Business Head – APAC,
National Restaurant Association /
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Asha House, 28 Suren Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400093
INDIA

Dennie Matthews has been in the field of promoting hospitality education and training in the region at the National Restaurant Association USA and American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). With over two decades of leadership experience, Dennie has played a pivotal role in shaping hospitality workforce development across India and the broader APAC region.

Since AHLEI’s expansion into India in 1994, Dennie has been at the forefront of building strong academic and industry linkages. Under his guidance, AHLEI has partnered with several academic institutions across AsiaPac, introducing globally recognized certifications and vocational training that meet international service standards.

One of Dennie’s hallmark achievements has been the successful collaboration with India’s Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC). Through this partnership, AHLEI launched programs like the “Train the Trainer” certification and the START (Skills, Tasks, and Results Training) vocational program, designed to empower young professionals and enhance employability across entry-level hospitality roles.

His leadership emphasizes local relevance and global quality, ensuring that AHLEI’s content and delivery in Asia are adapted to meet cultural, regulatory, and workforce needs. Dennie’s approach combines strategic foresight with grassroots execution, helping develop a pipeline of skilled, job-ready hospitality professionals in India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other Southeast Asian markets.

Dennie is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and continuing professional development. He believes in integrating academic knowledge with practical skills, ensuring students and professionals alike are future-ready in a competitive global industry.

Through his work, Dennie Matthews continues to contribute significantly to the evolution of hospitality training in the region, helping elevate service standards and creating meaningful career pathways for thousands.