Hasnain Noorani: The Mind Behind PrideInn Group’s Rapid Expansion

Noorani’s journey from taking over his father’s business to leading a diversified conglomerate showcases his entrepreneurial vision, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
Source: Capital FM

Hasnain Noorani is a prominent Kenyan entrepreneur and the founder and Group CEO of Pride Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning hospitality, transport, energy, and production. Under his leadership, Pride Group has seen remarkable growth, particularly through PrideInn Hotels, a chain of hotels that spans across Kenya.

Early life and education

Noorani was born into a family with a strong entrepreneurial background, with his father’s ventures serving as an early inspiration. His father had founded Glory Driving School in 1985, which would later play a significant role in Noorani’s business career. He pursued his higher education at the University of Nottingham, where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Manufacturing Engineering and Management. This academic foundation gave him the tools and skills to navigate the business world with a strong grasp of innovation and management practices.

Career and entrepreneurship

In 2006, after completing his studies, Noorani returned to Kenya and took over his father’s business, which included a car rental service and a driving school. Recognizing an untapped opportunity in the Kenyan hospitality sector, he ventured into the hotel industry. Seeing a gap in the market for mid-range hotels offering quality services, he decided to establish PrideInn Hotels. The first hotel under this brand opened in 2011, marking the beginning of a rapid expansion. The group quickly grew to encompass various segments, including budget, business, and luxury accommodations, serving diverse market needs.

Beyond hospitality, Noorani’s entrepreneurial acumen led to the expansion of Pride Group’s portfolio. He introduced Pride Conference Centre, a state-of-the-art facility in Nairobi designed to meet the growing demand for conferencing and event spaces. Additionally, he launched Cake City, a bakery chain offering a wide variety of cakes and pastries, with multiple locations in Nairobi. Shawarma Express, a fast-casual dining option specializing in fresh, custom-made shawarmas, also became part of the Pride Group, catering to a growing demand for quick and healthy meals.

Noorani also expanded into the energy sector with Pride Fuels, a company dealing with the sale of fuel, gas, oils, lubricants, tires, and other vehicle accessories. Originally intended to serve Pride Group’s other businesses, it was later expanded to serve the broader market. Continuing his father’s legacy, Noorani reinvigorated Glory Driving School, offering professional training services to the public.

Leadership philosophy

Noorani’s leadership philosophy is built around the simple yet profound belief that “Happy Staff = Happy Customers = Happy Profits = Happy Stakeholders.” He believes that a motivated and empowered team is crucial to the success of any business. By fostering a positive work environment and supporting his employees’ growth, Noorani ensures that his team members deliver excellent service, which, in turn, creates satisfied customers and drives the long-term success of the company. This approach has been instrumental in the expansion and diversification of Pride Group and its various ventures.

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Recognition and achievements

Under Noorani’s leadership, Pride Group has reached several important milestones. One of the key achievements was the acquisition of the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa in 2013. This acquisition significantly strengthened the group’s presence in both the leisure and conferencing sectors. In recognition of his leadership and entrepreneurial success, Noorani was named among the 50 most influential CEOs in Kenya by Africapitol Ventures in 2018. This recognition underscored his significant impact on the Kenyan business landscape and his role in shaping the country’s hospitality and entrepreneurial sectors.

Personal insights

Noorani attributes much of his success to his ability to identify gaps in the market and provide customers with more options and variety. He has built a reputation for being hands-on in his approach, often personally conducting feasibility studies and market research to make informed decisions about business ventures. This meticulous attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement has been a driving force behind the success of Pride Group. Noorani is also known for his forward-thinking attitude, always seeking ways to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Conclusion

Noorani’s journey from taking over his father’s business to leading a diversified conglomerate showcases his entrepreneurial vision, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. His dedication to quality service, innovation, and customer satisfaction has propelled the growth of Pride Group and its subsidiaries. As he continues to lead the group, Noorani’s influence in the Kenyan business landscape remains significant, and his entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire others in the industry.

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