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Time Out Abu Dhabi
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Why everyone's talking about InterContinental Abu Dhabi's coolest summer dining experience: Dock and Dine
Summer is almost here and when the temperatures are rising, is there any place better to be at than on a boat? We don't think so. The sea breeze cooling you down, the turquoise-coloured water and views for days around the capital… Sign us up. The only thing that could make this dreamy scenario even better? Having top-notch dining options when it's time to eat, of course. Enter the InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina's Dock and Dine, which might be one of the coolest ways to head out to lunch or dinner this season. Thanks to their fabulous marina, you can simply dock your boat hourly or daily and head into any of their dining venues. With more than nine restaurants and bars available, there is plenty of choice for whatever mood you're in. Delicious seafood with a Thai twist? Hop off the boat and head to Fishmarket, where there is no menu (yes, really) – just select what you fancy from the market display and sit back while the pros prepare it for you just the way you like it. Journey across the world through different flavours Ready to take your taste buds on a global adventure without leaving the marina? Start with Porto Gina, where simple, authentic Italian flavours come in generous portions perfect for sharing. If Lebanese cuisine is more your vibe, Byblos Sur Mer offers a stylish setting with all your favourite mezze and grilled dishes – plus unbeatable views and live music to set the mood. But the international flavours don't stop there. Cho Gao will be calling your name with some pan-Asian cuisine, while Chamas Churrascaria will have you enjoying incredible meat cuts, churrasco style (that's Brazilian barbecue, FYI). Seafood lovers will find their paradise at Fishmarket, where you pick your fresh catch and let the chefs create a masterpiece right by the Arabian Gulf. If cosy European comfort food is what you're after, Belgian Café offers all the classics. Mussels, crispy frites, and slow-cooked stews, all paired with a great selection of Belgian hops. Jones Social brings together bold global flavours and laid-back vibes, perfect for sharing plates, sipping creative mixed drinks and catching up in a stylish space. And when it's time to unwind, Bayshore Beach Club invites you to relax by the sea with a private beach, poolside cabanas, light bites and refreshing drinks, offering the perfect end to your culinary journey. Plan your visit You'll have to reserve this one in advance and share your boat docking details in advance so you can have a smooth sailing. So the next time you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of dining spots in the city, make a date at InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina and take advantage of the Dock and Dine offer. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Marina Walk, @Interconad (02 666 6888).
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who is Stephen Dacus, Seven & i's new CEO?
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter. Over two months after revealing its leadership succession plan, Seven & i Holdings, parent of 7-Eleven, officially appointed Stephen Dacus as president and CEO at its annual board meeting on Tuesday, replacing Ryuichi Isaka. The 64-year-old Dacus, an American, is the first non-Japanese CEO in Seven & i's history. He assumes leadership during a potentially historic period for the company, which is mulling a takeover bid from Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard and also planning a 2026 IPO for 7-Eleven Inc. in North America. Here's a rundown of Dacus's business goals and background, which includes about three years at Seven & i and leadership roles with other international retailers. Dacus joined Seven & i in mid-2022 as an outside director. Two years later, he was named lead independent outside director, and was appointed chairperson of the board of directors last May. He was also chair of Seven & i's strategic and special committees, the latter of which has reviewed Couche-Tard's buyout offer since last year. Dacus previously served in leadership roles across multiple industries. He assumed his first CEO role in 2001 with condiment maker MasterFoods, according to his bio on the Seven & i website. He also spent more than eight years in a variety of leadership roles with Walmart, including senior vice president and CEO of Walmart Japan Holdings. He was also CEO of pan-Asian foods company Hana Group SAS. But Dacus's relationship with 7-Eleven stretches back to his childhood. His father was a 7-Eleven franchisee, and a young Dacus used to work the midnight shift at the store. '7-Eleven has always been important in my life,' Dacus said during a March press conference when his move to CEO was announced. It's unclear how much Dacus's earnings will increase after his promotion. His predecessor, Isaka, earned 341 million yen in 2024, equivalent to about $2.3 million at current conversion rates, according to Seven & i's latest securities report. Dacus' years of experience leading food-focused companies will be key as 7-Eleven continues to innovate around its foodservice program. In the U.S., 7-Eleven is in the midst of a three-year plan to open over 600 c-stores that add indoor seating and offer a larger product assortment and expanded food and beverage offerings compared to the rest of its locations. During the March press conference, Dacus said food is Seven & i's 'biggest long-term opportunity in the U.S.,' adding that the company is working with its Japanese suppliers to bring many of the offerings from its 7-Eleven stores in Japan to its 13,000 c-stores in North America. He also said Seven & i intends to leverage made-to-order options to boost its food appeal. 'The key is to stay out in front with really value-added food offerings,' Dacus said. 'If I'm being honest, it feels like we've been moving a bit too slow in that regard, and some of our competitors have moved a bit faster. We need to move faster.' Although 7-Eleven has roughly 85,000 stores in about 20 countries, Dacus isn't satisfied with the retailer's global presence. When asked what he'd do differently compared to his predecessor Isaka, Dacus said during the March press conference that he intends to accelerate 7-Eleven's international expansion beyond Japan and North America, adding that 'there are vast portions of the world' where 7-Eleven doesn't have any stores. 'The key is to stay out in front with really value-added food offerings. If I'm being honest, it feels like we've been moving a bit too slow in that regard, and some of our competitors have moved a bit faster. We need to move faster.' Stephen Dacus President and CEO of Seven & i Holdings 7-Eleven has plenty of growth potential in Europe, for instance, where it only has stores in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, according to 7-Eleven's website. The company has plans to reach 100,000 stores in 30 countries — up from the current 20 — by 2030. 'It will take time, but I believe that if we do this correctly, over the next generation, there's an enormous amount of opportunity for us around the world,' Dacus said. Recommended Reading 7-Eleven parent company appoints new CEO, plans US IPO Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PAG elevates India head Nikhil Srivastava as Co-Head of Private Equity
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel PAG, a leading Asia-Pacific focused alternative investment firm, appointed Nikhil Srivastava , Partner and Head of India Private Equity , as Co-Head of PAG's Private Equity business, according to a company statement. Nikhil will also join the firm's Management Committee, and will work alongside David Wong, Partner and Co-head of PAG Private Equity , to lead PAG's private equity operations Nikhil will succeed Lincoln Pan, Partner and Co-Head of PAG Private Equity, who has accepted a role as Chief Executive Officer of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited. Lincoln will serve PAG until November this year, it has played a pivotal role in building and scaling PAG's India private equity has led several landmark investments, including the acquisition and public listing of Nuvama Wealth Management , and Manjushree Technopack , one of the largest PE transactions in India this year, among others, it joined the firm in 2019 after working across India, Singapore, and the United States markets with KKR for nearly a decade. Prior to that, he worked at Goldman Sachs and Inphi holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a master's in electrical engineering from Stanford, and a bachelor's in electrical engineering from BITS Pilani. Nikhil is also the author of several patents. PAG has deployed over $1.7 billion in India since setting up office in 2019. Its major investments include Nuvama Wealth Management, CDMO company Acme Formulations; RK Pharma Inc; and Sekhmet is a leading Asia-Pacific-focused alternative investment firm which manages over $55 billion in capital on behalf of nearly 300 global institutional investors. PAG Private Equity manages four pan-Asian buyout funds and two growth funds with $19 billion of capital under Shan, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of PAG, said: 'Nikhil assumes this leadership position with an outstanding track record in deal-making, team leadership, and strategic execution, as well as a deep understanding of the region and ability to manage and grow our portfolio companies.'Last year, PAG made one of its largest deals in India by acquiring Manjushree Technopack Ltd, India's largest rigid plastic packaging solution provider. PAG bought Manjushree from the US fund Advent International at a valuation of $1 billion.


Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
FinVolution's BRAVOSHOPS to Boost 1,500 SMEs across Asia, Debuts at UN Global Compact BRI Action Platform Summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech company, has launched its "BRAVOSHOPS" pilot initiative to support small and micro businesses across pan-Asian countries. The Company introduced the initiative at a summit held in Indonesia on May 25, co-organized by the Government of Indonesia and the UNGC BRI Action Platform. The summit brought together global stakeholders to advance sustainable development across key sectors, including SME empowerment, green innovation, education, and energy transition. During the summit, members of the UN Global Compact unveiled nine flagship pilot initiatives, with FinVolution presenting its BRAVOSHOPS initiative as part of this global effort. Notably, FinVolution's BRAVOSHOPS initiative seeks to empower community-rooted small businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and cultural heritage. The initiative builds on FinVolution's experience supporting over 70 small shops in China since 2023. Through a combination of physical upgrades, public engagement, and targeted financial support, the program enhances the visibility, functionality, and impact of participating stores. As part of its regional expansion, BRAVOSHOPS aims to empower at least 1,500 small businesses across China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Asian countries between 2025 and 2030. The initiative reflects FinVolution's long-term commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods. Building Change from the Ground Up As FinVolution actively expands the BRAVOSHOPS initiative, two newly supported businesses in Indonesia exemplify the model's impact. In Cianjur, West Java, young agricultural entrepreneur Agus Surya founded a tool shop after graduating from university. His store provides essential farming equipment to rural communities and serves as a hub for agricultural education. "Running an agribusiness is about more than profit and loss — it's about making a meaningful impact," Agus said. Responding to his needs, BRAVOSHOPS helped modernize his storefront and display units, giving his shop a fresh, professional look. Agus hopes his revitalized store will serve as a stronger support system for local farmers. Also, among the early beneficiaries of BRAVOSHOPS in Indonesia is Ms. Vonny Waty, a seasoned chef from Manado, Sulawesi, who has over 15 years of culinary experience. Currently based in Jakarta, she runs a small food stall serving traditional dishes to nearby office workers. However, Vonny had long struggled with limited resources. She faced challenges expanding her business due to a lack of refrigeration and storage, which limited her ability to preserve ingredients and diversify her menu. Through the BRAVOSHOPS initiative, FinVolution provided essential equipment — including a refrigerator, storage cabinets, and a large-capacity rice cooker — enabling Vonny to improve food safety, stabilize her operations, and expand her offerings. As a result, her income has grown, and she has become a role model for other aspiring women entrepreneurs in her community, demonstrating the transformative power of targeted, practical support. Scaling Impact Across Borders FinVolution's BRAVOSHOPS initiative was first launched in late 2023 in China as a public-interest initiative designed to support small businesses deeply rooted in their local communities. The program focused on identifying microenterprises that not only provided goods or services but also played a meaningful role in fostering social cohesion and local well-being. Early beneficiaries included a neighborhood barbershop offering monthly free haircuts to elderly residents, a rural reading space organizing volunteer-led literacy sessions for children, and a cafe that created employment opportunities for individuals with hearing impairments. By the end of 2024, BRAVOSHOPS had made a measurable impact, directly benefiting more than 15,000 people across a range of underserved groups, including seniors, children, and marginalized individuals. The initiative proved that even small-scale interventions — when guided by a deep understanding of community needs — can yield meaningful and lasting social value. This success laid the foundation for the program's expansion beyond China, demonstrating its potential as a replicable model for empowering local economies and advancing inclusive development. FinVolution's decision to expand BRAVOSHOPS to Southeast Asia further underscores the initiatives' broader relevance and affirms the Company's leadership in creating value through localized, socially responsible solutions. Leading the Way in Sustainable Financial Innovation Since joining the UN Global Compact in 2022, FinVolution has aligned its business strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening its ESG practices across its operations. The Company's ESG effort has earned international recognition, with Morningstar Sustainalytics rating the firm as a "Low Risk" performer — ranking it among the top 15% of diversified financial firms worldwide. FinVolution also achieved scores above the industry average in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Looking ahead, FinVolution aims to scale its inclusive finance efforts by partnering with more organizations, and harnessing its technological and platform strengths to help create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic environment across Asia and beyond.


Malaysian Reserve
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
FinVolution's BRAVOSHOPS to Boost 1,500 SMEs across Asia, Debuts at UN Global Compact BRI Action Platform Summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech company, has launched its 'BRAVOSHOPS' pilot initiative to support small and micro businesses across pan-Asian countries. The Company introduced the initiative at a summit held in Indonesia on May 25, co-organized by the Government of Indonesia and the UNGC BRI Action Platform. The summit brought together global stakeholders to advance sustainable development across key sectors, including SME empowerment, green innovation, education, and energy transition. During the summit, members of the UN Global Compact unveiled nine flagship pilot initiatives, with FinVolution presenting its BRAVOSHOPS initiative as part of this global effort. Notably, FinVolution's BRAVOSHOPS initiative seeks to empower community-rooted small businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and cultural heritage. The initiative builds on FinVolution's experience supporting over 70 small shops in China since 2023. Through a combination of physical upgrades, public engagement, and targeted financial support, the program enhances the visibility, functionality, and impact of participating stores. As part of its regional expansion, BRAVOSHOPS aims to empower at least 1,500 small businesses across China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Asian countries between 2025 and 2030. The initiative reflects FinVolution's long-term commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods. Building Change from the Ground Up As FinVolution actively expands the BRAVOSHOPS initiative, two newly supported businesses in Indonesia exemplify the model's impact. In Cianjur, West Java, young agricultural entrepreneur Agus Surya founded a tool shop after graduating from university. His store provides essential farming equipment to rural communities and serves as a hub for agricultural education. 'Running an agribusiness is about more than profit and loss — it's about making a meaningful impact,' Agus said. Responding to his needs, BRAVOSHOPS helped modernize his storefront and display units, giving his shop a fresh, professional look. Agus hopes his revitalized store will serve as a stronger support system for local farmers. Also, among the early beneficiaries of BRAVOSHOPS in Indonesia is Ms. Vonny Waty, a seasoned chef from Manado, Sulawesi, who has over 15 years of culinary experience. Currently based in Jakarta, she runs a small food stall serving traditional dishes to nearby office workers. However, Vonny had long struggled with limited resources. She faced challenges expanding her business due to a lack of refrigeration and storage, which limited her ability to preserve ingredients and diversify her menu. Through the BRAVOSHOPS initiative, FinVolution provided essential equipment — including a refrigerator, storage cabinets, and a large-capacity rice cooker — enabling Vonny to improve food safety, stabilize her operations, and expand her offerings. As a result, her income has grown, and she has become a role model for other aspiring women entrepreneurs in her community, demonstrating the transformative power of targeted, practical support. Scaling Impact Across Borders FinVolution's BRAVOSHOPS initiative was first launched in late 2023 in China as a public-interest initiative designed to support small businesses deeply rooted in their local communities. The program focused on identifying microenterprises that not only provided goods or services but also played a meaningful role in fostering social cohesion and local well-being. Early beneficiaries included a neighborhood barbershop offering monthly free haircuts to elderly residents, a rural reading space organizing volunteer-led literacy sessions for children, and a cafe that created employment opportunities for individuals with hearing impairments. By the end of 2024, BRAVOSHOPS had made a measurable impact, directly benefiting more than 15,000 people across a range of underserved groups, including seniors, children, and marginalized individuals. The initiative proved that even small-scale interventions — when guided by a deep understanding of community needs — can yield meaningful and lasting social value. This success laid the foundation for the program's expansion beyond China, demonstrating its potential as a replicable model for empowering local economies and advancing inclusive development. FinVolution's decision to expand BRAVOSHOPS to Southeast Asia further underscores the initiatives' broader relevance and affirms the Company's leadership in creating value through localized, socially responsible solutions. Leading the Way in Sustainable Financial Innovation Since joining the UN Global Compact in 2022, FinVolution has aligned its business strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening its ESG practices across its operations. The Company's ESG effort has earned international recognition, with Morningstar Sustainalytics rating the firm as a 'Low Risk' performer — ranking it among the top 15% of diversified financial firms worldwide. FinVolution also achieved scores above the industry average in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Looking ahead, FinVolution aims to scale its inclusive finance efforts by partnering with more organizations, and harnessing its technological and platform strengths to help create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic environment across Asia and beyond.