Hiral Patel
CFO at Chalet Berezka
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the traditional role of the CFO is undergoing a dramatic shift. No longer confined to spreadsheets and quarterly forecasts, CFOs are increasingly stepping into operational leadership, blending analytical acumen with real-time business execution. Hiral Patel, CFO at Chalet Berezka, exemplifies this new paradigm.
With over 15 years of experience spanning finance and hospitality, Hiral has redefined what it means to be a modern finance leader. Since joining Chalet Berezka in 2018, he has not only overseen financial planning and budgeting but also played a critical role in operational oversight, strategic expansion, and cultural stewardship. His journey offers valuable lessons for CFOs who aspire to lead beyond the numbers.
Here are five transformative lessons from Hiral Patel’s unique approach:
1. Leave the Desk – Immerse Yourself in Operations
One of the key turning points in Patel’s career was moving beyond the finance department to spend more time with the operations team. “That shift transformed my decisions, it made them more nuanced and grounded,” he recalls. This floor-level insight enabled him to make strategic decisions that were not only financially sound but also operationally practical.
Lesson: Modern CFOs must integrate themselves into day-to-day operations. Understanding the challenges and rhythms of frontline teams fosters better decision-making and enhances credibility across departments.
2. Marry Financial Discipline with Creativity and Brand Thinking
Hiral’s decision-making framework goes beyond cost control and cash flow. He emphasizes the importance of brand positioning, customer insights, and creative risk-taking. “Investing in sustainability and innovation is key to standing out in a competitive market,” he notes.
Lesson: The modern CFO isn’t just a gatekeeper of budgets, they’re a catalyst for innovation. Long-term value is built through calculated investments in brand equity, not just short-term profitability.
3. Treat Every Strategic Pivot as an Opportunity
When Chalet Berezka relocated from The Pointe Mall to Nakheel, Patel avoided potential revenue losses by quickly launching a cloud kitchen using existing equipment. This initiative not only sustained cash flow but also expanded the brand’s digital presence. “Today, our cloud kitchen still contributes significantly to revenue and even caters to international events,” he adds.
Lesson: Agility is essential. CFOs must be prepared to pivot strategically, transforming potential setbacks into growth avenues by leveraging available assets creatively.
4. Operational Oversight is Not Optional – It’s Strategic
Hiral’s dual role means he oversees everything from budgeting and risk management to construction and expansion. He is currently leading Chalet Berezka’s growth in Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Europe. His ability to bridge finance and operations is what sets him apart. “I don’t just focus on numbers, I understand how they translate into action on the floor.”
Lesson: Strategic growth demands a CFO who can align financial goals with operational execution. Future-ready CFOs need to be systems thinkers who can manage complexity across departments.
5. Develop Teams for Tomorrow, Not Just Today
As a mentor, Hiral emphasizes outcome-linked goals, cross-functional exposure, and well-being. “Leadership isn’t just about driving results, it’s about nurturing people,” he says. He advocates mental health, continuous learning, and building future leaders who can navigate both finance and business strategy.
Lesson: A CFO’s legacy is built not just on financial outcomes, but on the teams they inspire and develop. Empowered finance teams that understand the broader business landscape are invaluable in today’s dynamic environment.
Conclusion
Hiral Patel’s leadership at Chalet Berezka proves that the CFO of the future is no longer just a number cruncher. They’re strategic partners, operational leaders, and innovation champions. His ability to connect financial precision with operational depth has not only driven Chalet Berezka’s sustained growth but also redefined what’s possible for finance professionals in hospitality and beyond.
For CFOs aiming to stay ahead, the message is clear: broaden your scope, lead with empathy, and never underestimate the power of stepping out from behind the desk.
