Roshan De Silva Recognized in Hozpitality's Best 30 Engineering Leaders Powerlist in the Middle East for 2025
From Technician to Visionary Leader: Two Decades of Engineering Excellence.
With twenty years of distinguished engineering leadership in the hospitality industry, Roshan De Silva has been honored in Hozpitality's prestigious Best 30 Engineering Leaders Powerlist for 2025. As Director of Engineering for both Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites in Dubai Business Bay, De Silva's remarkable journey from entry-level technician to multi-property engineering director reflects his dedication, technical mastery, and inspirational leadership.
De Silva's career trajectory reads like a masterclass in professional growth. His early years as a Senior Technician laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary leadership style - one that combines hands-on technical knowledge with strategic vision. The ballroom renovation project that first showcased his potential was merely the opening act for greater achievements, including the successful pre-opening of Warwick International Dubai, where his ability to meet critical deadlines under pressure first came to prominence.
The crown jewels of De Silva's career emerged with his leadership of two IHG property openings in Dubai Business Bay. These complex projects, delivered flawlessly to brand standards, demonstrated his unique talent for translating construction-phase challenges into operational-ready properties. The subsequent "Best Department of the Year" award confirmed his exceptional ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.
Recent accomplishments highlight De Silva's evolving leadership. The Silver DST Award for 2024 sits alongside remarkable people metrics - a department turnover below 5% and 97% IHG audit scores speak volumes about his dual focus on technical excellence and team development. His current drive toward IHG Green Engage Levels 2 and 3 underscores a commitment to sustainability that matches his operational achievements.
"The crown you dream of wearing will one day be yours - if you work hard, stay honest, and move forward with relentless dedication to your goal." This personal philosophy permeates De Silva's leadership approach, whether he's upskilling teams in emerging technologies or maintaining the delicate balance between brand standards and ownership expectations across two distinct properties.
From the boiler room to the boardroom, Roshan De Silva's recognition celebrates professionals who prove that engineering leadership is as much about nurturing talent as it is about maintaining infrastructure - and that the most impressive careers are built one honest day's work at a time.
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