Transformational Leadership with Courage, Conviction and Character - Tapan Vaidya
Tapan Vaidya, CEO of Papa Johns (UAE, KSA, & Jordan) shares his journey into the restaurant world, his experience of investing his own money into the business, the importance of empathy for a leader, and much more.
Tapan Vaidya
CEO, Papa Johns (UAE, KSA, & Jordan)
A true legend and a master of the restaurant world, Tapan Vaidya is a passionate, innovative, and veteran in the industry and on Caterer Middle East Power List 2022. Currently, appointed as the CEO of Papa Johns (UAE, KSA, & Jordan), he is a trusted voice in the industry and is often seen talking about some of the industry’s most pressing issues at panels and talks. Tapan spends most of his time not only improving his business but also the industry at large.
Tapan Vaidya, CEO of Papa Johns (UAE, KSA, & Jordan), is one of the most respected and trusted voices in the hospitality industry. With an experience of more than 35 years in the industry, Tapan is responsible for the success of many quick service and casual dining brands such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Fuddruckers, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Chili’s, and Outback Steakhouse.
Investing his own money into the business, Tapan led the rollout of US pizza giant Papa Johns in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the UAE. The first Papa Johns opened in the UAE in 2005, and the company now has more than 62 branches across the country with an aggressive plan to have 100 outlets by 2024.
With the keen interest to pay-it forward to the industry, Tapan regularly shares his insights and creative solutions dug deep from his experience. He is appointed on the advisory board of the UAE Restaurants Group and is often found tackling some of the most pressing industry issues at the knowledge panels and talks.
Like many students, he took on work at a restaurant to earn some extra cash but the allure of this fast-paced industry was such that he never left. His journey is inspiring and has been full of transformation at every juncture.
Here’s what you’ll get to learn in this conversation with Tapan Vaidya,
- Tapan’s journey of getting into the hospitality industry, the early experiences that led him to fall in love with his work.
- Why he invested his own money into launching Papa Johns in the GCC.
- His experience of sailing through the pandemic and how empathy helped him brave the COVID waves.
- His idea of leadership in thought and practice and why he likes to meet each of his employees personally.
- How to collaborate with food aggregators.