Karim Hajjali: The award-winning CEO transforming the F&B industry with his top-down turnaround exercise and solid team leadership.

Karim Hajjali, an accomplished C-level executive, and franchise expert has been honored with the prestigious Executive of the Year Award 2023 by Global Excellence Assembly. This award is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills, deep commitment to mentorship and coaching, and his outstanding track record of success in the food and beverage industry.

With a diverse international and multilingual background, Karim has an impressive record of development and operations success in a range of industries, including F&B and entertainment, fashion retail, FMCG, and new market entry strategies.

He has led and developed businesses in the MENA region, CIS, and the Balkans, earning a reputation as a subject matter expert in operations management and leadership, financial management, business development, franchising, new brand development, fashion retail, FMCG, and establishing and developing senior management.

Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Food Quest Restaurants Management LLC since 2018, Karim has built a strategy of growth in franchised and home-grown brand startups to scale and expand within the UAE, the GCC, and Asia.  

Karim's exceptional leadership has been instrumental in the company's remarkable growth milestones. In 2022, the company exceeded double revenues compared to 2021, driven by Karim's strategic vision and effective execution. His influence has been critical in expanding existing brands and acquiring new franchises in both QSR and fine dining, positioning the company for continued growth in 2023. Karim's excellence is evident in his ability to drive results even in a challenging economic environment, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader.

Karim's Hajjali’s exceptional leadership skills and commitment to mentorship and coaching have enabled him to select solid team members, set clear and achievable objectives, plan strategically, and obtain solid measurable results. He actively engages with all staff members, regardless of their position, and makes sure that he is available to answer their questions, address their concerns, and provide feedback at all levels. His professionalism and integrity have been recognized and endorsed by top professionals in the industry.

As a high-profile executive, Karim's customer relations skills and networking capabilities with CEOs, VPs, and Heads of Divisions in major corporations make him a valued asset to any organization.

Karim gives credit of his international social outlook on the world to his late father who was also an expat and his academic and career formation to his alma mater, the International College (IC) in Beirut Lebanon and has graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1989 and completed various training programs in executive leadership, project management, finance, and six sigma, including Hult Ashridge Business school leadership courses, CMI Strategy in the UK, and the Mahler Executive Leadership program.

"I am honored to receive the Global Excellence Assembly 2023 Executive of the Year Award," says Karim. "This recognition is a testament to my hard work and dedication to the F&B industry. I am grateful for this recognition and am humbled to be considered among the best in my field."

"As I reflect on this achievement," he continues, "I am reminded of the importance of mentorship and sharing knowledge with others in the industry. I am committed to continuing to offer my expertise and mentorship to help others succeed."

"This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the success of the organizations I have had the privilege of working with," he adds. "I look forward to continuing to drive growth and success for these organizations and the industry as a whole."

Overall, Karim's dedication to excellence and commitment to mentoring and coaching make him an asset to any organization. The Executive of the Year Award 2023 by Global Excellence Assembly is a fitting recognition of his hard work and contributions to the F&B industry, and his expertise and experience make him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to succeed in this industry.