GAURAV CHAVAN
Head of Contracting & Operations (Domestic & MICE)
Mumbai
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven leader with 18 years of expertise in MICE contracting and operations. Specializes in high-profile corporate events, strategic vendor negotiations, and operational efficiency. Skilled at curating innovative business strategies to maximize profitability, streamline processes, and enhance client engagement. Renowned for securing high-value contracts, fostering global collaborations, and driving sustainable financial performance in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2004
2004
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Operations & Contracting
Ghoomo Global Holidays
02.2025 - Current
- Spearheading end-to-end operations and contracting for MICE (Domestic & International), ensuring seamless execution of large-scale corporate travel programs
- Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with global vendors, securing preferential rates and optimizing cost structures
- Overseeing select sales functions while delivering profitability beyond expected targets through meticulous contract negotiations
- Leading a high-performing team of 7 professionals, fostering leadership development and operational excellence
- Driving innovative procurement strategies to elevate supplier relationships and service delivery
- Ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations, risk assessment protocols, and quality control measures
Deputy General Manager – Contracting & Operations
Tripjack
12.2022 - 12.2024
- Company Overview: Mumbai
- Championed MICE contracting initiatives, forging long-term alliances with leading hotels, airlines, and destination management companies (DMCs)
- Surpassed financial projections through strategic supplier negotiations and comprehensive contract optimization
- Led a 6-member team, overseeing operational efficiency, financial performance, and corporate client engagements
- Strengthened industry collaborations with tourism boards, securing exclusive benefits for corporate MICE programs
- Instituted rigorous vendor performance monitoring, ensuring seamless service delivery and contractual compliance
- Mumbai
Senior Manager – Contracting & Operations
Riya Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
10.2019 - 12.2022
- Designed and executed high-yield procurement strategies, surpassing sales forecasts and optimizing vendor partnerships
- Secured lucrative contracts with top-tier hotels, convention centers, and aviation providers, achieving superior market positioning
- Orchestrated the digital transformation of MICE operations, integrating AI-driven analytics to enhance decision-making
- Managed a 5-member team, streamlining event logistics and ensuring the flawless execution of corporate conferences, incentive programs, and exhibitions
Senior Manager – Marketing (Contracting & Operations)
Club7 Holidays
12.2017 - 09.2019
- Led high-impact MICE procurement and contracting strategies, securing exclusive agreements with luxury hospitality brands
- Drove cost-effective solutions while enhancing client experiences through tailored event planning and logistics
- Introduced advanced event technology solutions, refining guest management and itinerary automation
- Supervised a 4-member team, ensuring seamless coordination between marketing, contracting, and execution teams
Senior Manager – MICE Contracting & Operations
Jupiter Travels
08.2016 - 11.2017
- Negotiated and executed high-value contracts with international hospitality providers, ensuring optimal cost structures
- Spearheaded corporate retreats and incentive programs, delivering bespoke travel experiences
- Introduced data-driven evaluation metrics to enhance vendor performance and reduce operational risks
- Led a 6-member team, streamlining event planning and travel logistics
Senior Manager – Contracting & Operations
Akbar Holidays
06.2007 - 07.2016
- Developed groundbreaking MICE strategies, leveraging market intelligence to drive revenue growth
- Managed high-value supplier negotiations, securing preferential agreements with luxury event venues
- Implemented automated financial tracking and budgeting systems, optimizing fiscal performance
- Oversaw a 5-member team, ensuring cross-functional collaboration for large-scale event execution
Tour Manager
Kesari Tours
02.2005 - 01.2007
- Designed and led premium domestic tour programs, curating immersive travel experiences
- Fostered strategic alliances with regional hospitality partners, enhancing service delivery
Education
Bachelor of Commerce -
Mumbai University
Diploma in Travel & Tourism - undefined
IITC
IATA Foundation Certification - undefined
IITC
Skills
- Strategic Contract Negotiation & Procurement
- Global Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management
- MICE Business Development & Revenue Growth
- Budgeting
- Cost Control
- P&L Management
- High-Level Event Planning & Execution
- Leadership
- Team Building
- Talent Development
- Risk Mitigation
- Compliance
- Crisis Management
- Digital Transformation
- Automation in MICE Operations
- Travel & Hospitality Technology Solutions
Core Competencies
✔ Strategic Contract Negotiation & Procurement
✔ Global Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management
✔ MICE Business Development & Revenue Growth
✔ Budgeting, Cost Control & P&L Management
✔ High-Level Event Planning & Execution
✔ Leadership, Team Building & Talent Development
✔ Risk Mitigation, Compliance & Crisis Management
✔ Digital Transformation & Automation in MICE Operations
Technical Expertise
- GDS Platforms: Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo
- Event Management Software: Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo
- Data Analytics & CRM: SAP Concur, Salesforce, Microsoft Power BI
- Travel & Hospitality Technology Solutions
PROJECTS MANAGED
- Reliance Nippon Life Insurance (CEO & CDO Cabinet Group)
- Kotak Life Insurance (Star Award)
- Ultratech (Star Award)
- Manipal Cigna Health Insurance (Employee Meet)
- Max Life Insurance (Star Award)
- Ajanta Pharma (Star Award)
- Shree Cement (Star Award)
- Reliance Nippon (CEO & CDO Cabinet Group)
Affiliations
- Member, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)
- Affiliate, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
- Member, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE)
Industry Recognitions
- Negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts, securing industry-leading supplier agreements.
- Engineered high-revenue MICE strategies, maximizing vendor relationships and cost efficiencies.
- Spearheaded the successful execution of large-scale corporate events for Fortune 500 companies.
- Led digital transformation initiatives, leveraging AI and predictive analytics for operational enhancement.
- Recognized for unparalleled expertise in MICE contracting and premium corporate event management.
Timeline
Head of Operations & Contracting
Ghoomo Global Holidays
02.2025 - Current
Deputy General Manager – Contracting & Operations
Tripjack
12.2022 - 12.2024
Senior Manager – Contracting & Operations
Riya Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
10.2019 - 12.2022
Senior Manager – Marketing (Contracting & Operations)
Club7 Holidays
12.2017 - 09.2019
Senior Manager – MICE Contracting & Operations
Jupiter Travels
08.2016 - 11.2017
Senior Manager – Contracting & Operations
Akbar Holidays
06.2007 - 07.2016
Tour Manager
Kesari Tours
02.2005 - 01.2007
Diploma in Travel & Tourism - undefined
IITC
IATA Foundation Certification - undefined
IITC
Bachelor of Commerce -
Mumbai University