Hotelier Dedicates Success to Parents
Javed Rahim, Cluster Commercial Director for Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa and DoubleTree Resort. ‘Be Grateful for what we have in life. Not everyone is as blessed as us and we need to share our blessings with the needy as well.’
A passionate hotelier, Javed Rahim gave up his dream of becoming a chef and took up commercials as a ca-reer.
The 37-year-old passionate hotelier is now the Cluster Commercial Director for Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa and DoubleTree Resort.
Can you tell us about your business and its background and your experience so far?
My hospitality career started back in 2010 with Novotel Nadi as a reservations agent. Over the years I have worked across various brands in Fiji including the Intercontinental, Sofitel, Starwood(now Marriott), Shangri-La, Outrigger and now with the Hilton. In 2013, I moved from reservations to revenue management at the Sofitel Fiji Beach Resort. I always loved working with numbers and when I took up revenue management, I knew I had found my thing in the industry.
How do you manage the demands of professional and personal commitments?
Work and personal life balance is very important for me. This is something which I promote to my team at the resort as well. I am grateful to be working for a brand which allows flexi work conditions including work from home or flexi hours. This allows me to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
The former Cuvu College student was a pure science student who believed that nothing is impossible if the heart is willing. He completed his undergraduate studies in Management at the University of the South Pacific and completed his Master’s in Business Administration in 2020.
What is the most rewarding thing about your current job?
Achieving targets and celebrating as a team
Making our guests smile and ensuring their stay is memorable
What is your philosophy about business as a whole and your vision for your businesses?
To be the number property in Denarau and similar to our brand’s Vision, fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.
His success is dedicated to his late dad and 65-year-old beloved mother. The Sigatoka man is married to Anzareea of Tailevu and they have a beautiful eight-year-old daughter.
What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
Being the first local to hold the Cluster Commercial Director role at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa & DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji
Being part of the post-covid recovery period and delivering record breaking revenues for our properties even when Fiji’s visitor arrivals numbers are below pre-covid levels.
Having achieved my MBA
Have you been inspired or influenced by anyone in particular?
My late father is my role model. He had very little education but he ensured that his kids had the best in their life. We came from a poor background but there wasn’t a single day that he let us
go to bed hungry or miss school due to school fees not paid. He inspired me to become what I am to-day.
How would you describe yourself as a leader?
I believe in putting my team members first and also lead by example. My leadership style is Collaborative rather than Authoritative.
What impact has COVID-19 pandemic had on your professional and per-sonal life?
I was blessed to be employed throughout Covid so I am always thankful to God for that. While there
were many negative and sad stories during Covid, I believe as a nation we did well and survived together. In fact for me, the extra days off made me realize how important family time is. Getting to spend more time with my family and changing priorities was a key highlight for me.
What are some of the challenges faced by the industry?
At this stage labor shortages are our key challenge in the industry. Team members seeking greener pastures and leaving a huge talent gap within our industry.