Jamil D. Azar 's Linkedin Analytics

Seasoned Restaurant & Hospitality Leader | Driving Growth & Innovation | Experienced in Start-up & Turnaround. With 30+ years of experience across Lebanon, Qatar, KSA, and Kuwait, I have built and managed award-winning restaurants, F&B operations in hotels, and retail spaces. My journey began in Zahle, Lebanon, “City of Gastronomy” and culminated with an MBA in International Hospitality & Services Industry Management at the prestigious Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland, where I honed my skills. Working for renowned hotel groups like IHG, Mövenpick, Le Méridien, and Safir, I gained invaluable experience in pre-opening and launching successful ventures (4 projects). I'm a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in both start-ups and turnarounds. Building Exceptional Experiences: Led three restaurant group start-ups, conceptualizing and launching a diverse portfolio: fine-dining, casual, QSR, cafes, and even chocolate factories. Orchestrated successful turnarounds for struggling establishments, revitalizing restaurants and retail spaces through strategic planning, employee engagement, and operational efficiency. Harnessing Technology for Success: Championed digital transformation initiatives, leveraging technology to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and maximize profitability. As Managing Director, led a thriving restaurant and retail group (>$40M revenue, 900+ employees) through 5+ years including the pandemic with servant leadership and digital innovation. Resilient & Results-Oriented: My leadership during the pandemic exemplifies my resilience. As Managing Director of Al Sallal Projects Trading Company, I navigated unprecedented challenges. I made decisive restructuring and digitalization decisions while prioritizing team member well-being. This resulted in a highly motivated workforce, ensuring exceptional guest service throughout. My achievements reflect my expertise, dedication, and relentless pursuit of growth. Check out recommendations on this page to see what I'm known for!