Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC · Editor — Daily Amader Shomoy · Capstone Fellow 2026/1 (NDC) · Syndicate Member, Netrokona University
Profile
Professional Summary
Md. Shakawath Hossain is a distinguished hospitality, tourism and media leader with over 25 years of professional experience across Bangladesh and international markets, including more than five years as a Chief Executive Officer. Since October 2019, he has served as CEO of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, leading the company’s strategic growth across three operational hotels (The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA – A Premium Residence) and three upcoming international hotel projects. His career reflects a strong combination of strategic vision, operational excellence, brand development and industry leadership.
Alongside his corporate responsibilities, he serves as Editor of Daily Amader Shomoy and is a Capstone Fellow 2026/1 at the National Defence College (NDC), Bangladesh. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Tourism & Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka. He also contributes in shaping young minds as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Dhaka, Southeast University and American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). His multidisciplinary career brings together corporate leadership, academia, research, media and industry advocacy.
Shakawath is the only hospitality professional who is a researcher, academician and practitioner who has pioneered three original initiatives — Cricket Tourism, Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimization and Food Diplomacy. Drawing over 25 years of experience, he has built a strong second line of leadership, developed a sustainable talent pipeline, preparing employees for greater responsibilities, inspiring emerging entrepreneurs and shaping young minds towards becoming the leaders of tomorrow. His vision supports SDGs 8, 9, 10, 12 and 17 by promoting decent work, economic growth, industry innovation, inclusive employment, responsible consumption and strategic partnerships.
Career
Career History
October 2019 – Present
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC.
Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC is the premier hospitality management company in Bangladesh — owner of The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA – A Premium Residence, leading strategic growth across 3 operational hotels and 3 upcoming international hotel projects.
Key Achievements
- Leads company strategic growth across 3 operational hotels and 3 upcoming international hotel projects
- Pioneered Cricket Tourism — facilitated the landmark MoU between Bangladesh Tourism Board and BCB (October 2025)
- Pioneered Shakawath's Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimization — Copyright registered 5 August 2026 (Govt. of Bangladesh)
- Pioneered Food Diplomacy in Bangladesh — endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Serves concurrently as Editor of Daily Amader Shomoy, Capstone Fellow 2026/1 (NDC), and Syndicate Member of Netrokona University
October 2020 – April 2022
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
StarkTree Group
StarkTree Group is a private sector conglomerate with thirteen sister concerns including Hyatt Regency Sripur, Gazipur. Focus areas: hospitality & travel, restaurant & catering, facility management, tech-based logistics, e-commerce, HR & payroll, real-estate, textiles & garments.
Key Achievements
- Negotiated with Hyatt International for Hyatt Regency Sripur — 250 rooms five-star resort
- Completed Hotel Management Agreement (HMA), System Service Agreement (SSA), TLA and TSA
- Established All Spices Catering (ASC), At Your Service (AYS), and CarryGoods
- Awarded 'Asian Curry Award 2021' by Asian Catering Federation, London
September 2019 – September 2020
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Unique Hotel & Resorts Ltd (UHRL)
Unique Hotel & Resorts Limited — owner of The Westin Dhaka and the upcoming Sheraton Dhaka.
Key Achievements
- Finalized The Westin Dhaka renovation plan with Marriott design team
- Changed ~100 spots in Sheraton Dhaka architectural design for operational efficiency
- Completed Critical Path Method (CPM) and Fire Life Safety (FLS) per Marriott guidelines
- Established brand guidelines for HANSA Hotel
- Set up the entire upcoming Sheraton Dhaka at pre-opening phase
August 2017 – August 2019
Resident Manager & General Manager (Acting)
The Westin Dhaka (Managed by Marriott International)
5 Star Hotel with 235 guest rooms, Heavenly Spa, 5 Restaurants and Bars, Conference facilities, Westin Workout Fitness Studio, and Swimming Pool.
Key Achievements
- Hotel RPI ranking #1 in the market
- Top 3 in the Region in ADR and RevPAR
- Best performing in the Region in F&B revenue
- #1 on TripAdvisor in Bangladesh
- Winner of 'Best Business Hotel in Bangladesh' – World Hotel Luxury Awards 2017, 2018, 2019
- Winner of 'World Luxury Spa Awards' 2017, 2018
- Led integration from Starwood Inc to Marriott International
- Arranged ODC at President House, Prime Minister House
August 2016 – July 2017
Director of Operations & General Manager (Acting)
The Westin Dhaka (Managed by Marriott International)
Key Achievements
- Led The Westin Dhaka during the 2016 Gulshan terrorist attack — turned business to its ever highest level the following year
- Hotel ranked top 10 for Ambassador Service Guest Program in South Asia
- Implemented sustainability in engineering & laundry operations
- Winner of 'Best Business Hotel in Bangladesh' – World Hotel Luxury Awards 2016
- Winner of 'World Luxury Spa Awards' 2016
January 2014 – July 2016
Director of Rooms & Operational Excellence / Front Office Manager
The Westin Dhaka
Key Achievements
- Restructured Front Office up-selling: $216,604 USD (2014) and $254,887 USD (2015)
- Best up-selling property in South Asia region in 2014
- Received 'Service Culture NextGen Championship' from Starwood Asia Pacific
- Awarded 'Best in Class Manager' by Starwood South Asia
- Increased GEI from 8.21 to 8.97
- Completed Starwood ExCom Track 2014-2015
July 2007 – September 2013
Various Positions (Full Time)
The Westin Dhaka (Managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts)
Worked as Duty Manager, Front Office Supervisor, Guest Service Associate, and Housekeeping Associates. Recognized multiple times with 'Associate of the Month', 'Manager of the Quarter', and 'The Best Employee of the Year'.
October 2000 – June 2007
Various Entry-Level Positions
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, Ex-Dhaka Sheraton Hotel & The Westin Dhaka
Worked in Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Production, Food & Beverage Services, and Front Office across different five-star hotels.
Document
Official Curriculum Vitae
Career Philosophy
"With my entrepreneurial mindset, dynamic leadership capabilities, and an excellent track record, I achieved numerous milestones — including multiple luxury hotel awards and regional benchmarks with the hotel being recognized as a top performer within the Asia Pacific Region."
— Md. Shakawath Hossain
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