Bassam Riachi
Early Years and Education
I was born and raised in Lebanon, where my interest in business blossomed early on. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Business Marketing at Notre Dame University, followed by a BA in Business Administration from the State University of New York in Lebanon. These formative years instilled in me a passion for operational excellence and strategic management.
Career Beginnings
My professional journey began as the Assistant General Manager at The Sports Café in Beirut, where I managed daily operations and customer service. I later joined Leon de Bruxelles, leading the establishment of franchise operations and focusing on procurement and staff training. These roles laid the groundwork for my future in operations.
Joining Emirates Flight Catering
In 2004, I took a significant step forward by joining Emirates Flight Catering in Dubai as a Senior Operations Manager. Leading a team of over 1,000 employees, I delivered catering services to more than 120 airlines while achieving a compliance rate of 99.8% for Key Performance Indicators. I implemented Lean Six Sigma initiatives and drove automation to enhance productivity and employee engagement.
Achievements
Throughout my career, I’ve led impactful projects, including developing an inventory tracker that improved stock management by 15% and identifying revenue opportunities that generated AED 1.1 million annually. The Flower Project in 2011, which saved AED 7 million per year for our customer, stands out as a key achievement.
Lifelong Learning
I am committed to continuous learning and currently pursuing certifications such as PMP and IOSH. I believe in the importance of mentoring and fostering innovation within my teams.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my career. I look forward to continuing to drive excellence in the airline catering industry and making a positive impact wherever I can.