COLUMBIA, MD, March 06, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hesham Almekkawi has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Almekkawi, founder and chief executive officer of A-To-Key Consulting, has dedicated over 30 years to the restaurant industry. His expertise lies in assisting restaurant operators, owners and executives with various needs, including startups, turnarounds, restructures and concept creation. Prior to this role, he served as the chief executive officer for Tim Hortons in the Middle East from 2021 to 2024. During his tenure, he successfully repositioned the brand, opening over 180 restaurants and tripling the company's valuation.

Dr. Almekkawi's career is marked by significant achievements in transforming struggling businesses into profitable ventures. He served as the vice president of hospitality at Majid Al Futtaim Ventures from 2016 to 2018, where he established their hospitality division. His earlier roles include serving as chief operations officer for Kuwait Food Company (Americana) from 2008 to 2016 and regional director of operations for ADF Companies & Pizza Hut Inc. from 1995 to 2008.

In addition to his corporate roles, Dr. Almekkawi has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at Baruch College from 2003 to 2007. His commitment to education is further demonstrated by his certifications as a John Maxwell Certified Team Member in 2015 and a certified international life coach and NLP practitioner in 2012. These qualifications have enabled him to focus on leadership development through workshops and executive coaching.

Dr. Almekkawi's educational background includes an Executive Master of Business Administration in service strategy and operations management from Baruch College in 2003 and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Alexandria University in 1990. His transition from engineering to business was driven by a desire for self-improvement and ambition. He attributes his success to hard work, dedication and the influence of mentors throughout his career.

His contributions extend beyond the corporate world into civic engagement and community outreach. His accolades include an honorary doctorate from the United Nations Peace Group and the International American University in 2024, an Excellent Teaching Award from Baruch College and several awards from Yum Brands for his outstanding performance.

Dr. Almekkawi's dedication to mentoring others is evident in his pride for developing individuals who have gone on to become leaders in their fields. His publication "The 9 Traits of Hero Brands" reflects his insights into brand development and leadership within the industry. Through these efforts, he aims to make a lasting impact on both individuals and organizations within the restaurant sector.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Almekkawi enjoys spending time with his family, which includes one daughter and three sons. He is passionate about sports, particularly soccer, and finds relaxation in painting. Looking ahead, he is committed to leveraging his extensive experience to support the restaurant industry by helping operators navigate challenges and achieve success. Additionally, he remains focused on leadership development through his consultancy work with A-To-Key Consulting and his involvement with the John Maxwell team.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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