Chief Executive Officer at Abidos Hotels & Holiday Homes
The Early Years
Wilson Joseph’s journey began in the vibrant landscapes of India, where he completed his higher secondary education in Computer Science at St. Joseph’s High School (Chennai) in 1988. His academic pursuits then led him to take up Hotel Management. He completed his Hotel Management course, specializing in Food & Beverage and Front Office operations from 1988 to 1991 at Asan Memorial Institute of Hotel Management. Simultaneously he enrolled at the University of Madras where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Key Takeaways
- Wilson’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning.
- His diverse experience across different cultures and countries has shaped his unique leadership style.
- His commitment to excellence is evident in his numerous certifications and recognitions.
Embarking on a Career in Hospitality
In July 1991, Wilson embarked on his professional journey as a Management Trainee at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in Hyderabad, India. His dedication and hard work saw him rise through the ranks. He joined the ITC group where he again showed his prowess and by February 1993, he earned his stripes as Assistant Manager in Food & Beverage in Mangalore.
International Exposure and Growth
Wilson’s career took an international turn in May 1994 when he moved to the Maldives to manage a role in the Food & Beverage department as Restaurant & Bar Manager for Villivaru Island Resorts & Biyadoo Island Resorts. After a year, he returned to India to join Sterling Holiday Resorts India Ltd. as an Assistant Manager – Operations. In April 1997, he joined the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts at The Trident Khamis Mushayt in Saudi Arabia as a Food and Beverage Manager overseeing Front Office and Sales Departments thus further expanding his global experience and expertise in other departments.
Leadership Roles and Achievements
To mark the beginning of his leadership journey in the UAE, he joined The Grand Mercure, a pre-opening hotel at Jebel Hafeet Al Ain as the Food & Beverage Manager. He later joined Lotus Hospitality in December 2003 as General Manager. Under Wilson’s visionary leadership an ambitious expansion decision was made, to grow from one hotel to a chain of five hotels. He successfully established the Lotus Hospitality brand, overseeing the expansion of the group from projects stage, pre-opening to commissioning of all hotels and he went on to become the Chief Operating Officer of the group.
In January 2016, Wilson joined Abidos Hotels as Chief Operating Officer and was instrumental in setting up Abidos Holiday Homes, where he served for over seven years. In May 2023, he took on a new challenge as the CEO of Miella, a fast-growing global procurement company based in the UAE having its presence in over 08 countries, he was tasked with the operations and expansion of the group globally. However, his heart remained in hospitality, and he returned to Abidos Hotels where he presently serves as the CEO for the group and continues to show profitable growth.
A Seasoned Hotelier
Wilson is a seasoned hotelier with over 32 years of experience in leading international hospitality chains across four countries. His gradual climb up the ladder has given him the hands-on experience needed to efficiently run an organization. He is a Fellow at the Institute of Hospitality (FIH) London, a Certified Food & Beverage Executive (CFBE), and a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. He is also a Senior Assessor for the “Dubai Quality Awards”, a Dubai Government initiative that provides a holistic framework for organisational excellence and recognizes organizations that serve as role models.
Leadership Lessons
- Embrace continuous learning: Wilson’s numerous certifications highlight the importance of continuous learning in leadership.
- Value hands-on experience: His gradual climb up the ladder underscores the value of hands-on experience in understanding and leading an organization.
- Cultivate a global perspective: Working in different countries has broadened Wilson’s perspective, a crucial trait for leaders in today’s globalized world.
- Lead with excellence: Wilson’s recognition as a Senior Assessor for the “Dubai Quality Awards” shows his commitment to excellence.
- Stay adaptable: Wilson’s career transitions demonstrate the importance of adaptability in leadership.
