Sharon Eliatamby is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of well-developed knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry. Raised in Malaysia, Sharon comes from a multinational background and is fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese, Hokkien and German.
Sharon holds degrees from of Hotel Consult Cesar Ritz College (Switzerland) and Johnson & Wales University. Presently, she serves as the senior project manager at the World Bank Group (WBG) overseeing the Food and Catering services and the conference center at the World Bank office in Paris.
Sharon’s tenure before joining WBG was highlighted by her leadership role as the director of food and beverage at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. Her extensive experience encompasses roles with prestigious hotels, convention properties, catering organizations, high-profile events and clients. Sharon has an impressive and successful track record of leading teams to enhance service standards, quality and profitability. She is known for her outstanding interpersonal skills and professionalism, especially when handling international protocols.
Sharon is recognized as an energetic inspiration and exemplary mentor, having served as the president of Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM). She remains actively involved as a committee member for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, Branding Committee, and participates in the local chapter planning committee in Washington, D.C. She served as chair on the advisory council for the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA), with a particular focus on their Business and Industry (B&I) for Foodservice. She is affiliated with the International Association of Protocol Consultants, and a graduate of the Emily Post Institute, where she specialized in etiquette training.
Sharon has been an influential figure and exemplary leader, actively engaging as a board member for the Asian American Leadership Program (AALEAD). AALEAD is an organization that supports low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth with educational empowerment, identity development and leadership opportunities through after school programs, as well as summer and mentoring programs. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Trustees with Change Please, USA, a social enterprise committed to eradicating homelessness by selling high-quality coffee. Change Please directs 100% of its profits and donations towards training individuals experiencing homelessness to become baristas, offering comprehensive support to help them transform their lives.
Sharon has received several accolades in recognition for exceptional service and performance. She is the recipient of the President’s Award, Directors Award for Leadership and the Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award from SHFM. Her dedication and commitment to the industry have also been acknowledged with the 2023 Silver Plate for Best Food Service Operator of the Year and the Spark Plug Award from International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA).
She received an honorary 2024 Doctorate in Foodservice from the National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM).
Sharon enjoys her leisure time by indulging in Korean and Chinese dramas. With a passion for culinary adventures, she relishes exploring new eateries whenever possible. Her love for travel is complemented by her enthusiasm for hiking, swimming and dancing. Additionally, she dedicates some of her time to teaching etiquette to young people as they are the future.
