HOSPITALITY TECH TITANS

Vignesh Balasubramanian

Vignesh Balasubramanian is Area Director of Engineering, Marriott International, UAE. In this capacity, he oversees the engineering operations of more than 65 hotels in the UAE, creating policies and procedures in sync with market requirements and fostering collaboration for improved efficiencies.

Prior, he served as the Multi-Property Director of Engineering at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Marriott Downtown Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments, where he remarkably reduced the R&M cost and energy consumption, and played an integral role in achieving ISO 14001 certification. Whilst there, Balasubramanian also restructured human resources across three properties for maximum efficiency.

He similarly achieved significant reduction in energy and water consumption and also improvement in guest and employee satisfaction scores whilst serving earlier roles as Director of Engineering at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai; The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Jakarta; and

This dual-tower project is connected by the world’s longest cantilever, floating 100 metres above the ground.

Bhardwaj has had a prolific career, spanning more than two decades. Prior to his current role, he was associated with several prestigious hospitality brands, including SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences , Millennium Hotels and Resorts , IHG Hotels & Resorts and the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts . His engineering acumen was evident in his role as Director Operations Technical at SLS, where he was instrumental in the pre-opening phase of the luxurious lifestyle hotel at Business Bay.

Renaissance Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

At the beginning of his career, he worked with the Indian Hotels Company Ltd., Mumbai, India, and exhibited exceptional capabilities in reducing energy and diesel consumption, saving significant costs and enhancing employee satisfaction.

Balasubramanian, who holds a BE (Bachelor of Engineering) in Electronics & Instrumentation from Valliammai Engineering College, in Chennai, India, is known for transforming engineering processes, creating cost-effective operations and driving sustainable engineering methodologies.

His key skills are a testament to his multifaceted capabilities. His proficiency in environmental health and safety, security planning and policy formulation has been instrumental in fostering a safe and secure environment in all his professional engagements. His knack for energy saving, cost management & budgeting, and Facility Management has ensured optimised resources utilisation and sustainable growth.

Bhardwaj has a commendable knack for identifying risks, deficiencies and opportunities at the forefront, and optimising engineering PMS to support cost management and drive sustainable programmes.

His achievements include 20+ preopenings with different brands, different levels of renovations, and restoration and refurbishment of high-end hotel projects.

Ranjeet Bhardwaj

Ranjeet Bhardwaj is Director of Engineering at the pre-opening of One & Only One Za’abeel, Dubai. He is also the Co-Founder of THEME (The Hospitality Engineers Middle East).

In his role as Director of Engineering, he is overseeing one of the world’s most iconic vertical ultra-luxury urban resorts.

An MTech in Mechanical Engineering, his impressive track record is characterised by his strategic and tactical management decisions, astute engineering strategy and exceptional people management skills. His leadership capabilities shine through in his ability to lead productive, cross-functional teams across various geographic locations, inspiring and motivating individuals to deliver outstanding results.

Bhardwaj’s commitment to sustainability is noteworthy, with his efforts towards reducing energy costs and consumption year-on-year in hotels in India and the UAE. He has also played a key role in certifying hotels under Green Engage, underlining his dedication to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

In addition to his technical and management prowess, Bhardwaj has been a respected mentor and coach for his subordinates, empowering engineering divisions to streamline processes and implement various energy conservation plans.

Rajeev Chopra

Rajeev Chopra is Area Director of Engineering at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation. In this role, he has been instrumental in steering the engineering operations, refurbishments and renovations across a portfolio of over 70 hotels. His responsibilities extend to coordinating with consultants, project managers, and owners; opening new hotels

Andrea Busato

Andrea Busato is the Regional Director of Engineering at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a role in which he oversees the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean, spearheading major projects and hotel revitalisations.

Busato is a consummate professional, with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Over the years, he has established himself as a formidable force in the realms of engineering, hospitality and cruise line industries. A graduate of the esteemed Technical Nautical Institute of Sebastiano Venier, Busato has earned a plethora of qualifications, including an International License of Captain of Engineering, and executive leadership programmes from Oxford and Cornell.

Embarking on his professional journey in 1989, Busato has held an array of distinguished positions, showcasing his expertise in technical, safety and operational aspects of luxury hotels, cruises and public transport systems. A multifaceted individual, his vast experience in all regions; and ensuring their respective engineering systems are in top shape.

A mechanical engineer, with special emphasis on air conditioning and refrigeration, Chopra, to date, has successfully spearheaded the launch and renovation of more than 25 hotels. He began his career as a Project Engineer at Utility Engineers, followed by a stint at Voltas Limited. What followed after that defined his career. Fresh out of Voltas, he joined as E&M Manager at ITDC – launching a threedecade-long career in the hospitality sector. He would go on to work at a myriad of luxury hotel brands, including Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Park Hotels, Sky Chef Flight Kitchen, Starwood Hotels and Hilton Hotels Worldwide, before joining the Rotana Group.

Chopra played a significant role in the opening of the flagship property of the Rotana hotel chain, in Abu Dhabi, which included managing a team of 70 engineers. Since then, his work ethic and leadership have defined the engineering excellence on display at all Rotana properties. His meticulous encompasses various engineering roles, including Director of Engineering for Four Seasons Florence, Hilton Molino Stucky Venezia, and Royal Caribbean International. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for problem-solving, he has also demonstrated his prowess as a Facilities Manager and Inspector in shipyards, supervising the construction and maintenance of state-of-the-art cruise ships. attention to detail in conducting technical audits and his kind counsel as a mentor of more than 20 engineers are standout features of his career. His excellence has been recognised on numerous occasions, with awards such as the Hotelier Middle East Engineers Award in 2004 and 2013, and the Hozpitality Engineers Award in 2015. In addition, Chopra has been conferred upon with certifications in Energy Management and Carbon Management by the Energy Institute, in the United Kingdom, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practices.

Busato is an ardent advocate of continuous learning. Donning the hat of a teacher, he gives training in leadership and in human behavioural studies. He also teaches communication and problem-solving courses. His unwavering commitment to excellence and insatiable thirst for knowledge have cemented his status as an industry stalwart.

Outside of his professional endeavours, Busato keenly participates in indoor and outdoor sports. He counts amongst his hobbies military self-defense training, fitness, reading and travelling.

His career trajectory has seen him work across borders, from New Delhi to Kuwait City, taking on roles from Chief Engineer to Director of Engineering. Chopra’s career is a shining example of professional evolution and a testament to his unwavering dedication to the field of engineering in the hospitality industry. His profound knowledge, invaluable experience and indefatigable spirit mark him as a true luminary in the field, carving out a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of engineers.