We recently engaged with Vardan Karapetyan, the visionary Area/Country Manager for KFC and Pizza Hut in Armenia. With over 15 years of experience across various international companies, Vardan has been pivotal in expanding these brands while fostering economic growth. With an in-depth understanding of diverse markets, Vardan efficiently adapts his business strategies to fit the local contexts while meeting global standards, successfully expanding the business operations under his leadership. Vardan Karapetyan’s strategic leadership not only drives profitability but also fosters economic growth, supporting both the business ecosystem and social initiatives in Armenia.
Harnessing International Experience
We started the session by asking, “Vardan, how has your international experience influenced your management style at KFC and Pizza Hut in Armenia?”
“My global experience, including my time in Dubai, provided me with a rich understanding of diverse markets. It taught me to adapt strategies to fit local contexts while maintaining global standards. This approach was key in expanding our operations from 6 KFC and 2 Pizza Hut locations to 14 KFC and 7 Pizza Hut restaurants in Armenia. And 7 more openings are planned during next year.” Vardan shared.
Financial Strategies and Impact
To achieve sustainable growth for a business, adopting the right financial strategies is crucial. To learn more about such strategies from Vardan, we posed the question, “Can you discuss the financial strategies that have enhanced profitability in these restaurants?”
He explained, “It was a combination of operational efficiency and customer focus. We reduced operational costs by 15%, improved customer satisfaction ratings to 95%, surpassed sales vs budgets by 120% and increased profits by 15%. We also emphasized staff training and development, ensuring our teams were motivated and equipped to deliver exceptional service, which in turn drove customer loyalty and sales. Data-driven decision-making was central to identifying growth opportunities and optimizing resource allocation.”
Supporting Local Business Ecosystem
We were interested in learning Vardan Karapetyan’s contribution to the success of local suppliers, and asked, “How has your business approach contributed to the growth of local suppliers and the economy?”
“By collaborating closely with local suppliers, we facilitated their growth, which in turn created more jobs and stimulated the local economy.” Vardan added, “Our success directly impacts the supply chain, encouraging innovation and capacity building among our partners. This symbiotic relationship has been crucial in driving broader economic development in the region.”
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
Vardan has been instrumental in supporting local startups. We asked him to elaborate on these initiatives.
“We initiated a comprehensive training program for aspiring restaurateurs in Armenia. By offering insights into effective operations, marketing, and financial management, we empower them to build and sustain successful businesses. This initiative not only nurtures local talent but also contributes to the vibrancy of the Armenian dining landscape.” He mentioned.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
With a forward-thinking approach, Vardan recognizes the importance of giving back to society. We inquired, “How have you integrated social responsibility into your business model?”
“We prioritize social impact through charity programs supporting orphanages and children with health issues. Additionally, our initiative to hire employees with disabilities has set a new benchmark in Armenia, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.” He reflected.
Vision for the Future
As we move forward, it is crucial to consider perspectives from industry leaders like Vardan Karapetyan. So, we asked him about the changes he would like to see in the industry.
Vardan responded, “I envision a more collaborative industry where sharing insights and best practices leads to enhanced standards and innovation. This collective growth approach benefits individual businesses and contributes to the overall economic development of the region.”
Follow Vardan Karapetyan on LinkedIn.
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