Women in POWER

Girl boss. Boss babe. Power woman. Call them what you want, but one thing is for sure these entrepreneurs are redefining success in their respective industries with innovation, resilience and unwavering determination.

- JOAN KONG

L’OFFICIEL: Tell us more about the beginnings of The Marini’s Group and your role as the company’s vice president.

ELIZABETH MARINI: In early 2012, my husband Cavaliere Modesto Marini and I were shown this amazing rooftop space in Petronas Tower 3, then a newly constructed building within KLCC. When he saw the space which was still rubble and cement, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with that space. I was rather nervous at that point since it is a big space right in the heart of KL which also meant huge investment and resources.

Modesto promised them he would turn the space to become the most iconic rooftop in the country and region. We sealed the deal and within three months, we were operating the bar just in time for the oil and gas convention in the city. A month later, the restaurant and lounge followed suit. And the group has continued to expand since. This year, TMG will be 12 years old.

My forte has always been in marketing, given that I majored in Communications and started my career in a top advertising firm in the US and luxury brands in Malaysia and Singapore. So, naturally, I supported the business through what I knew then which was brand management. Today, I’m still involved in the day-to-day back-of-house operations like admin, finance and marketing. However, the team is now mostly independent so I will only meet them once or twice a week to discuss whatever needs my input.

LO: Your husband is one of the “OGs” in the local F&B industry. What are your tips on working successfully alongside your spouse?