Mr. Rafiq Rangoonwala, Chief Executive Officer Cupola Group of companies in Pakistan was born in Karachi, did BA (Hons.) from University of Karachi, went to United States of America in 1979, and did Executive Development Course from Whittemore School of Business, University of New Hampshire along with several management courses from U.K, U.S, Canada, Australia and Singapore. In 1980, he started his career in Fast Food restaurants from KFC in Houston. Since then he has managed several other brands alongside KFC like Pizza Hut, Harry Ramsden’s, TGI Fridays, Pizza Express etc.
In 1987 he was transferred to Caribbean region as Franchise Service Manager, then to Cairo in 1988 as Field Service Manager for Saudi Arabia and Egypt. He was appointed Market Director of Middle East in 1989. He stayed with PepsiCo in Restaurant Division for over 18 years. In 1997 –1999 he joined Americana as head of its UAE Fast Food Division.
He joined Artal Restaurants International as CEO in October 1999 and is currently heading Cupola Group of Companies who has franchise rights in Pakistan for KFC, Indulge, Freshens, Casa, LalQila, L’Occitene & Saint Cinnamon.
In Houston he was General Secretary of Pakistan American Association of Greater Houston, Board Member of Islamic Education Institute of Texas, and Councillor of Islamic Society of Greater Houston.
He was Treasurer of YPO “Young President Organisation” – Pakistan Chapter for 2002-2003 and also served on YPO Board, and chaired Communication committee. He is member Central Committee and Chairman Publication Committee of 21st Century Business & Economic Club and OUAC “Overseas University Alumni Club”, and patron of 21st Century Business & Economics Club’s Women Forum. Additionally, he is also Advisory Board member of Institute of Business Technology. Previously he was Honorary Secretary and Chairperson of Publication & Membership Committee’s of Marketing Association of Pakistan, in February 2004 he was elected President. Vice President Elect Rotary Centennial in April 2005. He is a member of Board of Governors Reflections School and President Food Association of Pakistan. Founder member of Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum. Founder member Pakistan India CEO forum.
Hobbies: Sports, music and reading.
Awards
Mr. Rafiq Rangoonwala is the first Pakistani to receive the following awards from International companies:
“Top 10 Restaurant Manager’s Award” in 1984;
“Region IV Golden Star Award for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Kentucky” in 1985;
“Head of the Class Award” from Colonel Sanders University in 1988;
“Most Profitable Initiative by KFC International” in 1996;
“Best Performance Award” in 1998;
“Top recognition for Human Resources Development for Asia Pacific Region in Hawai” in 2001;
“Putting it on the line” by Yum restaurants in 2003.
Yum Chairman’s Award in 2005.
“Award of Excellence” by Marketing Association of Pakistan, 2008