Yogesh Solanki has set a benchmark for all Fijians with accounting background and in doing so has opened the doors for others to succeed.

Mr Solanki, 30, of Nadi became the first local to hold the position of Financial Controller at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.

It was a position which had always been occupied by expatriates, but Mr Solanki changed that five years ago.

In doing so, he has expressed his delight that with what he has achieved, more locals, who had some apprehension of applying for such positions can now have a mindset change through this milestone.

He has created another piece of history by becoming the first Fijian to be appointed Financial Controller of IBIS Hotels in Melbourne, Australia.

IBIS is another brand under AccorHotels, of which Sofitel is also part of.

The resort bade farewell to Mr Solanki in a function on Wednesday, acknowledging his five years stint at Sofitel.

Mr Solanki said his work at Sofitel was unique.

Whilst he had the resort’s accounts to manage, it also gave him a chance to mingle with a lot of people, many of whom were guests from other countries.

“This is good for all Fijians. This opens up a path for other locals to pursue top jobs in hotels and other businesses that were previously held by expatriates,” he said.

Mr Solanki said another local was poised to take over his position and this was a good sign for the people of Fiji.

“I owe a lot of my success especially to my parents, who worked so hard to put me through school,” he added.

“Also the board and general manager of Sofitel, Alan Burrows for their tremendous support throughout my stay with Sofitel.”

Mr Solanki, the younger of two brothers, is the son of Ranjit Singh Solanki and Sushila Ben of Namaka in Nadi.

EDITED BY: Farzana Nisha