Minor announces appointment of Dillip Rajakarier as Group CEO

Minor International Public Company Ltd. (MINT) has announced the appointment of Dillip Rajakarier as the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO), replacing William E. Heinecke, who will take on the new position as Chairman of the Executive Management Committee, while retaining his role as Chairman of the Board. The appointment is effective as of 1 January 2020.

Stepping up from his current role as Group Chief Operating Officer (Group COO) of MINT, Rajakarier takes on his promotion to Group CEO of MINT whilst maintaining his leadership role as CEO of Minor Hotels, ensuring the continued development and success of the hotel division. 

As Group CEO of MINT, Rajakarier will be responsible for the company’s overarching strategy across all business units, including the corporate shared services of legal, IT and finance, as well as talent development and business culture. 

With a strong focus on driving expansion, sales and profitability worldwide, Rajakarier will work closely with the Board of Directors to achieve the long-term objective of becoming a globally-recognised leader in all three of MINT’s core businesses: hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle. Taking the helm of MINT in January 2020, Rajakarier brings with him formidable industry expertise and a proven track record of success with MINT.“It is a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Minor International – a truly global company that is renowned for its incredible growth and talented team members. I am tremendously optimistic about the future of our company. Indeed, we are moving swiftly to structure the organisation for even faster growth, to ensure we can respond to the fast-changing needs of customers around the world in each of our business avenues,” Dillip Rajakarier said, before paying tribute to MINT’s Founder and Chairman. 

“William Heinecke’s industry and leadership achievements are recognised globally and the outstanding success of the company speaks for itself. Mr. Heinecke’s industry insight and personal dedication have fostered global success from the ground up, and I fully intend to build upon the values and assets of his incredible accomplishments.”

MINT Founder and Chairman William E. Heinecke commented on the appointment: “Dillip has been instrumental to the success of Minor International and Minor Hotels throughout the past decade. As a high-ranking executive, his business and leadership talents, coupled with a tenacious passion for excellence, have played a significant role in expanding our organisation and strengthening its reputation.” 

Looking to the future, Heinecke added: “Dillip’s commitment and achievements to date are commendable. The Board and I have every confidence that Dillip is the ideal leader to drive the next chapter of global growth for the company. In understanding the need to put shareholders, customers and employees at the centre of Company strategy and growth, Dillip is highly capable to strengthen our current position and ensure that MINT is well-equipped to reap continued success going forward.”

Since joining Minor in March 2007 as VP Finance for the Hotel Group, Rajakarier has played a significant role in the expansion of the hotel division, making it a much-admired leader in the industry. 

Notable achievements under his leadership include the recent acquisition of NH Hotel Group, which was not only the largest deal to date for Minor Hotels but also a highly strategic transaction, the addition of Tivoli brand in Europe and Latin America, the Elewana brand in Africa and the Oaks brand in Australia, among others. 

Under his tenure, the Anantara brand has expanded from Asia to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The Avani brand was also created and expanded into a sizable portfolio. Altogether, MINT now boasts a solid collection that exceeds 520 hotels. Rajakarier has also overseen the achievement of robust financial results in the hotel division, which have greatly contributed to the overall success of Minor International. 

Rajakarier further commented: “MINT will solidify its leadership in the hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle market through a diverse portfolio that will respond rapidly to changing consumer demands. We will also remain opportunistic, by continuously evaluating both existing and new business opportunities. Moreover, we will focus on transforming the business through innovative solutions and the use of new technology and digital tools, as well as building on our organisational culture and the talents of our people to maximise potential.”