HOSPITALITY TECH TITANS

the pre-opening and engineering operation of the world-renowned Dubai Future Foundation’s Museum of the Future. With his out-of-the-box thinking, Lal brings new technologies and innovative ways, moving away from conventional managerial techniques whilst keeping basics and simplicity intact.

in excess of AED 6 million per year in costs. He has also implemented a recycling water scheme for irrigation, saving AED 546,000 annually, and resolved the Low Delta T Syndrome for chilled water systems, saving AED 800,000 annually.

Ashish Lal

Ashish Lal is a seasoned professional with over 23 years of experience in hospitality pre-opening, project management, engineering operations and facilities management. He is the mastermind behind

During his previous assignments – as Cluster Director of Engineering with Emaar Hospitality Group and with Hilton Worldwide – Lal opened five high-rise hotels and three hotel resorts, supported nine hotel openings and one museum, making for a total of 18 property openings. He has also worked closely with corporate technical services for the opening of luxury hotels in Turkey, Bahrain and Egypt. His work is focused on achieving sustainability and energy management, in line with corporate goals.

Lal is known for restructuring the human resources of eight hotels within Dubai, saving

He has also worked closely with consultants to ensure that Fire, Life and Safety standards are 100% functional and as per Civil Defence standards. Lal has conducted energy audits and implemented new systems, such as a grey-water treatment plant, heat recovery from boiler flue gas, VFDs for air conditioning units and LED lights, saving AED 500,000 annually in energy bills.

As part of THEME Masterminds and founder of AWESOME India, Lal is dedicated to paving the way for the succession of people and resources within the group. His expertise in MEP design for various projects, including retail shops, banquet kitchens and restaurants, is commendable.

Lavoie began his career in 1991 in the hotel industry in Canada. His first assignment was with the Novotel in Montreal, with the work encompassing the first stage to completion and operation. Over the next nine years, he oversaw the opening and renovation of properties across North America.

In 2000, he joined the Crowne Plaza Toronto as Director of Maintenance and Recreation. During his time there, he most notably contributed to the movie, The Tuxedo with his skill and experience. Starring the legendary Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt, the movie was partly shot in the Crowne Plaza Toronto.

Gaetan Lavoie

Gaetan Lavoie is Vice President of Technical Services (GCC and MENA) at the TIME Hotel group. He oversees all operations, renovations, new properties, new-built property and development reviews, full concept design, MEP, landscaping and recreation features. In his leadership role, he also oversees the organisation’s ongoing expansion effort of the brand.

In 2002, he joined the Renaissance Hotel, in Montreal, where his remit was to oversee the property. It was eventually sold to McGill University in 2003. His contribution as engineer with the responsibility of carrying out due diligence of the property, received acknowledgement from both the parties. He stayed on to work at the property in a university environment.

In 2007, he joined SNC Lavalin O&M, where he served as Operations Director, overseeing 275 buildings (BMO) in the Quebec and Atlantic provinces, in all comprising 139,000 square metres of space. For his work, he received recognition in the form of the ‘Top Energy Saver Award’ for BMO 2009-2010.

Lavoie is a strong believer of ‘leadership and development’, as opposed to ‘leader and development’.

‘Leader and development’ can be defined as developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, confidence and the behavioural aspects of an individual leader towards making that person more effective. The focus is often on developing the individual; it lacks a comprehensive and systemic perspective. ‘Leadership and development’, on the other hand, can be defined as building an environment where people in the organisation develop leadership skills, abilities, behaviours and attitudes. It is about building a network of relationships amongst individuals, where they support one another and work towards the greater good. It is about building a leadership culture.

Leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Leadership involves people, and hence it is a social and interpersonal process.

Amandeep Panesar

Amandeep Panesar is Consulting Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Facilities Management at a mega-project in Saudi Arabia.

Panesar is a highly accomplished and seasoned professional with over two and a half decades of experience in various sectors of the construction industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Architectural Design from UCE in the United Kingdom, which has equipped him with the necessary skills to effectively manage multifaceted and multinational development and investment teams.

With an extensive and diverse skill-set in areas such as Transition Management, Facilities Management, construction, MEP and renewable energy technologies, Panesar is a visionary leader and proficient senior executive, capable of fostering successful collaborations amongst contractors, clients and managers. He has a wealth of exposure to corporate settings and is renowned for his adeptness in establishing alliances and consortiums to participate in mega projects and in recruiting experts to deliver on such endeavours.

As part of his remit at the mega project in Saudi Arabia, Panesar oversees the development and support of energyefficient strategies and programmes for the project. He manages critical initiatives, including stakeholder management, tenders management, and contracts review/ clarification/justification for hybrid renewable energy systems featuring solar, battery energy storage, EV chargers, PV-SWRO and distribution systems.

Panesar is highly proficient in developing and managing Transition and Facilities Management strategies, policies and operational practices. He collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders and is adept at establishing long-term objectives aligned with business goals. He develops and executes strategic FM operation strategies for large and complex projects, and integrates activities with the main design teams and consultants to achieve the required design for site operations.

Having managed projects and developed businesses in various geographical locations, including the Middle East, United Kingdom and Africa, Panesar is highly skilled in the latest construction technologies, with a particular focus on renewable energy, power transmission and affordable housing.

Panesar is a highly decorated professional. His portfolio of achievements include contributing to the successful delivery and completion of EXPO 2020 Dubai; contributing to the handover, delivery and completion of Qasr Al Sarab; and winning the ‘Young Architect of the Year’ award for his work on the Sir Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in London, in the United Kingdom.

Ramish Rajoo

Ramish Rajoo is Director of Engineering, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group , in Dubai. In an illustrious 20-year career in the hospitality industry, Rajoo has held pivotal roles with prestigious hotel chains, including Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai, Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, Shangri-La Doha, Sunway Group Hotels and Resorts, The Saujana Hotels & Resorts , The Hyatt Regency Saujana and Metroplex Properties Holdings. His expertise includes pre-opening engineering activities, project management, employee development and budgeting.

Boasting a strong educational background in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Rajoo is well-versed in MEP systems, preventive maintenance and project management. A member of The Institution of Engineering & Technology

(UK), Rajoo has demonstrably excelled in overseeing building structures and HVAC systems and in implementing effective preventive maintenance programmes and energy-conservation practices. His dedication to fostering a sustainable, secure and appealing environment for associates, guests and visitors is a standout feature of his career.

Rajoo’s numerous accolades include achieving exceptional Fire Life Safety and Health scores, contributing to Forbes Five Star awards, and completing enhancement projects that have resulted in increased revenues. In a clear demonstration of his leadership skills, he has cultivated robust relationships with holding company project teams and has consistently showcased an ability to build strong engineering teams.