The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is delighted to announce the appointment of two exceptional leaders to its management team: Himank Sharma as Director of Food & Beverage and Lavinia Sanda as Director of Quality. With extensive global hospitality expertise, their combined vision and leadership promise to further elevate the hotel’s legacy of unparalleled elegance and luxury.
As Director of Food & Beverage, Himank Sharma will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage offerings ensuring each dining experience reflects The St. Regis brand’s signature sophistication. Himank will lead restaurant concept development, curate innovative menus, and enhance banquet operations. Working closely with chefs, managers, and sommeliers, he will refine dining experiences, introduce gastronomic innovations, and oversee cost management, supplier partnerships, and staff training. Meanwhile, as
Director of Quality, Lavinia Sanda will collaborate with leadership teams to uphold service standards and enhance guest experiences. Lavinia will drive continuous improvement, monitor compliance with brand protocols, and analyze guest feedback. Her daily focus includes quality assessments, staff training, and implementing best practices to elevate overall satisfaction.
Commenting on the appointments, Karim Gharbi, General Manager of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Himank and Lavinia to our leadership team. Their impressive backgrounds, industry expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to deliver unforgettable experiences and further strengthen our position as a leader in luxury hospitality. We look forward to their contributions in setting new benchmarks for sophistication and service.”
Himank Sharma, a seasoned leader with over 14 years of experience, holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from IHM Bhopal in India and a Post Graduate in International Hospitality from César Ritz Colleges Switzerland. His career began at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, where he developed a strong foundation in luxury service. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles at prestigious properties, including The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal Abu Dhabi, The Ritz-Carlton Almaty, and The St. Regis Astana. His strategic approach and innovative ideas have consistently driven operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and revenue growth.
Meanwhile, only Lavinia Sanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Commercial Management from Dimitrie Cantemir University in Romania and a master’s degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Business Management from Manchester Metropolitan University UK . With a passion for delivering service excellence, Lavinia began her journey in Romania before moving on to Montage Deer Valley, a Forbes five-star property in the United States. Her career further flourished at JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel and W Budapest, where she played a pivotal role in the hotel’s pre-opening and achieved top performance rankings in the EMEA region. Her meticulous approach to quality management and operational excellence will be instrumental in maintaining The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s reputation for delivering world-class service.
These appointments further strengthen The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s legacy of unparalleled elegance and hospitality. Together, Himank and Lavinia will elevate service and culinary brilliance, setting new benchmarks in luxury.
