel.
Prakash Nakarmi, cluster director of engineering, Wyndham Dubai Marina
Prakash Nakarmi is responsible for the Wyndham Dubai Marina and is part of the pre-opening team for Tryp by Wyndham. He has implemented green and energy saving procedures at the Wyndham Dubai Marina, across lighting, water and overall energy. His efforts have resulting in achieving an advance award in water risk management, along with an award in an audit related to fire life and safety.
Satish Patil, director of engineering, Fairmont Dubai
Satish Patil has brought down the energy consumption across the property, and his initiatives include converting entire hotel lights to LED ones, reducing the carbon footprint and in various utility-savings, without compromising on guest experience. His projects, as well as colleague-engagement in energy conservation in the accommodation of 400 colleagues have been recognised worldwide by AccorHotels. He has also achieved the hotels’ highest departmental employee satisfaction score, with no employee turnover during the past year.
Sebastien Weyer, director of engineering, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates
Sebastien Weyer decreased energy consumption in the hotel and increased recycling, with these metrics improving substantially over the same period last year. He also installed new food macerators that reduced food wastage substantially. He also increased guest satisfaction with his initiatives, and has been responsible for leading a sustainable culture in the hotel. Partnering with the Emirates Green Building Council, Weyer is working towards a number of ambitious goals to reduce wastage and increase green practices.
Viji Kunjachan, director of engineering, InterContinental Muscat
Viji Kunjachan has worked on water cost savings, and has also reduced its operational expenses while saving costs on electricity. He has championed “Green Engage”, the CSR initiative of IHG, to reduce the carbon footprint, energy saving, building sustainability and environmental protection. As he stepped into his role at InterContinental Muscat in 2016, he started prioritising in water management while setting standards to enhance sustainability.