Introduction
With over five decades of experience in the travel and aviation industry (1975-present), Mano Chandra Dhas has carved a niche for himself as a thought leader, innovator, and mentor. From single-handedly establishing HRG Middle East & West Asia across 15 countries in 22 months to managing US$100 Million annual throughput and major multinational accounts like ABB, BMW, BP, CISCO, McKinsey, Microsoft, Shell, and Siemens, Mano's journey is defined by his strategic vision, comprehensive expertise, and passion for nurturing talent.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
What Mano Does
Mano specialises in enhancing the profitability and efficiency of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and businesses by providing strategic consultancy services. His work focuses on:
- Corporate Travel Cost Management: Including VAT recovery and T&E budget optimisation, ensuring companies maximise their savings on travel expenditures.
- Business Development and Strategy: From setting up travel agencies and obtaining IATA accreditation to developing commercial networks across regions.
- Training and Development: Mano believes in nurturing the next generation of leaders, offering training in client account management, staff motivation, and specialised services.
- Marketing and Content Creation: Producing compelling marketing materials, web content, and presentations that drive business success.
Key Achievements
- Regional Expansion: Single-handedly established HRG Middle East & West Asia spanning 15 countries in just 22 months (1993-1995), creating the region's strongest Corporate Travel Management Company with 15 Implant Offices and 6 Business Travel Centres.
- Financial Scale: Successfully managed annual throughput of over US$100 Million with impressive retention margins, handling major multinational accounts including ABB, ABN Amro, BMW, BP, CISCO, Daimler Chrysler, McKinsey, Microsoft, Shell, and Siemens.
- Innovative Solutions: Pioneered several industry firsts, including an RFP to choose and implement the first regional (pan-gulf) credit card payment system for clients in the Gulf, establishment of a multi-language contact centre (5 languages), Marine Travel Division, and VAT Recovery section.
- Team Leadership: Managed up to 165 staff in the UAE, with proven abilities in manpower planning, recruitment, and performance-oriented team management.
What Sets Mano Apart?
Empowerment and Mentorship
Mano's colleagues often highlight his ability to empower, mentor, and inspire those around him. His leadership style fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to shine, innovate, and grow. His approach to leadership combines deep industry knowledge with a genuine commitment to developing others.
A True Professional with a Heart
Mano's leadership goes beyond business; he is known for his empathy, approachability, and the personal connections he builds with his team. This unique blend of professionalism and compassion makes him not just a leader, but a mentor who deeply cares about the success and well-being of his colleagues.
Visionary and Trailblazer
Mano has always been ahead of his time, envisioning solutions and strategies that drive long-term success. His forward-thinking approach has helped companies excel under his guidance, setting new standards in corporate travel management.
Career Highlights - 50 Years of Excellence (1975-Present)
Early Career Foundation (1975-1993)
Mano's career began at Singapore Airlines (1975-1977) in Reservations & Ticketing, followed by progressive roles at Kanoo Travel Agency in Bahrain (1977-1979), Thomas Cook in Dubai (1979-1982), and a significant 11-year tenure at Alitalia Italian Airlines (1982-1993) as Senior Sales Representative covering UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This foundation provided deep expertise in airline operations, passenger sales, and GCC market dynamics.
Emirates Airline Group (1993-2008)
During his 15-year tenure at Emirates, Mano managed transformational strategic projects. As Manager BTI Middle East & West Asia (1995-2005), he established HRG UAE as the strongest Corporate Travel Management Company in the region with 15 Implant Offices and 6 Business Travel Centres. Key achievements include setting up the BTI Middle East & West Asia network across 15 countries, establishing VAT recovery and Visa Procurement divisions, negotiating Dnata Instone Marine Services, and managing US$100 Million annual throughput with major accounts like ABB, BMW, BP, CISCO, McKinsey, Microsoft, Shell, and Siemens.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel - UAE - Alshamel (2008-2012)
As Country Manager for the UAE, Mano was responsible for the overall P&L of company operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He pioneered the Alshamel CWT Credit Card RFP and moved the company towards selecting a single credit card client payment solution with attached benefits for all Alshamel regional entities across 7 operations (Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia) - a first for the Travel Industry in the Middle East and West Asia region.
He also rapidly developed the Business throughput of the Company from about US$20 Million to US$100 Million in four short years. He took the Company to become a multi-award-winning entity, recognised by several major airlines as a major contributor of passenger traffic.
Coromandel SAS (2013–Present)
Mano currently serves as Managing Partner at Coromandel SAS, based in Bogotá, Colombia, where he helps businesses recover VAT on business travel, optimize travel budgets, and develop regional commercial networks. He provides consultancy services to clients across South America, the USA, and the Arabian Gulf.
A Multifaceted Personality
Beyond his professional achievements, Mano is a man of many talents. Darryl Sequeira, a strategic leader, describes him as "a person with high integrity, humility, and kindness... an extremely talented individual who sings, plays the guitar, paints, and excels as a professional photographer." These creative pursuits reflect Mano's ability to see the world from different perspectives, bringing a unique, holistic approach to his professional endeavours.
A Role Model for Many
Former colleagues like Valentine D'Silva see Mano as a role model: "He gathers great respect for setting high standards and ensured that we delivered nothing short of his expectation." His dedication to excellence and people development has left a lasting impact on those who have worked with him, solidifying his legacy as a leader who not only drives business success but also helps others realise their full potential.
Professional Endorsements
"The empowerment, conviction, professionalism and trust Mano gave his Managers are traits of a great and astute Leader. Mano carries with him immense domain knowledge and experience, worth its weight in Star dust."
Carlton ThomasGlobal Head @ Satguru Group | Maritime Crew Management
"Given his natural organisation skills and his enviable ability to stay focussed, he can always be relied on, to deliver. Project Management comes to him naturally. His man management skills are also commendable."
Keith LongstaffRetired Airline Executive
"A person with very high integrity, humility & kindness. He had the leadership courage to put his head on the block for his values, believes & the truth. An extremely talented individual who sang with a wonderful voice, played the guitar, an exceptional painter & a professional photographer."
Darryl SequeiraStrategic Leadership - C Suite/Global TMC Management
"Mano was a hard working, meticulous and methodical manager. He was an excellent man manager, always capable of getting the best from his staff in a quiet and efficient manner. Mano's job knowledge was encyclopaedic and he led by example."
Leo FewtrellManaging Partner, Gulf Reps Ltd.
Connect with Mano
Contact Information
Ready to take your business travel strategy to the next level or explore opportunities to optimise your T&E budget? Reach out to Mano Chandra Dhas for a consultation today:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +57 320 492 5300