Mario Faria is head of food and beverage at Galeries Lafayette, luxury retail group of fashion, beauty and home accessories. First founded in Paris in 1893, Galeries Lafayette was brought to Dubai Mall in 2009 and has since grown to become the city’s largest department store. The multi-brand store stocks luxury womenswear, menswear, jewellery, children’s clothing, lingerie, beauty products and homeware. Galeries Lafayette also houses food gallery Le Gourmet.
What is the best way to start your day?
Wake up at 4am, 30 minutes of rowing followed by a triple espresso, and a cold shower to freshen up for the day ahead.
If you could be any character from a movie, who would you be?
Frank Martin “The Transporter’.
What is your greatest achievement?
Starting as a dish-washer 24 years ago and working my way up to head F&B for Galeries Lafayette, as well as building a property portfolio and managing my own business in Europe.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Stay out of trouble!
If you had 24 hours left on Earth, what would you do?
Surf the Nazare waves.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Nelson Mandela.
What would you like to achieve in the next 10 years?
Retirement, traveling around the world experiencing new cultures.
