Meet Two TOPEX Speakers
The long-awaited Top Executive Conference (TOPEX) is here. Scheduled from November 12 to 13, the conference would entail discussions on the country’s economic and business challenges, especially challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic.
TOPEX, today, introduces two conference speakers who have a wealth of experience in the business fratenity:
■Kama● Chetty, the acting chief executive officer of Investment Fiji, and
■Neeraj Chadha, Multi property vice president, Fiji and Samoa, Marriott International and general manager for Sheraton and Westin Resorts, Fiji
Kamal Chetty
Prior to his appointment in June of this year, Mr Chetty was the Investment Promotions and Trade manager, having joined the organisation in 2008.
With over 14 years of experience, Mr Chetty has worked in different divisions and attained extensive skillset and knowledge in Investment Promotion, Investment Facilitation and Export Promotion. He is also well versed with global trade and investment promotion and has been part of various Fijian delegations.
Mr Chetty has a BA in Accounting and Financial Management and Official Statistics and a Post Graduate in Diplomacy and International Affairs from University of the South Pacific.
He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.
He is a member of the Australian Institute of Directors and serves on various business councils and has received training in Japan and China for Investment Promotion.
With a strong understanding of the dynamics of both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Domestic Investment and global trade, Mr Chetty is currently leading Investment Fiji’s transition into an Investment Promotion Agency and works closely with international strategic partners in attracting investment into Fiji.
Neeraj Chadha
Since joining the Marriott Hotels amd Resorts in Fiji, Mr Chadha has been awarded the South Pacific General Manager of the Year for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) at the HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.
With a strong background in both operations and business development, Mr Chadha is an accomplished hotelier with over 28 years of tourism and hospitality experience.
His appointment as Multi Property vice president Fiji and Samoa Marriott International and general manager Westin and Sheraton Resorts Fiji Complex in 2017.
He has played a critical role in the growth strategy of the organisation, establishing Marriott’s brands in Fiji and the Pacific.
Prior to his appointment in Fiji, Mr Chadha was the Multi Property Vice President Australia and General Manager Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa where he managed seven operating hotels within Fiji and Australia.
He has worked with the Marriott brand for over eight years and has an impressive career that has seen him in leadership positions with Starwood, Hilton Worldwide and Radisson in a number of countries including Switzerland, India, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Mr Chadha was regional general manager Hilton Worldwide in India for nearly five years before joining the Marriott Australia team in 2012.
During Mr Chadha’s tenure he was responsible
for start-up of the Indian Operations for Hilton Hotels, where he opened 10 operating hotels, seven pre-opening hotels with over 3,000 employees under his watch.
With his combined experience, strategic vision and excellent relationships skills, Mr Chadha has a proven leadership track record who focuses on the wellbeing of associates and driving value for all stakeholders including guests, business partners, owners and the community.
He is a resilient and tenacious leader who has the ability to take risks and drive for results with integrity.
Mr Chadha’s deep appreciation for Marriott’s associates saw the establishment of ‘Solia Lesu’ foundation, while navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The charitable initiative aimed to provide meals and assistance to the community including health workers, law enforcement, orphanages, the homeless and Marriott associates and their communities affected by the pandemic and Tropical Cyclone Harold.
To-date, the Solia Lesu programme has served over 25 villages in Fiji including over 3,000 meals and rations and was also awarded ‘Service to the Community’ at the 2020 HM Awards.
Mr Neeraj Chadha is married to Kanchan and has two daughters.
Tanisha, his youngest daughter, is studying Law and International Relations and aspires to be a diplomat.
Older daughter Sachi is a doctor in Brisbane and has been at the front line of dealing with COVID-19. Other than work, friends and family his life rotates around cricket and golf.
Community:
■Ex-Board Member of Fiji Airports Limited (15 Airports)
■Board Member Fiji Tourism
■Board member Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
■Fou■der of Solia Lesu by Marriott Foundation