JW MARRIOTT Gold Coast general manager and Fijian national Ravinder Dhesi, who was in Fiji last week celebrates 25 years of service with Marriott International this month. He began his career in the hospitality industry with the finance department at the ITT Sheraton Resort Denarau Fiji in 1999, and has worked at Marriott properties in Noosa, Gold Coast, Denarau, Fiji and now back at Gold Coast. As he reflects on his career journey, his most notable achievements include the full renovation, rebranding and launch of the first JW Marriott brand in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, numerous accolades received by the resort and his own award of Global JW Marriott brand General Manager of the Year and Marriott International APEC Luxury General Manager of the Year in 2022.
He credits his success to strong work ethic, having mentors, support of family and friends and drawing inspiration from pioneers and stalwarts of the Fijian Tourism industry. “I think it’s important to have mentors and industry stalwarts to look up to. Sometimes globally successful leaders such as Sir Branson, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos may seem too far-fetched,” said Mr Dhesi.
“As career growth opportunities presented itself, I looked up to Fijian tourism industry leaders such as Mr Radike Qereqeretabua, a Fijian general manager, and Mr Tony Whitton who has achieved phenomenal success as a local leader in the tourism industry.” “I have also closely followed Mr Andre Viljoen and his team at Fiji Airways – punching way above its weight. Such success lends one to ask the question, if they can do it, how do I push myself to achieve such success.
“You also have to have a vision, a personal career plan that drives and inspires you. “The resilience, persistence, tenacity, and hunger for success and taking advantage when opportunities presented itself are what drove me. As Mr Marriott, chairman emeritus of Marriott International, says, ‘Success is never final.
’ While success can be subjective, to me it means that one should continue to excel, do better, keeping asking what’s next.” Reflecting on his journey, Mr Dhesi expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from his parents, extended family, wife, children, and mentors who have always pushed him to do better. “We should surround ourselves with a good group of people, family, friends and mentors who can support your career aspirations.
Build a good team around you, you need everyone to be paddling in the same direction,” he said. Mr Dhesi said he hoped his own career journey could be a source of inspiration for fellow Fijians in the hospitality industry. “Tourism industry is an integral part of Fiji’s economy, and we can intertwine exemplary service with our natural warm and friendly nature to push towards $1billion growth that Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill has highlighted.
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