Exclusive Interview with Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Dimitris Manikis, the President of EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry with a passion for growth, team development, and the democratization of travel. With over two decades of experience, Dimitris has built a reputation for successfully navigating diverse markets and cultivating a global network of talent. Under his leadership, Wyndham continues to expand its footprint across the EMEA region, embracing both luxury and accessible travel solutions. In this exclusive interview, Dimitris shares insights from his journey, highlights the power of people in the hospitality sector, and discusses Wyndham’s commitment to providing travel opportunities for all. He also offers a glimpse into the company’s culture, the importance of employee satisfaction, and how Wyndham is poised for continued success in the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

How was your experience at the Future Hospitality Summit?

It was incredible. According to the organizers, it was the biggest show ever. The atmosphere was vibrant, with great colleagues and an abundance of positive energy surrounding the development in the region—and not just the region, but the hospitality industry as a whole. Events like this left everyone feeling inspired and enthusiastic about the future of our industry.

Wyndham has a presence all over the globe. What sets it apart in the EMEA region that you handle?

I would say it’s the people. Everyone in the hospitality industry will tell you that while many brands have growth plans and perform well in their respective markets, it’s the people that make the real difference. I’m fortunate to work with an amazing and diverse team. Within Wyndham Corporate, we have more than 15 to 18 nationalities represented across EMEA. It’s inspiring to see this blend of cultures coming together to deliver exceptional hospitality. It’s not just about what sets Wyndham apart; it’s about what makes the hospitality industry so special. This year, 1.5 billion people are expected to travel, and we are the “industry of happiness.” No matter the reason for travel, there’s always someone who genuinely cares about providing the right service and making people feel at home. That’s what excites me every day—the people.

If you want your customers to be happy, it’s important to make your employees happy. What is Wyndham doing to achieve that?

Wyndham is globally recognized as one of the best places to work. As Jeff Bezos once said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” In every survey we’ve conducted, our team members have consistently shared that Wyndham is a wonderful place to work. At the heart of our culture is our “Count on Me” philosophy. It’s about being able to rely on one another, regardless of hierarchy, location, or title. This sense of teamwork and mutual support is something that’s deeply ingrained in Wyndham’s culture worldwide. I’m incredibly proud to lead such a diverse and committed team.

Wyndham caters to all kinds of customers—from luxury to those seeking a small staycation. Is this something that makes Wyndham unique?

It doesn’t necessarily make us unique because many other brands also cater to a wide range of travelers. However, what sets Wyndham apart is our core philosophy: we make travel possible for all. We believe in the democratization of travel. Travel is one of life’s most beautiful experiences, and we’re committed to providing opportunities for millions of people to stay with us. Whether it’s a Wyndham Super 8 in the economy segment or a Wyndham Grand in the luxury segment, we have a brand for every type of traveler. While others may offer similar models, our mission to make travel accessible to everyone is what drives us every day.

As a visionary leader with extensive hospitality experience, what advice would you like to share?

It may sound simple, but I believe in hard work. I enjoy reading biographies of great individuals who’ve achieved significant milestones in their lives, and the one common denominator among them is hard work. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Stay true to your values and keep your personal compass with you at all times—not just a moral compass, but one that reflects who you are as a human being. What do you stand for? What values were you raised with? These should guide you every day. If you stay true to your principles, control what you can, and put in consistent effort, success will follow. Work hard, stay grounded, and success will come in its own time.

The second edition of the much-anticipated Ultimate Battle of the Banks golf tournament concluded in spectacular fashion at Dubai’s renowned Faldo Golf Course. Hosted by Integrator Media in partnership with OMA Emirates Group LLC, the event brought together a stellar lineup of over 90 participants representing 25 premier banks and financial institutions from across the region.

The tournament, played in the engaging 2-man Texas Scramble format, offered the perfect blend of fierce competition and collegial spirit. UBS Bank claimed the top spot, earning the coveted title of champion, while the event cemented its reputation as a premier gathering for the financial industry’s elite.

The lush greens of the Faldo Golf Course served as a stunning backdrop for this prestigious event, which attracted powerhouse names in banking, including ADCB, Barclays Bank, RAK Bank, Deutsche Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Citibank NA. Participants showcased not only their golfing prowess but also their commitment to fostering industry relationships in an atmosphere of collaboration and shared enthusiasm.

Beyond the competition, the Ultimate Battle of the Banks served as a unique platform for networking and relationship-building within the financial sector. This one of-a-kind tournament not only highlighted the importance of teamwork on the golf course but also underscored the collaborative ethos driving the industry forward.

As the sun set over the iconic venue, participants reflected on the day’s successes, with many already looking ahead to next year’s event. With its growing stature, Ultimate Battle of the Banks continues to unite the financial community through the shared love of golf, competition, and camaraderie.

This year, UBS Bank triumphed with an impressive score of 8 under par, securing the top spot, while Mashreq Bank and Network International followed in second and third place, respectively. Notably, last year’s championship trophy was claimed by Julius Baer, who took the top honors in the banking division.

UBS Bank’s Ashok Sindhu reflected on the victory, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit among participants. “It was fantastic to meet and compete with peers from across the industry. The tight finish made the win even more special,” Sindhu said.

Shankar Balasubramanian, RM at Mashreq Bank, shared his thoughts with us: “Another fantastic event – impeccably organized and truly a pleasure to be part of. The Integrator team, alongside the sponsors, ensured it was an enjoyable and productive day, offering a great opportunity to connect informally with industry leaders. Securing second place was the icing on an already well-crafted cake! Thank you, and I’m looking forward to the next event.”

The event was supported by Taraf Holding as the Gold Sponsor, while HPE Aruba and AGMC – BMW joined as Associate Sponsors. Beyond the greens, the tournament offered a unique networking platform for senior banking professionals, culminating in a gala dinner and awards ceremony.

Niranj Sangal, Group CEO of OMA Emirates, underscored the significance of the event in fostering industry collaboration. “The tournament provided a vibrant platform for strengthening bonds within the banking and finance community,” he noted. The tournament’s blend of spirited competition and professional networking highlighted the growing popularity of such events in the corporate sector. As the banking industry continues to evolve, platforms like these offer a unique opportunity for professionals to connect outside traditional settings.

Exclusive Interview with Talus Arukalil, Regional Manager MEAI at PNY Technologies Middle East

How does PNY ensure that its product portfolio remains relevant and caters to the evolving needs of its customers?

PNY has always been guided by visionary leadership and a deep understanding of market evolution. We started in 1985 with DRAM modules, which aligned with the needs of the early computing era. Our focus has been on adapting quickly to new categories and emerging technologies. This proactive approach has allowed us to offer the right products at the right time, keeping both us and our partners ahead of the curve. We believe this is why PNY has not only remained relevant but has also been able to help our partners maintain a strong, consistent market presence. We can continuously support our customers and partners in a way that builds long-term success for everyone involved.

NVIDIA fostering the use of AI on RTX for professional applications outside of gaming, such as scientific computing, design, and Generative AI.  How is PNY taking this opportunities to market?

NVIDIA is recognized globally for leading AI innovation, with RTX GPUs making a transformative impact across various professional sectors beyond gaming, such as scientific computing, intricate design work, and generative AI advancements. PNY is seizing these opportunities by offering a comprehensive lineup of NVIDIA-powered solutions, encompassing GPUs, specialized AI workstations, AI PCs, and a host of components tailored to diverse needs. Our broad expertise allows us to support customers comprehensively, from entry-level AI solutions for consumers to expansive, multi-cluster data centers. This ensures our clients stay ahead in the evolving AI-driven market landscape.

Additionally, PNY emphasizes guiding customers at every step of their AI adoption journey, providing tailored solutions to ensure smooth integration into their existing workflows. Whether the requirement is for high-performance computing, creative endeavors using advanced rendering, or enterprise-scale AI deployments, our commitment lies in equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive. By strategically bridging the gap between cutting-edge NVIDIA technologies and end-user demands, PNY empowers enterprises to harness the full potential of AI innovation, fostering growth and maintaining competitive advantages in a rapidly shifting technological era.

How did GITEX 2024 contribute to PNY’s overall business strategy and brand awareness in the Middle East and Africa region?

Gitex 2024 was a pivotal moment for technology enthusiasts, and it proved particularly impactful for PNY. With AI serving as the core theme, the event provided an unparalleled opportunity to highlight our enduring collaboration with NVIDIA, a partnership exceeding two decades. This platform allowed us to showcase NVIDIA’s vast enterprise solutions and components ecosystem, including GPUs, SSDs, DRAM, and portable storage offerings. Additionally, we introduced new, locally integrated AI Workstations and AI PCs, powered by PNY components, reflecting our commitment to regional innovation and strategic growth.

The event reinforced PNY’s brand presence across the Middle East and Africa, enabling valuable engagement with existing partners, prospective clients, and other key stakeholders. This engagement not only showcased our technical capabilities and innovative edge but also deepened industry relationships and underscored our alignment with regional market needs. Our active participation, product demonstrations, and strategic announcements cemented PNY’s reputation as a major contributor to the technology landscape, fueling our mission to deliver cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions.

Moreover, GITEX 2024 served as a strategic forum for PNY to gain insights into emerging market trends, helping us better understand client requirements, competitive dynamics, and evolving technological preferences across the region. This knowledge will continue to shape our regional strategies, ensuring we remain well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities and drive long-term growth. By focusing on solutions tailored to local market conditions, PNY strengthens its commitment to empowering businesses in the Middle East and Africa to harness the transformative power of AI and accelerated computing.

Beyond product selection, how does PNY prioritize customer needs and build strong relationships with its clients?

At PNY, we serve a wide range of customer segments, each requiring tailored products for both work and everyday life. Our portable storage solutions are primarily distributed through retail chains and channel partners across the region. For components and networking products, our key customers include system integrators and data center aggregators. We prioritize on maintaining strong, multi-tier relationships with our partners and mission critical end users to stay closely connected with market demands and proactively address them with the right products.

How does PNY envision the future of the distribution landscape for technology products? What emerging trends or technologies are likely to impact PNY’s business model?

With the rapid evolution of data analytics and generative AI driven by accelerated computing, the technology distribution landscape is transforming rapidly. PNY, with over 35 years of market experience and a robust partnership with NVIDIA, is strategically positioned to drive growth and innovation across various sectors in the Middle East and Africa. By leveraging a broad portfolio of consumer, professional, and enterprise solutions and working in collaboration with dedicated partners, we continue to anticipate shifts in market demands and deliver solutions that drive industry success.

PNY is closely monitoring emerging technologies like AI and accelerated computing, recognizing their impact on reshaping market dynamics and the expectations of end users. As trends such as edge computing, AI-driven automation, and high-performance data analytics gain momentum, we aim to lead by developing tailored solutions and adapting distribution strategies that prioritize efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. This vision, rooted in a proactive and collaborative approach, ensures our partners and clients are well-equipped to thrive in this evolving market landscape.

We also express deep gratitude to our partners, whose dedication and collaboration play an essential role in shaping the future alongside evolving technology. Their enthusiasm and commitment fuel the shared journey to drive innovation and address complex market needs together.