August 25, 2015: Navroz Saju and Azim Saju of HDG Hotels had the honor of ringing the opening bell of NYSE this morning. The two Ismaili Muslim brothers of Ocala, Florida, with partners, own and operate 12 hotels and over 1,000 hotel rooms in North Central Florida.
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Navroz Saju, HDG Hotels President and CEO, North Central Florida’s most dynamic, innovative and successful hotel development and management company. HDG is the largest hotel development and management company in Marion County managing nine hotels over six North Central Florida counties. HDG manages three hotels in Marion County. The Marion County Chamber awarded HDG “Minority Business of the Year in 2011” and “Business of the Year in 2012.” Navroz is an active participant in local organizations such as the Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (where he currently serves as a board chair), Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) and in various capacities on franchisor-franchisee advisory committees. Navroz is a passionate student of the hospitality industry. Navroz received his undergraduate degree, with high honors, in accounting from the University of Florida and received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington DC. Navroz is a current member of the Florida bar.
Azim Saju is the Vice President and General Counsel for HDG Hotels. HDG Hotels is a hotel management and development company which owns and operates 9 hotels, including 5 Choice brands, 1 Hampton brand, 2 Holiday Inn brands and 1 Wyndham brand, throughout Central and North Central Florida. HDG has a strong culture which focuses on hotel operations and on consistent brilliance in executing on the basics. This culture places strong emphasis on team building, coaching, motivating, leadership, training and retraining.
Prior to joining HDG Hotels, Azim Saju practiced law as a trial lawyer for over 9 years. He is a member of the Florida Bar and Federal Bar. As part of his practice, Azim primarily practiced in the areas of employment law and civil rights cases. Academically, Azim holds an economics degree from Davidson College and a law degree from the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida College of Law, Azim’s notable achievement was serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Journal of International Law.
Azim has been a member of the Choice Hotels Owners’ Council (CHOC) for five years. In this capacity, he has served as the Director of the Florida Region and also served in the capacity of Treasurer as an Executive Committee member of CHOC, Chairperson and is currently the Past Chairperson.
Choice Hotels International has also recognized Azim’s achievement and strong track record in the hospitality industry by awarding him its Premier Alliance Award. In addition, the Marion County Chamber of Commerce awarded HDG hotels its Business of the Year Award for 2012.
Ismailimail 