Professional Role and Responsibilities
Stuart Barnett is a Co-Founder and currently serves as the Head of Global Accounts and Product Lead at wi-Q Technologies Inc., a company specializing in digital ordering and payment systems primarily for the hospitality sector. He has held leadership roles at wi-Q since its inception in 2011 and played a pivotal role in the development and launch of the Wi-Q product suite, including Mi-Room and wi-Q solutions. His work directly involves overseeing enterprise-level client relationships across global markets and driving product innovation initiatives.
Company Overview
wi-Q Technologies is recognized as a leading provider of digital ordering and payment systems designed to transform how customers order and pay in restaurants, bars, and hotels. The product integrates with multiple EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale), PMS (Property Management System), and payment partners worldwide. Founded in 2014 by Stuart Barnett and Graham Cornhill, wi-Q has established a proven track record of innovation and industry recognition, including multiple awards acknowledging its impact in the hospitality technology space.
Experience and Expertise
Stuart Barnett possesses over 23 years of experience in global sales and client services, with a well-rounded background combining travel, technology, and marketing technology solutions. He is known as a technology entrepreneur with expertise in new product development and go-to-market strategies within the hospitality and travel industries. His leadership includes technical direction and client acquisition, contributing to sustained business growth.
Innovations and Industry Recognition
Barnett led the launch of the initial beta version of wi-Q, which enabled guests to create orders printed alongside the POS receipt, representing a significant innovation in guest ordering flow. Since then, wi-Q has evolved substantially, embedding big data and AI capabilities to optimize guest experiences and operational efficiency. The company has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, notably including:
- Hotelympia Innovation Awards 2016
- The Caterer Digital Vision Awards
- Other industry honors confirming wi-Q’s position as a market innovator in digital hospitality technology.
These awards underscore Barnett’s successful innovation leadership and the company's strong reputation among hospitality technology providers.
Strategic Impact
Under Barnett’s joint leadership and account management, wi-Q has secured significant funding and partnerships to integrate next-generation technologies such as AI-driven analytics, enabling hospitality brands to better leverage customer data and increase revenue through personalized guest services. A notable milestone includes securing £3 million from Praetura Ventures, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s business model and growth potential.
Geographic and Professional Context
Stuart Barnett is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, positioning him strategically within one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and technology markets, facilitating global customer reach and partnership development.
Summary of Key Facts:
- Role: Co-Founder, Head of Global Accounts, and Product Lead at wi-Q Technologies
- Experience: 23+ years in global sales, client services, travel, and marketing technology
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Company Founded: 2011 (wi-Q launched 2014)
- Product Focus: Digital ordering and payment systems for hospitality
- Awards: Hotelympia 2016 Innovation Award, The Caterer Digital Vision Award, among others
- Innovation: Early digital ordering solutions, embedding AI and big data in product
- Investment: Secured £3 million from Praetura Ventures
- Client Focus: Enterprise-level, global hospitality brands
This profile reflects a seasoned technology entrepreneur with deep expertise in hospitality technology solutions, recognized product innovation achievements, and global account leadership driving substantial business growth for wi-Q Technologies.
