Riccardo Cocco
Manama
Summary
A dynamic and results-driven General Manager with two decades of experience, specialized in F&B and luxury hospitality. Adept at overseeing profitable and seamless operations while ensuring exceptional guest experiences. Skilled in charismatic leadership, strategic decision-making, and fostering a motivated team culture. Demonstrates expertise in budgeting, long-term planning, and equipping teams to independently handle business needs. Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain a high standard of accuracy and precision.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
The Merchant House
02.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: The Merchant House Bahrain is an award-winning luxury boutique hotel featuring 46 superb suites and renowned for its exceptional guest experiences. The hotel boasts several prestigious awards, including: Bahrain's Leading Boutique Hotel 2024 (World Travel Awards)-Luxury Boutique Hotel of the Year 2023 – Bahrain (Luxury Travel Guide)-Hotel of the Year 2022 (Silver)
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Managed budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation to ensure achievement of organizational goals.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for increased productivity, profitability, and overall business growth.
- Implemented technology upgrades which resulted in increased workflow efficiency.
Assistant General Manager – F&B
Riu Hotel
12.2020 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: RIU 800 rooms and 10 Food and beverage Outlets located in the new launched Dubai Island
- Part of the pre-opening team directly leading a team of 240 Food and beverage associates
- Worked with General Manager to determine effective business strategies, achieving 48% gross profit goal within first 18 months of employment
- Motivated management and staff teams to consistently deliver high quality, customer-focused service, consistently maintaining customer satisfaction score of 91.7%
- Implemented cost control measures that reduced controllable costs by 8%
- Developed a strategy that lowered inventory levels by 12%
Food and Beverage Manager
Six Senses - Zighy Bay
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Company Overview: Managed by Six senses, with 82 villas private pool SPA and multiple refined Food and beverage Outlets.Awarded as 'Top 10 luxury Hotels companies in the world' for 3 consecutive years
- Reporting directly to the Resort Manager responsible for the entire Food and Beverage functions managing a team of 75 staff
- Successfully Re-negotiate all the existing Beverage contract with the top suppliers which resulted 3% reduction beverage cost on Q1 and Q2
- Actively developing SOPs to offer an ultimate dining experience
- Re-designing all the Beverage Menus to be in line with the market expectations and improving the average spending in the Outlets by 3%
- Preparing and presenting regular reports to the GM including marketing strategies, Budgets, Forecast, price comparisons and associate’s performance
Food and Beverage Manager
Grand Millennium Business Bay
01.2018 - 09.2019
- Hired by Millennium to manage and oversee the F&B department in the pre-opening phase directly reporting to the GM.
- Large F&B department with multiple restaurants and bars along with meeting room and 800 guest capacity Ballroom.
- Developed staff training programs to enhance service skills and increase overall efficiency.
- Assisted in financial management tasks such as budget planning, forecasting revenue projections, and monitoring expenses closely.
- Collaborated with chefs and kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food preparation and timely delivery to customers.
- Established SOPs for six F&B outlets, improving service quality and operational standards.
Assistant F&B Director
Media Rotana
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Oversaw daily operations for five F&B outlets, extensive banqueting facilities, and 16 meeting rooms.
- Developed successful promotions and events to drive sales and create memorable guest experiences.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations through strict adherence to safety protocols and sanitation guidelines.
- Launched new dining concepts, effectively distinguishing the brand in a highly competitive market space.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for menu development, incorporating feedback from marketing, culinary, and financial perspectives into final decisions.
- Boosted employee morale by initiating recognition programs that celebrated individual achievements within the workplace.
Education
MBA - International Management
Geneva Business School
Master - Food & Beverage Service Management
Cornell University
Financial Management -
Cornell University
Diploma - Tourism Hospitality
Istituto Alberghiero Azuni
level 2 Sommelier - Italy
Associazione Italiana Sommeliers
Skills
- P&L management
- Operations management
- Business analysis knowledge
- Sales maximization strategies
- Adaptive leadership
- Target motivated
- Leadership and team building
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Team leadership
- Business development
- Marketing
- Sales analysis
- Sound judgment
Languages
Italian
Native language
French
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
General Manager
The Merchant House
02.2024 - Current
Assistant General Manager – F&B
Riu Hotel
12.2020 - 01.2024
Food and Beverage Manager
Six Senses - Zighy Bay
11.2019 - 12.2020
Food and Beverage Manager
Grand Millennium Business Bay
01.2018 - 09.2019
Assistant F&B Director
Media Rotana
01.2015 - 01.2018
Master - Food & Beverage Service Management
Cornell University
Financial Management -
Cornell University
Diploma - Tourism Hospitality
Istituto Alberghiero Azuni
level 2 Sommelier - Italy
Associazione Italiana Sommeliers
MBA - International Management
Geneva Business School
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