R S Dharmendra, a seasoned leader in the realms of Sales, Retail, Entertainment, and Hospitality, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Gilly’s Chain of Restobars under Gigu Hospitality Private Limited. Known for his ability to scale and innovate in various industries, Dharmendra’s promotion recognizes his contributions to Gilly’s success and sets the stage for the continued growth of the chain, which has become a staple in Bangalore’s vibrant hospitality scene.
With over two decades of experience across management, sales, and operations, Dharmendra’s leadership journey includes a substantial impact on retail and entertainment sectors. His notable accomplishments include leading the expansion of Toys Kemp Retail to 28 stores nationwide, back when the concept of retail was still emerging in India. This pioneering role underscored his expertise in growing businesses and creating sustainable business models, which he further exemplified as the head of Amoeba, India’s largest chain of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), where he successfully expanded the chain to over 50 locations.
Since joining Gilly’s Chain of Restobars as the General Manager of Sales and Operations in 2018, Dharmendra has continuously driven the chain’s growth and elevated its brand in the hospitality sector. Even through the challenges posed by the pandemic, he demonstrated resilience and innovation, steering Gilly’s to not just survive but thrive, resulting in a network of 14 outlets across Bangalore that have been operational for over a decade. His success in maintaining profitability while expanding the brand is a testament to his operational insight and commitment to excellence.
Beyond his remarkable career achievements, Dharmendra is known for his talent in nurturing and empowering teams. He takes pride in cultivating a work culture centered on motivation, cost efficiency, and high productivity. Dharmendra considers himself a “cultivator of talent,” believing that leadership is as much about inspiring others as it is about achieving organizational milestones. This approach has helped him build robust teams that excel in delivering exceptional guest experiences, a core value at Gilly’s.
Dharmendra’s professional journey has also been marked by a global perspective, gained from business engagements in countries such as China, Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This international exposure has given him insights into cross-cultural business practices, further enhancing his ability to oversee complex operations and implement best practices. Representing Gilly’s at global platforms has allowed Dharmendra to bring innovative practices into the organization and strengthen its market position.
Most recently, Dharmendra was an esteemed speaker at the Food Connoisseur India Convention 2024, held in Delhi. His participation in this prominent industry event is a reflection of his reputation as a thought leader in hospitality, where he shared insights on resilience, innovation, and growth within the sector. His speech highlighted the importance of adaptive strategies and team empowerment, resonating with peers and reaffirming his commitment to advancing Gilly’s Chain of Restobars.
As COO, R S Dharmendra is expected to continue his transformative leadership at Gilly’s, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and passion for the hospitality sector. With a proven record in overcoming challenges and a global outlook, Dharmendra is set to steer Gilly’s towards new milestones, fortifying its position as one of Bangalore’s premier restobar chains.
