Priya Chopra
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Strategic leader with extensive experience in driving organizational success through effective talent development and performance management. Over 12 years in hospitality and retail, recognized for delivering impactful results and enhancing operational efficiency. Proven ability to align business strategies with support functions, fostering growth and achieving targets. Committed to maintaining high levels of satisfaction among personnel and management in dynamic settings.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Director-Strategy
Union Cooperative Society
Dubai
2024.01 - 2026.07
- Joined new leadership, including new board of directors, and supported planning.
- Developed turnaround strategy with Oliver Wyman to identify gaps for AOP 2024.
- Completed wayforward strategy with BCG by embedding initiatives into 2024-2025 AOP.
Strategy, Innovation & Corporate Development Director – reporting to CEO
Union Cooperative Society
Dubai
2017.04 - 2023.12
- Coordinated on-call delivery with third-party delivery wings during daily fulfilment.
- Partnered with online websites and delivery platforms for union coop branches.
- Set up Union Coops online store with marketplace presence on Noon and Amazon.
Business Strategy & Corporate Development Manager ( Internal Control Department)
Union Cooperative Society
Dubai
2011.04 - 2017.03
- Led union co-op project delivery through day-to-day coordination and reporting.
- Managed ISO 9001 certification activities and ongoing compliance documentation.
- Received MRM award for business excellence and related performance submissions.
- Drove continuous CSR Walk improvements through 2023.
- Organised Aon Hewitt-led restructure to support departmental realignment and readiness.
- Ran performance reward mechanism using established performance appraisal system.
- Appointed Cedar International consultants for long-term strategy planning.
- Rolled out Cedar International strategy successfully across relevant functions.
- Won Preferred Employers 2014 recognition with participating teams.
- Achieved highest net profit percentile in Dubai in 2017 through team effort.
- Delivered first Union Co-op app rollout with in-store navigation features.
- Provided shopper valet service from shelf to car and checkout handling.
- Built and implemented TM1 department scorecards tied to financials and appraisals.
- Reduced paperwork by linking TM1 scorecards in SharePoint workflows.
Training & Development Manager
Union Cooperative Society
2007.02 - 2011.04
- Achievements: Established the Training Policy and supported in establishing the HR Policies and Procedures Manual. Identified the Position wise Training Needs and worked with Operations to make Standard Operating Procedures and developed training programs for positions and conduct the training for the same. Supported the alignment of Recruitment Functions, Govt Services activities, petty cash. Establised systems for employee health insurance, employee performance appraisal system and training hours and details. Enhanced New Joiners Induction Program. Introducdce the Organization Performance Management system based on Balanced Scorecard metodology.
Human Resources Manager
Monarch Hotel, Refad Hospitality Group
Dubai
2006.11 - 2007.02
- Drove HR readiness during pre-opening by shaping org structure, role definitions, policies, procedures.
Training Manager
DAMAS LLC
Dubai
2005.06 - 2006.10
- Set up training department across the organisation for consistent delivery.
- Roll out corporate values for all staff and align departmental teams.
- Develop and run product knowledge training for multiple staff levels.
- Deliver train-the-trainer sessions for area and shop managers across GCC regions.
- Contribute to HR policies and procedures for standardised workforce practices.
- Lead the project implementing a new grade structure for the organisation.
- Develop the new performance management system for DAMAS.
Training Manager
Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai
Dubai
2004.05 - 2005.06
- Re-established IHG training standards with a comprehensive tracking system for succession plans.
- Implemented a new staff satisfaction survey system across teams.
- Identified departmental trainer pool and delivered train-the-trainer sessions to IHG standards.
Director of Human Resources
Sheraton Suites, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
2003.11 - 2004.04
- Set up structured HR department using Starwood standards and reporting lines.
- Managed HR net system rollout for newly renovated hotel staffing needs.
- Coordinated recruitment, housing, and staff cafeteria resourcing for required numbers.
Training manager
Sheraton Jumeirah , Dubai
Dubai
2002.04 - 2003.11
- Streamlined onboarding process by designing an intensive induction programme for new hires and implementing Starwood Hotels.
- Managed the roll-out of new system-wide software updates, ensuring smooth transition periods through targeted employee education initiatives implementing Six Sigma.
- Developed comprehensive training programmes for improved staff performance.
- Strengthened interdepartmental communication by promoting collaborative learning environments.
Training Manager
Sheraton Kuwait
Dubai
1999.11 - 2002.03
- Established an improved hotel training system and built a learning culture for associates.
- Revived service progress methods aligned with Starwood-equivalent quality improvements.
- Reported department performance to the General Manager and guided priorities.
- Conducted training needs analysis for 500 associates.
- Delivered training across all levels in operational and behavioural topics.
- Acted as change agent to drive progress-led quality improvement.
- Managed Human Resources coverage during director absence for all areas.
- Coordinated personnel staffing, recruitment, budgeting, and administrative processes.
- Led Luxury Collection role, extending St Regis brand across properties.
- Delivered service standards that supported international awards recognition for the property.
Training Manager
The Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
Jaipur, India
1999.05 - 1999.10
- Developed training skills through tailored sessions and reflective self-improvement practice.
- Maintained a healthier mindset for continuous development across training activities.
- Built confidence in identifying training needs for individual and team gaps.
Front office Manager and Executive Housekeeper
RAS Resorts and Apart Hotels(Silvassa)
Silvasa, India
1994.06 - 1997.07
- Monitored budgets and built checks to reduce pilferage.
- Reduced room downtime using checklist-based follow-ups.
- Managed front office operations and handled credit control for major accounts.
- Achieved 88% occupancy during hotel tenure.
- Oversaw housekeeping cleanliness, hygiene, and guest room upkeep.
- Coordinated public area upkeep and supervised horticulturist activities.
Hotel Operations Training
Hotel TajMahal Intercontinental (The Taj group of Hotels)
Mumbai, India
1989.05 - 1991.04
- Built “Zodiac Grill ’89” with hand-picked staff without billing paperwork.
- Drove service setup for “Zodiac Grill ’89” to become town’s top option.
- Contributed to “Zodiac Grill ’89” becoming Mumbai’s most exclusive restaurant.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Tourism Management
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Delhi, India 2000.01 - 2003.01
Diploma - Hotel Management
The Institute of Hotel Management ,Catering and applied Nutrition
Delhi, India 1986.01 - 1989.01
Skills
- AHLA- Completed the course in Hospitality Training
Certification
- Certified Instructor for various AHLA courses
- Six Sigam Green Belt Training- Starwood Hotels
Personal Information
Languages Known: English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Arabic
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 3rd October 1967
- Nationality: Indian
- Address: Mirdif, Dubai, U.A.E
- Marital Status: Married
- Visa Status: Golden Visa
Seminars and Trainings Attended
- Change Agent Training for PROGRESS
- Certified Instructor for Various AHMA courses
- Starwood Training Managers Workshop 2000
- STAR workshop for PROGRESS
- Certified Trainer for Training Skills Workshop
- Certified Trainer for 360 Degree Performance Management
- Actively involved in the setting up of Six Sigma Culture in the Unit
- Starwood Training Managers Workshop 2001
- Certified for Be H.O.T. and Sheraton Cares For You Programs
- Train the Trainer
- Performance Management System
- JRD – QV – The Taj equivalent Quality Management.
Timeline
Director-Strategy
Union Cooperative Society
2024.01 - 2026.07
Strategy, Innovation & Corporate Development Director – reporting to CEO
Union Cooperative Society
2017.04 - 2023.12
Business Strategy & Corporate Development Manager ( Internal Control Department)
Union Cooperative Society
2011.04 - 2017.03
Training & Development Manager
Union Cooperative Society
2007.02 - 2011.04
Human Resources Manager
Monarch Hotel, Refad Hospitality Group
2006.11 - 2007.02
Training Manager
DAMAS LLC
2005.06 - 2006.10
Training Manager
Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai
2004.05 - 2005.06
Director of Human Resources
Sheraton Suites, Abu Dhabi
2003.11 - 2004.04
Training manager
Sheraton Jumeirah , Dubai
2002.04 - 2003.11
Bachelor of Arts - Tourism Management
Indira Gandhi National Open University
2000.01 - 2003.01
Training Manager
Sheraton Kuwait
1999.11 - 2002.03
Training Manager
The Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
1999.05 - 1999.10
Front office Manager and Executive Housekeeper
RAS Resorts and Apart Hotels(Silvassa)
1994.06 - 1997.07
Hotel Operations Training
Hotel TajMahal Intercontinental (The Taj group of Hotels)
1989.05 - 1991.04
Diploma - Hotel Management
The Institute of Hotel Management ,Catering and applied Nutrition
1986.01 - 1989.01