In the glittering, ever-evolving hospitality landscape of Dubai, where luxury and innovation collide, few names embody the intersection of financial prowess and culinary passion like Hiral Patel. As the CFO and Operations Director of Chalet Berezka, Hiral is not just managing spreadsheets—he’s crafting a legacy.
With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and finance industries, Hiral Patel has carved a niche as a transformative leader, blending strategic foresight with hands-on operational insight. His journey began humbly in his family’s business at the age of 12, where he first discovered his natural aptitude for numbers. But it was in London—amidst the buzz of multicultural cuisine and the vibrant restaurant scene—where Hiral’s passion for hospitality took root.
This duality—finance and food—has been the foundation of his career. After shaping financial frameworks for iconic establishments like Zuma, LPM, and Drake and Morgan in London, Hiral moved to the UAE and became a key architect in launching Cipriani Dubai. His ability to balance investment strategy with on-ground feasibility helped the brand secure a strong return on investment—foreshadowing the high-impact decisions he would later bring to Chalet Berezka.
Since joining Chalet Berezka in 2018, Hiral has steered the brand through ambitious growth, spearheading the UAE expansion and reimagining its operational model. His data-driven leadership helped diversify revenue streams, streamline cost structures, and—critically—negotiate one of the most commercially advantageous deals with Nakheel for a new project location. Even amidst challenges, such as a relocation, Hiral’s agility was on full display with the swift launch of a cloud kitchen—preserving customer loyalty while optimizing costs.
But it’s not just financial savvy that defines Hiral’s leadership. He’s deeply invested in the evolution of hospitality itself. As a Non-Executive Director at Aiza Hospitality Holdings, Hiral oversees strategic investments across a diverse portfolio spanning the UAE, USA, Kazakhstan, and beyond. From regulatory compliance to AI integration, his vision is clear: leverage technology, sustainability, and data analytics to reimagine the future of dining.
An ACCA-qualified finance professional with the prestigious FCCA designation, Hiral is a rare breed—grounded in numbers, but guided by culture and creativity. His leadership philosophy champions mentorship and employee development, with a belief that sustainable success comes from nurturing future leaders.
In an industry known for rapid change and razor-thin margins, Hiral Patel’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his stewardship, Chalet Berezka isn’t just a restaurant—it’s becoming a case study in how financial innovation can fuel culinary brilliance.
