Group: TRUSTED RESTAURANT

RIYAAZ AMLANI, Founder, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality

Riyaaz Amlani is a renowned restaurateur and entrepreneur, recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Indian hospitality industry. With a Master’s degree in Entertainment Management from UCLA, Riyaaz has revolutionized the dining experience in India. He is the founder of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality, a multi-brand empire that has grown from a single restaurant to over 63 outlets across 18 cities.

Under Riyaaz’s leadership, Impresario has become one of India’s top 5 F&B companies, known for its innovative and experiential dining concepts. His ability to provide unique experiences has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians, Condé Nast’s Game Changer of the Year, and Restaurateur of the Year by the Times Food & Nightlife Awards.

Riyaaz has also served as the President of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), a testament to his industry expertise and leadership. His vision for Impresario is to become the premier hospitality management company in India by building a talented team and creating unique concepts that deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Impresario’s portfolio includes popular brands such as Mocha, Smoke House Deli, Salt Water Café, Slink & Bardot, Social, and Flea Bazaar Café. Riyaaz’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 with the launch of Mocha, and has since expanded to various cities, catering to diverse demographics with a focus on quality and innovation.

Through Impresario, Riyaaz aims to create spaces where people can come together to enjoy great food, conversation, and experiences. His dedication to excellence has made Impresario a household name in the Indian hospitality industry

Professional turned Serial Entrepreneur, Rahul has been involved with numerous sports & lifestyle brands for the past 20 years. Rahul’s latest venture, The Beer Café, offers consumers the widest variety of beers that one can get in the country and a unique beer drinking experience. He’s also the Founder & MD of the innovative concept, Golfworx which is India’s first and the world’s largest indoor golf club. Prior to 2007, he was at Reebok India for 8 years and in Triburg for 5 years.

 

Rahul Shinde, Former CEO, Yum! Brands

Rahul Shinde is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in strategy, operations, brand development, and business growth across diverse geographies, including the US, Europe, Asia, and India. He has a proven track record of influencing internal and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives, balancing conflicting expectations, and building strong business organizations and relationships.

In his last assignment Rahul served as the CEO of Devyani International Limited, India’s largest Yum franchisee, where he rebooted the KFC and Pizza Hut organizations to focus on sales-driven operations execution and sustained new unit growth. As the former CEO of Yum! Brands, Rahul led the company’s strategic growth initiatives, leveraging his consumer-centric approach, analytical skills, and operational expertise. He has also served as General Manager of KFC Greater Asia, overseeing $2 billion in sales across 2,000 restaurants in Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, and Mongolia.

Rahul’s professional journey began at McKinsey & Company, where he worked as an Engagement Manager, leading teams to identify and implement growth strategies for Fortune 100 clients. He later transitioned to JCPenney as Director of Corporate Strategy, driving transformation initiatives and developing new store formats.

At Yum! Restaurants International, Rahul held various leadership roles, including Managing Director of KFC Indian subcontinent, Chief Operations Excellence Officer for KFC Great Britain, and Director of Corporate Strategic Planning. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Taco Bell Global.

Rahul has been instrumental in driving business growth through technology advancements, redefining business models, operational processes, and customer experience. He has successfully led organizations through periods of change, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rahul holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MSc in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and a BE in Mechanical Engineering from COEP Technological University.

Dr. A. K. Tyagi, Executive Director, Haldiram Group of Companies

Dr. A.K. Tyagi is a seasoned techno-commercial professional with a strong educational background, holding a Post Graduate Degree in Food Technology from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, and an MBA and Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration.

With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Tyagi has worked with prestigious organizations such as Wimpy International, Uncle Chips Co. Ltd., and Amrit Banaspati Co. Ltd., holding key positions including President, CEO, and Executive President. Since 2006, he has served as Executive Director of the Haldiram Group of Companies, overseeing all aspects of the company, including production, sales, marketing, research and development, product innovation, finance, diversification, and expansion.

Under his leadership, Haldiram has achieved significant growth and recognition. Dr. Tyagi has received several awards, including the Food Industry Icon Lifetime Achievement Award at India Food Forum, Business Leader of the Year Award from ET NOW, and CEO of the Year Award from India Food Safety Summit.

With his vast experience and expertise, Dr. Tyagi believes that understanding competition and continuous education are key to success in the competitive food industry. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing market trends and adapting to changes to stay ahead.

As a respected leader in the food industry, Dr. Tyagi continues to drive Haldiram’s growth and innovation, solidifying its position as a leading player in the market.

Dr. Tyagi’s exceptional leadership and vision have made him a renowned figure in the industry, and his contributions to Haldiram’s success have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades.