Exclusive Interview | Navneeth Vijayan Kalathil, Deputy Director of Finance, JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa
/“This industry has a combination of machines, software, and People, Managing all this with Respect and discipline will always open doors to success.
Excel skills and data analysis are the two main skills that Ops teams have to acquire.”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My Uncle has spent 30+ years with The Leela Group as Purchase Manager. Even after a busy and hectic day, he comes home with a smile. I saw a very rich and interactive work culture where people are treated with respect and more than a colleague you have friends in the office. He once said, “Hospitality industry keeps you young and each day is a new day!”. Apart from that, I saw associates going the extra mile to put a smile and make a vacation memorable for every single guest. This got my attention and inspired me to step into the Hospitality sector.
Started my career with Broad Bean Hotels one of the leading 4start chains in Kerala as an Accountant. I learned a lot and the focus was on the basics, took advice from leaders to make sure I develop myself as a professional in this industry. A year after moved to the preopening team at Crowne Plaza Kochi(CPK) as Finance Associate, here I made myself a multi-tasking, YES CAN DO! mentality guy and drew a growth path for the coming 10 years. After three years in CPK with rich knowledge and as a shining hospitality Accountant, I moved to Dubai with Sheraton Dubai Creek as Accounts Supervisor. Soon Starwood became part of Marriott and a great culture of people first was in my blood too! Chief Accountant at Marriott Executive Apartment, Finance Manager at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa took me to my next level where I learned a lot from great leaders & colleagues in the Company. Currently, I am in Paradise (Maldives) With JW Marriott Maldives as Deputy Director of Finance.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
This industry has a combination of machines, software, and People, Managing all this with Respect and discipline will always open doors to success.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
I believe if one can smile he can spread that too. My department doesn’t come in contact with the guest directly, so I look for people who treat the frontline staff as a guest, at the same time has a positive attitude to take up different challenges and share their learning with the team. In short “I look for attitudes who lead and inspire others to lead!“
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Technology! The introduction of cloud POS & PMS, central ERP systems, Cash deposit machines, and online platforms for booking and payment has made brought down the risk of cash handling and brought down the huge AMC cost. With all these great savings some basic positions have disappeared, This may lead to a shortage for future leaders who were supposed to grow within the industry.
Editor: What is the financial skill or knowledge you would like to see in ops managers or leaders?
Excel skills and data analysis are the two main skills that Ops teams have to acquire. Ops managers have to analyze the P&L and summarize those in various ratios. This will help them to set certain benchmarks which can be used to move around in achieving the department profitability in various markets or seasons.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
I would like to see this industry be Plastic-free. The other would be an investment in green and renewable sources of energy.
Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?
People are more aware of fresh and farm-to kitchen (F2K) concepts, and this industry can encourage more young minds and potential investors in farming, but this time with improved materials and tools.
Cloud and automated systems may reduce opportunities inside the hotels but demand for F2K will open doors for us to restart what our ancestors did.
