Rikin Lakhani

Practice Lead, Emerging Brands at The Elliot Group

Speaker

Rikin has over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the Hospitality industry with various companies, including Darden Restaurants (Seasons 52), Barcelona Wine Bar, and Hilton Hotels. Additional accomplishments include developing emerging concepts with James Beard Award Winning Chef Marcus Samuelsson. Throughout his career Rikin has been instrumental in scaling and operating concepts nationally, including leading Seasons 52’s entry into the West Coast and the expansion of Barcelona Wine Bar, both of which were recognized as Breakout Brands by Nation’s Restaurant News.

Constant involvement in high growth environments, as well as collaborations with Private Equity firms and boards has provided Rikin with a deep understanding and appreciation for the importance of building world class teams to optimize operations and scale successfully. Born in India, raised in Kenya, and having studied in London before relocating to the U.S., Rikin completed his Bachelor of Arts in Hotel & Restaurant Management at Florida International University in Miami. His international background and exposure to the hospitality, travel and leisure segments throughout the world have positioned him to specialize in leading executive leadership assignments globally. He is focused on finding the best current and next generation talent for growth businesses with owners, private, or public.

Passionate about all things related to food, travel, and hospitality, Rikin is a Board Member of the Visit Tri-Valley organization in Northern California, and a Fellow of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America.