Executive Interviews
Appetite for change: Sabir Sami
By Jordan MurrayWith close attention to the customer experience and culture of work at Yum! Brands, KFC MENAPakT and ASIA Managing Director Sabir Sami is building a business that is rewarding for customers and workers.
Coffee culture: Paul Smith
By Oliver FeatherstonPaul Smith has worked with coffee around the world. As CEO of Java House, he’s bringing that expertise to East Africa’s foremost cafe chain.
We connect with our customers: AK Mansoor
By Oliver FeatherstonAK Mansoor, Founder and chairman of Chicking, is on track to create the world’s first global, all-halal quick service restaurant.
Choice at an affordable price: Michael Benjamin
By Jordan MurrayWhether it be through the company’s product range, its sustainable business practices or its contributions to social causes, The Beverage Company’s CEO Michael Benjamin is determined to have a positive impact on society.
We control the whole process from farm to store: Rolando Gapud
By Sharon MasigeFood and beverage company Del Monte Pacific has a long and successful history in the Philippines, all beginning with the humble pineapple. Chair Rolando Gapud shares what brought him to the business and what his most satisfying accomplishment has been so far.
Still selling secrets: Dilip Roussenaly
COOBy Wendy KayWhen Dilip Roussenaly joined KFC as a Director of Operations, he hopped behind the counter to understand fast-food service
for himself. Now, as COO for the brand, owned by parent company Yum! Brands Asia, he’s looking through Google glasses to see
how service can be improved.
I never dreamed we would be this successful: Chandubhai Virani
Founder and Managing DirectorBy Oliver FeatherstonWhen Managing Director Chandubhai Virani unleashed his homemade snacks on the market nearly half a century ago, locals couldn’t have guessed Balaji Wafers would become one of India’s most successful snack manufacturers.
Homegrown Spirit: Steve Benitez
CEOBy Ashton KoblerCEO of Bo’s Coffee Steve Benitez decided to pursue a career in coffee more than 20 years ago. Now, he runs the Philippines’ largest homegrown coffee chain with passion and purpose.
The taste of success: Nadia Chauhan
Managing Director and CMOBy Oliver FeatherstonParle Agro Managing Director and CMO Nadia Chauhan has taken to the family business with passion and an ambitious plan to win market leadership.
Reinventing a food icon: Emilio de Lorso
DirectorBy Wendy KayEmilio de Lorso’s passion to bring ready-made pizza bases to Australia began in a garage. Today, Della Rosa Traditional Fresh Foods produces more than 5,500 pizza bases an hour, just like mamma used to make.
Spirited success: Doug Bagley
Regional PresidentBy Jordan MurrayOver the course of more than 100 years, William Grant & Sons has built a reputation for producing some of the finest Scotch whiskies in the world. As the company continues to expand its market presence in Asia, Regional President of Asia–Pacific Doug Bagley talks about its ongoing commitment to quality.