Speakers As of 6 January 2015 Rummy Anand Kiran Andicot

Transcription

Speakers As of 6 January 2015
Rummy Anand
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Rummy Anand is presently working as Senior Director Development, Carlson Rezidor Hotel
Group since October 2010. Prior to joining Carlson, he has held senior positions with Mahindra
Holidays & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group and Indian Hotels.
He brings broad experience in diverse business and cultural environments to Carlson, including
5-years working in international roles, based in Bahrain and Singapore.
In the present role, his main focus is to drive the Growth of Hotel Brands and thereby maximizing
the ‘value creation’ for Carlson Rezidor Hotels in South Asia.
Rummy has a total experience of more than 30-years, out of which more than 20-years have
been with the Hospitality Industry in Sales, Marketing, Development and Advisory Roles. He has a
deep understanding of Hotel Industry and believes as a leader who inspires confidence in people.
His credentials include Bachelor of Science degree from Delhi University and Post Graduate
Diplomas in Sales, Marketing, PR and Advertising.
Kiran Andicot
Marriott International, Inc.
Kiran Andicot holds the position of Vice President, Hotel Development with Marriott International
based in New Delhi, India. Mr. Andicot joined Marriott International in January 2006 in their
development planning and feasibility department. Before joining Marriott, he worked with the real
estate and hospitality consulting division of Ernst & Young in Dubai and prior to that with HVS
International in New Delhi. Prior to HVS, he spent over seven years working in hotel operations with
the Taj and Oberoi group at various locations in India. Mr. Andicot is an alumnus of the Oberoi
School of Hotel Management (now OCLD), Delhi.
Deepika Arora
Wyndham Hotel Group
Deepika Arora, regional vice president, Indian Ocean, EMEAI is responsible for growing the
portfolio of Wyndham Hotel Group brands including Wyndham® Hotels and Resorts, Planet
Hollywood® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Days Inn®, Howard Johnson® Super 8® and
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham® in the Indian Ocean region as well as maximizing the performance
of the region’s franchises.
With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Arora joined Wyndham Hotel Group
in June 2010 and, within one year, helped establish the first properties in the region for several of
the company’s brands.
She joined Wyndham Hotel Group from Hilton Worldwide, where she was director of
development, responsible for the development strategy for Hilton brands in India, including the
management of the development process from sourcing and negotiations to the closure of
management agreements.
Arora also served as senior manager of strategic consulting and research for Jones Lang Lasalle
in New Delhi, responsible for a variety of real estate planning projects. In addition, she held various
managerial roles in development with CPG Consultants in Singapore and Bangalore and Jurong
Consultants in Bangalore.
Arora holds a bachelor’s degree in planning and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from
the School of Planning & Architecture in Delhi, India.
She is based in Wyndham Hotel Group’s Gurgaon, Haryana, India offices.
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Julian Ayers
Alila Hotels & Resorts
Julian Ayers Regional Vice President – India Subcontinent and Middle East, for the luxury group
Alila Hotels & Resorts. Heralded by Sunday Times UK as the world’s coolest chain, Alila’s brand
attributes lie in its innovative, purpose-driven architecture and its holistic destination experiences
crafted by design, services and the environment.
British born, Julian’s career has spanned the globe, in locations as diverse as India, Oman, the
Caribbean, Indonesia and UK and has worked both with large hotel groups (Hilton and
Intercontinental) as well as with boutique hotels. A graduate of Suffolk College he honed his skills at
Gleneagles in Scotland before crossing the pond to Jamaica. Currently residing in Delhi (when not
travelling) with his family, Julian drives Alila’s operations and expansion across his region.
Ajay Bakaya
Sarovar Hotels
Ajay Bakaya is the Executive Director of Sarovar Hotels. He oversees the operations and
development of the 70 hotel group in India and Africa.
Ajay is a 1980 graduate of The Oberoi School and a 1983 postgraduate alumnus of CornellEssec, France. His 36 years of international hotel experience includes assignments in Africa,
Australia, France, India and the UK. Ajay's experience includes that of a GM with Oberoi Hotels. He
was Director - Rooms at Australia's largest hotel, the 800 room Four Points by Sheraton, Sydney.
He has also worked as AGM at The Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, a 600 room deluxe hotel, part of
Starwood’s Luxury Collection.
Ajay is a keen mountaineer, an adventure traveller and a half marathon runner. He has been the
highest fundraiser for the Delhi half marathon for several years. He was also awarded “Entrepreneur
of the Year” by Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Association of India.
Jasmita Banga
STR Global
Jasmita Banga joined STR Global in October 2013 and is responsible for the company’s business
development function and initiatives in Central & South Asia.
Jasmita started her career with Hyatt International, working in hotel operations in the rooms
division of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Mumbai. She has also worked as a Consultant with Horwath
HTL prior to joining STR Global.
Jasmita holds a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from IHM Mumbai and a MBA in
marketing.
Sanjay Bansal
Aurum Equity Partners LLP
An investment-banking veteran with a knack of concluding large, complex transactions.
Sanjay has over 20 years of experience with a deep and on the ground understanding and
exposure of handling more than a 100 mid and large sized transactions, across a range of multiple
sectors.
Over the years Sanjay has developed an expertise of concluding complex transactions that
require a nuanced perspective of the client’s business, as well as, the macro environment impacting
the client’s decisions.
Sanjay is a passionate supporter and enabler of the entrepreneurial eco-system in India. He
encourages aspiring and budding entrepreneurs through angel investments in early & concept stage
companies. Sanjay is a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and the Indian Angel
Network.
Clients are moving to much smaller, more entrepreneurial investment banks where the accent
will be on relationships, reliability, high levels of service, entrepreneurialism, which harks back to an
earlier era of investment banking. Boutique investment banks, established by professionals with solid
on-ground experience are better positioned to work closely with the clients in delivering value Sanjay Bansal.
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Andrea Belfanti
ISHC
Andrea Belfanti is the Executive Director for the International Society of Hospitality Consultants
(ISHC). Andrea has been with ISHC since April 2009, has over 15 years experience in the hospitality
industry and has previously held positions with InterContinental Hotels Group, The High Museum of
Art, Walt Disney World and Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge. Andrea earned her bachelor’s
degree from the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration at the University of South
Carolina.
ISHC is a professional society with 200 members with work experience in over 60 countries.
Membership is by invitation only and members are owners, principals, directors and/or officers in
their firms and are leaders in the industry in their respective areas of expertise.
Vivek Bhalla
Casam Hospitality
Vivek Bhalla is Co-founder of CASAM Hospitality, an asset management and consulting firm
providing customized solutions to maximize the long-term value of hospitality assets. The company
leadership has over 30 years of experience with the top global hotel chains (Accor, Hilton, Hyatt,
IHG and Starwood) across 20 markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East including Australia, China,
India, and South East Asia. In addition the CASAM leadership has worked in senior management
positions in all key functions in the hospitality space from sales and marketing, revenue and
distribution, operations, development planning and finance, and asset management, enabling a 360
degree perspective to unlocking asset value and consulting solutions.
Prior to this Mr.Bhalla was Senior Director Operations – South Asia with Starwood Hotels and
Resorts and was responsible for the Pre-Opening and Operations of the groups 40+ hotels in India
and South Asia.
He has also held senior management roles in Sales and Marketing as Director of Revenue
Management for Asia Pacific for Starwood Hotels, Corporate Revenue Manager Hyatt International
Hotels and Revenue Manager South East Asia for Hyatt International Hotels.
Mr. Bhalla holds a Master’s Degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
Gaurav Bhushan
Accor Asia Pacific
Gaurav Bhushan is Chief Development & Investment Officer for Accor Asia Pacific. He is
responsible for Accor’s Hotel Development, Investment & Asset Management activities in the Asia
Pacific region.
Accor currently has over 593 hotels in its network in Asia Pacific and a committed pipeline of
approximately 280 hotels across the region. It is also an investor in various countries across Asia
Pacific including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Greater China, Vietnam, Singapore,
Thailand & India. Accor Development offices in the region are located in Sydney, Bangkok,
Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai & New Delhi.
Over the last few years Gaurav has also lead the development of various Joint Ventures and
partnerships in the region for Accor. Accor’s key Joint Venture partners in the region include Tourism
Asset Holdings Ltd (TAHL), LaSalle Investment Management, Ambassador Group (South Korea),
Interglobe Enterprises (India) & Pacifica Partners (JV between GIC & Host Hotels & Resorts) &
Ascendas Land Pte Ltd (Singapore).
Gaurav began his career with Accor in 1995 in Australia and has held a variety of roles in
Operations, Finance and Hotel Development. He has an MBA degree, and also a post graduate
qualification in Applied Finance and Investment (Securities Institute of Australia).
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James E. Burba
BHN
Jim Burba is the co-founder and president of Burba Hotel Network LLC (BHN), the worldwide
leader in developing and producing conferences for the hotel and tourism investment community.
BHN hosts ten events each year around the world including: ALIS, ALIS Law, ALIS Summer Update,
AOCAP, HICAP, HICAP UPDATE, HIFI, CHRIS, HOLA, and Hot.E. In 2008, BHN and Google
teamed up to host Digital Discovery Day (D3) and in 2011, Burba was retained by the ITC, a joint
agency of the UN and WTO to help organize WEDF which focused on tourism development in the
least developed countries of the world.
Actively involved in the hotel investment arena for 30 years, Burba was formerly: a principal at
Pannell Kerr Forster, Senior Managing Director with Insignia/Hotel Partners, VP/Worldwide Director
of Advisory Services at WATG, and President at Horwath HTL (US). A member of the International
Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and the Industry Real Estate Finance Advisory Council
(IREFAC), Burba has received numerous honors including the Educational Institute Lamp of
Knowledge Award, IREFAC’s first Crystal Ball Award, and the ISHC Pioneer Award.
In 2007, California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, re-appointed Burba to his second term on
the California Travel & Tourism Commission and he recently served on its Executive Committee.
Amisha Chohan
Sanlam Securities UK
Amisha is a consumer equity analyst, specialising in hotels, at Sanlam Securities UK, an
investment bank and stockbroking firm with strong fundraising capabilities. She has over 10 years’
experience as an analyst (buy-side and sell-side). Amisha graduated from Nottingham University
with a master in finance and investment in 2004 having read business finance at the University of
Durham.
Kapil Chopra
The Oberoi Group
An alumnus of The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD), Mr. Chopra’s
experience as an hotelier spans over two decades. Under Mr. Chopra’s leadership, EIH Ltd, the
parent entity of The Oberoi Group, has grown from strength to strength, with an exponential rise in
both occupancy and profits.
As an unparalleled ‘people’s person’, Mr. Chopra is dedicated to cultivating talent and service
excellence within the Group, earning him the title of ‘Hotelier of the Year’ from Hindustan Times in
2012. The success of award winning properties - The Oberoi, Gurgaon and Trident, Gurgaon can be
credited to his meticulous planning and vision. The two hotels have received multiple prestigious
awards
In his current role, he has been instrumental in opening the two flagship properties – The Oberoi,
Dubai and Trident, Hyderabad.
Apart from being an hotelier, Mr. Chopra is also influential in the art sector. He founded The Wall,
India’s first art e-magazine. Mr. Chopra is also passionate about healthcare and is the founder of
charitybeds.com, which helps the economically challenged get free hospitalization in private
hospitals.
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Rajeev Chopra
The Residency Hotel P Ltd
The Residency Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the first independent, professional hotel Management Company
in India, set up in 1985.
Over 40 years of experience in the Hotel Industry, mainly connected with hotels of Deluxe and
Luxury properties. After an Oberoi Hotel background, brought in International chains by Holiday Inn,
Marriotts and Starwoods developed and asset managed properties like JW Marriott Mumbai,
Renaissance and MEA Mumbai, and Westin Hyderabad. Developed and Managed hotels like Four
Points by Sheraton at Vashi, the Resort Mumbai and St. Marks Hotel in Bangalore.
Over the 40 year period built and developed and managed at least 35 hotels in various parts of
the country.
Atul Chordia
Panchshil Realty
Chairman and CEO of Panchshil Realty, Mr. Atul Chordia, has over two decades, forged one of
India's most recognized real estate brands - Panchshil Realty.
Mr. Chordia, with his acute business sense and motivation to provide only the best, has been
instrumental in transforming the way real estate is perceived. Today, Panchshil is known for its iconic
commercial and corporate projects, and has redefined the concept of luxury and lifestyle.
Under Mr. Chordia's aegis, Panchshil was the first to bring in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
real estate with Merrill Lynch. His vision for tomorrow's Pune also saw the Government of India notify
the first IT & IT-eS Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in India as far back as 2007.
Ever the achiever, it is Mr. Chordia's vision that makes Panchshil a trendsetter in luxury living
and branded homes with landmark projects like yoopune by Philippe Starck. More recently,
Panchshil announced Trump Towers Pune - India's first Trump-branded high-rise residential.
An alumnus of Ness Wadia College and a commerce graduate from Pune University, Mr. Chordia
is a keen follower of sports, and has also participated in moto-cross racing at the national level.
A true visionary, he aspires to build communities and spaces that bring happiness. He aims to
bring the world to Pune and through Panchshil create wealth assets for this great city.
Simon Cooper
Marriott International, Inc.
Simon F. Cooper became President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific in September 2010. He
oversees the operation, development and strategic positioning of the brands and luxury groups in
Asia Pacific. Mr. Cooper served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Ritz-Carlton from
February 2001 until he assumed his current position, after a distinguished career with Marriott
Lodging, including serving three years as President of Marriott Lodging Canada. His first hospitality
job was with Canadian Pacific Hotels & Resorts. Among his many professional honors, Mr. Cooper
has served on the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Canada Institute Advisory
Board and as Chairman of the Board of Governors for Canada's University of Guelph. While he was
President and COO of Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Cooper presided over a major expansion of the brand. In
2008 Mr. Cooper was named “Corporate Hotelier of the World” by HOTELS Magazine. In June of
2010, he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Guelph. Born and
educated in England, he earned an MBA from the University of Toronto.
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Mike Crawford
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Mike joined Four Seasons in August 2014, and stepped into the newly created role of President,
Asia Pacific. A key part of the world to support the Four Seasons global expansion strategy, Mike is
responsible for all business activities in the region, including implementing the company’s growth
plan and delivering on financial objectives associated with the strategic plan for the region.
A 24-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, Mike’s background includes business and real
estate development, project management, and extensive operational experience in the hospitality
and entertainment industry. He has deep knowledge of the Asia Pacific market, and most recently
served as Senior Vice President and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort and President of
Walt Disney Holding Company, Shanghai. Mike led the negotiation to establish Disney’s sixth
destination resort in Shanghai China. While having overall P&L responsibility for the multi-billion
dollar development, he also was responsible for creating the management company consisting of
thousands of employees and focused on running the resort with Disney’s Joint Venture partner and
other key government agencies.
Mike earned an MBA with honours from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of
Notre Dame in Indiana, after receiving an undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University
in his native Ohio. He is based at the company’s corporate office in Singapore.
Hari Mohan Dangayach
Dangayach Group
Mr. Hari Mohan Dangayach established “Dangayach Group” over 40 years ago, what started as
a simple gemstone business has now become a Multi- Business Conglomerate.
Born in Jaipur in a business family, Mr. Hari Mohan Dangayach had a passion for Gemstones
especially Emeralds which led him to branch out to start his own Gemstone business. After becoming
a pioneer in the Emerald Industry, he expanded into Jewelry manufacturing and became a leader in
Diamond Jewelry. Further expanded the jewelry business domestically and internationally and now
caters to global clientele.
He further evolved into Hospitality and Real Estate development as well. Starting with a small
hotel, he has now built and owns few other hotels in and around Jaipur.
Mr. Dangayach then moved forward into Real Estate construction and has built a few apartment
buildings and commercial towers.
Today he is well established in Jewelry Industry, Hospitality Industry and the Real Estate sector.
He now proudly owns Marriott Jaipur, Ramada Jaipur, Chomu Palace, Four Points By Sheraton
Agra and upcoming hotels in Hyderabad and Udaipur.
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Uttam Davé
Uttam Davé is a noted hospitality and tourism industry expert. Between 2004 and 2013, he was
President & CEO of InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and Accor for
the development of Ibis brand hotels in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. From 2004-2011,
he was also Head of Development for Accor Hotels in this region and led Accor’s development to
over 60 hotels and over 12,500 rooms during this period, in addition to 4 convention centres. Uttam
served of the Board of AAPC India Hotel Management and also played a key role in the development
of hotel assets for Triguna Hospitality Ventures. He is currently on a sabbatical, pursuing personal
interests.
Uttam is a leading hospitality and tourism industry expert with more than thirty years of
development, planning and management experience. Till 2004, Uttam was Chief Executive Officer
for Pannell Kerr Forster Consultants, India. Prior to joining PKF as founder-chief executive (1999),
Uttam was co-founder and Partner of Tourism Futures from 1993 to 1999. Prior to that, Uttam was
Managing Director of Choice Hotels India, which he co-founded in 1986 and grew to a nation-wide
network of 16 hotels open or under development. From 1983-1993, Uttam was also founding Partner
of AK Davé & Associates, India’s first full service tourism and hospitality consulting practice.
The Indian Government appointed Uttam to the Working Group on Tourism for the 10th Five Year
Plan (2002-2007), and he has served on the apex National Tourism Advisory Council. Uttam is also
the author of “India’s National Tourism Strategy 2002-2020” undertaken for the Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India.
Uttam has a Master of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from the
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA, and Master of Arts degree from St. Stephen’s College,
University of Delhi.
Bjorn N. DeNiese
Mayfair Hotels & Resorts
Bjorn is currently a Director with Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, based at Gangtok, Sikkim. Having
pursued his degree in hospitality and business management from the Merit Swiss Asian School and
the University of Lausanne respectively, he went on to work at Geneva, Jaipur and New Delhi before
settling with the Mayfair Group initially based at Bhubaneswar. Subsequently he went on to Mayfair
Darjeeling and was an integral part of the team setting up Mayfair Gangtok Spa Resort & Casino the only 5 Star Deluxe Hotel in the North East of India also boasting of the country's first land based
five star on shore Casino.
He is additionally involved with the development of tourism and business in the North Eastern
region of the country through the Sikkim Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Young Leaders
Connect Project and Rotary International.
Manvi Sinha Dhillon
ET Now & Times Now
Manvi Sinha Dhillon (Consulting Anchor, ET Now & Times Now) has had a sixteen-year career
in television business journalism. As Managing Editor of NDTV Profit, where she straddled roles
ranging from anchoring and production to business development and operational leadership, Manvi
interviewed corporate CEOs, Finance Ministers and Heads of International Organisations. Her
extensive understanding of India’s business environment is reflected in her experience as NDTV's
lead anchor at the World Economic Forum at Davos, and in developing prime shows such as The
Bottom Line and Unstoppable Indians, while tracking daily developments in programmes like Profit
Fundamentals and Countdown. Previously, Manvi was a presenter of the India Business Report on
BBC World.
At NDTV, Manvi also produced Uncommon Ground, anchored by philanthropist Rohini Nilekani.
In an eight part series, the show brought together leaders of industry and civil society to explore
themes that are crucial for India's future development. The dialogues were given permanent shape
in a book by the same name.
Prior to joining NDTV, Manvi was in the Audit and Business Advisory division of Arthur Anderson
and completed the Intermediate level from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. She has
a BA (Honours) degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College.
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Sachin Doshi
APG Asset Management
APG is Dutch pension asset manager with over €375 billion of assets under management as of
31 August 2014. In his role, Sachin is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm’s €3 billion
private real estate investments in the region. Sachin has over 12 years of real estate investment,
investment banking and asset management experience in Asia Pacific. Prior to joining APG in 2011,
Sachin was a Vice President in the real estate group at Merrill Lynch based in Hong Kong and
Sydney and started his career as an Analyst at Salomon Smith Barney in Sydney. Sachin graduated
from the Australian National University with Honors in Engineering and Physics. He was on the
Dean’s List and was awarded the University Medal. Sachin is a member of the Urban Land Institute
and sits on the Management Board of ANREV - Asian association for Investors in Non-listed Real
Estate Vehicles.
Pankaj Dugar
IREO
Mr. Dugar has 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector focusing on aspects like identifying
and establishing new businesses, sourcing strategic partners, leading venture negotiations &
commercial structuring, managing project planning, design and execution of mixed-use & hotel
projects. Prior to Ireo, he was based in Singapore with Grove International Partners where he
focused on real estate investments in non-Japan Asia and global hospitality investments.
Mr. Dugar has also worked for Global Hyatt Corporation in the USA, Europe and Asia in several
positions, including Vice President of Real Estate and Development in their Chicago headquarters.
While at Hyatt, he was responsible for the acquisition and development of hotels and asset
management. He was involved in the development of trophy hotels such as the Grand Hyatt
(Mumbai) and Park Hyatt (Paris, Milan and Zurich). He also led the launch of Hyatt Place in India.
He holds a degree in commerce from St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta and an MBA from IMI, New
Delhi (in collaboration with IMD, Lausanne).
Adil Engineer
Brookfield Financial
Adil Engineer, Partner in Brookfield Financial with more than 22 years’ experience in the
Construction and Real Estate industry. He was instrumental in setting up the operations of Brookfield
Financial in India and is responsible for originating and executing debt and capital market, and
investment brokerage transactions for Brookfield Financial in India. He also has experience on the
buy side especially in evaluating project participation based on identifying suitability of land parcels,
project conception, preparation of viability models and project budgets and monitoring and managing
of projects under execution, especially with regard to cash flows and budgets.
Stephen Farrant
ITP
Stephen has led the International Tourism Partnership (a unique industry body that focuses
exclusively on developing the sustainability of the industry) since early 2009.
In that time he has led the growth and development of key programmes such as the Youth Career
Initiative (www.youthcareerinitiative.org), the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (jointly with
WTTC), and Green Hotelier online, as well as instigating new industry programmes on issues as
diverse as human trafficking in the global hotel sector, water management and stakeholder
engagement.
Stephen studied Modern Languages at Oxford University, before a career combining travel and
tourism with sustainable development, including time at British Airways, VisitBritain and the RSA
(www.theRSA.org). In late 2013 Steve led the successful transfer of ITP to become part of Business
in the Community (www.bitc.org.uk), which is part of the Prince of Wales’ family of charities.
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Darshan Gangolli
IL&FS Investment Managers
Mr. Gangolli has an experience of over 19 years in real estate and infrastructure investment and
project development in principal and advisory positions for institutional investors. Mr. Gangolli’s
immediate 5 years’ experience before joining IIML was as President - Finance for a large listed Indian
real estate firm, and as CEO for an affordable housing company. Prior to his stint with real estate
developers, Mr. Gangolli led acquisition and investment situations as part of Real Estate Private
Equity teams with Kotak Real Estate, AIG GRE and Actis in India with key hospitality investments
made in Lemon Tree Hotels and Pride Hotels Ltd.
Darshan joined IIML in 2014 after his earlier stint with IL&FS Group (1998-2005), where he has
to his credit projects such as National Games Village, Gachibowli, Hyderabad International
Convention Centre, Hyderabad; JN Pharma City, Vizag; and Gangavaram Port, Vizag, AP Special
Economic Zones - investments of over US$ 1.4 bn in public private partnership formats. He has also
worked for 4 years in engineering research and international marketing in the heavy engineering
sector prior to his MBA.
Darshan is a Hubert Humphrey - Fulbright Fellow to Michigan State University (2004-05), while
at IL&FS IDC - Commended for the Gangavaram Port and Hyderabad International Convention
Center project advisory to Andhra State Govt. which proposed his candidature and was selected
thereafter. He undertook research on tourism infrastructure, real estate finance & municipal bonds
development at Michigan State.
Darshan holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (1992) from Pune Univ. and a
Masters in Business Administration from Asian institute of Management, Manila and was an
International Scholar to McGill University (1998).
Sunil Ghadiok
Nidra Hospitality Pvt Ltd
A professional hotelier, with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality business, Sunil has
worked in senior management and development positions with Bharat Hotels Ltd. and The Park
hotels. With Bharat Hotels ltd he oversaw the operations of the Intercontinental Hotels in Delhi,
Mumbai and Srinagar.
He did his schooling from Mayo College, Ajmer and holds a Post Graduate Diploma from the
Oberoi School of Hotel Management.
Sunil brings with him a multitude of assets; a strong operational background, concept
development and is well versed in dealing with construction, renovations and project management.
He has successfully led many pre-opening teams and launched hotels and food and beverage outlets
during his career.
A patron of modern Indian art, he holds a keen interest in the works of emerging artists. Despite
his busy schedule, he is staunch food lover and an avid traveller.
In his current scope of work Sunil operates Nidra hotels in key destinations in the Indian
subcontinent focussing on the upper midscale- midscale segment.
Page 9 of 26
Sandeep Gupta
Asian Hotels (West) Ltd
Mr. Sandeep Gupta is a young dynamic eminent leader in the field of hospitality and has
developed properties that cater to all the segments at various price points, ranging from mid-scale
affordable accommodation of Choice Hotels to high end luxury experience of Hyatt & JW Marriott
hotels in the country, introducing novel concepts in luxury living.
He is an alumnus of Notre Dame University, USA with specialization in Finance and Marketing.
He been associated with Edenpark Hotels Private Limited (Owners of Clarion Collection, New Delhi)
as the Managing Director and Executive Director- Inovoa Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd. Since July 2007
he is an active member of the Delhi chapter of YPO, the “Young Presidents Organization“. He was
previously, the President elect of Entrepreneurs Organization or EO, the under forty wing of YPO,
having been a dynamic member of the board for several years.
Aria Hotels and Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (subsidiary company of Asian Hotels West Ltd.)
of which Mr. Sandeep Gupta is the Executive Director, has developed a 500+ rooms 5 Star Deluxe
Hotel under the Brand JW Marriott, at Aerocity near Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi
which has recently commenced operations.
Naveen Jain
Duet India Hotels
Naveen Jain is a veteran hotelier known for his enthusiasm for work and passion for excellence
carrying more than three decades of experience in the Indian hospitality industry across investment,
treasury, corporate finance, operations finance, project execution and general management.
After having worked with Oberoi Hotels for 25 years, Naveen joined Duet India Hotels in 2008
and presently heads the organisation as President of the company. Under Naveen’s leadership, Duet
has grown as an institutional player in a short span of time. It has been able to leverage on the high
credibility of its investors and has access to funding pipeline. Duet also introduced Holiday Inn
Express brand in India in joint venture with InterContinental Hotels Group.
Naveen is a Commerce graduate from Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University and a
Chartered Accountant. He is also associated with various industry forums.
Sudeep Jain
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Sudeep spearheads Starwood’s expansion strategy in South Asia. He is responsible for leading
a team to grow Starwood’s footprint and achieve its growth goals.
Sudeep brings with him over 13 years of rich and varied experience in the hospitality industry
across diverse roles in several countries. Prior to his role with Starwood, Sudeep was the Managing
Director at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels and Hospitality Group for India since its inception in 2008.
Under his guidance, the company achieved industry leading status completing over 60 feasibility and
market studies, more than 20 operator searches and mandates to sell more than 10 hotels on behalf
of owners. He was selected amongst the Top 100 most Influential People in the hospitality industry
by the Hotelier Magazine for the year 2013.
Sudeep was earlier with Starwood Hotels & Resorts as Vice President, Global Development
Marketing and Planning based at the company’s U.S. headquarters where he worked for six years.
Prior to that, he worked with Bain & Company, Inc. as a management consultant leading client teams
and also as an investment banker with Merrill Lynch, Singapore. His career has taken him across a
number of places including New York, Boston, Singapore, Sydney, Hong Kong and India enriching
his experience and enhancing his global perspective. Sudeep has a Bachelor’s Degree from
Dartmouth College where he double majored and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has
also completed the PDP program at Cornell Hotel School to further enrich his hospitality knowledge.
Page 10 of 26
Aakanksha Joshi
Economic Laws Practice
Aakanksha Joshi is an associate partner in the Infrastructure, Hospitality and Corporate practices
of Economic Laws Practice (ELP). She graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai and
obtained her Solicitor’s qualification from the Bombay Incorporated Law Society.
Aakanksha has experience in corporate, infrastructure, commercial and real estate law. She has
been involved in various infrastructure, corporate and hospitality transactions ranging from drafting
and review of construction contracts, concession agreements, bid documents and hotel agreements.
She also advises on joint venture and private equity transactions, primarily in the infrastructure and
hospitality space. She has represented various kinds of clients ranging from government bodies,
construction companies, power generation companies, international hotel management companies,
hotel owners and private equity funds.
Aakanksha has been named as an associate to watch for Projects, Infrastructure & Energy for by
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2013 and 2014. The IFLR1000 Energy & Infrastructure 2014 guide has
recommended her as a Rising Star in India.
Prior to joining ELP, Aakanksha was an article clerk and an associate with DSK Legal, Mumbai
and worked on corporate and real estate transactions
Rajeev Kale
Thomas Cook India Limited
Mr. Rajeev Kale having begun his career with The Taj President Hotel in 1991 as management
trainee, moved to Cox & Kings in 1993, gaining valuable expertise and experience in a diversity of
travel and finance verticals, including Outbound Travel, Credit Control, Accounts, Costing,
Contracting, Product Management, Operations, Sales and MICE. Mr. Kale also played a pivotal role
in setting up the “Duniya Dekho” brand. His 14 year stint was witness to rapid growth, from Jr.
Executive to Senior General Manager.
Mr. Kale joined Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. in 2007 as Head of MICE, playing an impactful role in
starting MICE operations for the organization- building a business and growing from strength to
strength- from a 4 member team and turnover of approx 14 cr to a 150 plus people and a turnover
of 200 cr. In recognition, he received the prestigious Managing Directors Award in 2009. In 2012,
Mr. Kale took over the Domestic business- a key strategic focus area for the Company.
Today as President & Chief Operating Officer- Leisure Travel (MICE, Domestic & Sports
Holidays) and a member of the “Execom”- the Senior Management Team at Thomas Cook (India)
Ltd, and a sterling yoy growth performance, Rajeev Kale looks forward to steering his Team and The
Company to impressive heights.
Mr. Kale has completed his graduation in Commerce from MVLU College (Mumbai University).
His hobbies include listening to music and playing table tennis. He continues to indulge in his
passion for trekking- whenever he can get away!
Vikram Kamat
Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd
Vikram Kamat knows and loves only 3 things, Hotels, Restaurants and Franchising. So much so,
he is the Gold medalist in hospitality across all the Institutes of Hotel management in India.
Having setup up his own successful mid-market hotel brand VITS - Luxury business hotels at the
early age of just 22! He then has gone on to further his success with Kamat's original family highway
restaurants.
A keen believer in innovation and in depth knowledge of his field, he has 3 patents to his credit.
Author of numerous books, audio programs and articles on each aspect of hospitality, he has gone
to the depths of each aspect. His belief is that the purpose of business is return on capital, be it
Mental, Money or Manpower capital. He believes in profitable growth that can only come from the
four areas of business. Clear Strategy, efficient Operations, People creation, and aggressive
marketing.
Winner of numerous awards till date in various aspects of hospitality. He has till date interacted
with hundreds of hotel owners, in over hotel locations, and trained over 2000 hospitality
professionals. It is this that has given him the expert's edge in Hotels, Restaurants and Franchise
Page 11 of 26
Rishi Kapoor
MGM Hakkasan Hospitality
Rishi Kapoor is a seasoned hotelier with 2 decades of experience in the luxury hospitality sector
across operations, development, marketing, strategy, and asset management.
Mr. Kapoor is the Senior Vice President of International Development for MGM Hospitality, a
division of MGM Resorts International focused on developing non-gaming luxury concepts. He is
responsible for the implementation of MGM Hospitality’s strategic plan to establish, through
management contracts and strategic joint ventures, world-class hotels and integrated real estate
developments that showcase and promote the company’s brands.
Mr. Kapoor handles Asia, India, Middle East and North Africa.
Prior to this, he was Vice President of Development – India for MGM Hospitality, where he led
the development of the Bellagio, MGM Grand and Skylofts brand; with 5 luxury hotels and integrated
developments currently under construction.
Before joining the division, he worked as director of strategy and marketing for The Imperial, New
Delhi. There, he led the rebranding, repositioning and management turnaround of this historic
property in India to its current iconic luxury hotel brand. His experience also includes various
marketing and operations positions with The Oberoi Group and ITC Hotels.
Mr. Kapoor received his degree in hotel management from the Institute of Hotel Management,
Pusa, New Delhi, in India. He also completed post-graduate training in general management,
operations and marketing.
Dhunji Kavarana
WelcomHeritage
Mr. D. Kavarana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), WelcomHeritage Hotels joined ITC Hotels as a
management trainee in 1977. Since then he has worked in most of the ITC Hotels mainly in the F&B
discipline, until the year 1999.
Subsequently from the year 2000, he has been the General Manager within the Luxury Hotels of
ITC, viz at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi and lastly at Mumbai as the Area Manager West and
General Manager at ITC Maratha.
With his experience at ITC Hotels for nearly 35 years, his tenure at WelcomHeritage Hotels will
focus on expanding the Brand to 50 Heritage properties by the year 2015, providing guests with a
Royal experience at the WelcomHeritage Palace Hotels and an adventure at the Nature Resort
destinations.
Page 12 of 26
Rajiv Kaul
The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts
As president of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Rajiv Kaul balances his time and energies
between providing strategic direction to the group, guiding its eight award-winning properties towards
operational excellence and market leadership, as well as overseeing the development and launch of
new properties.
A believer in both the science and art of hospitality, Kaul guides his team in following a systematic
and process-oriented approach towards driving business excellence across all functions –
operations, sales, public relations, marketing and human resources. Under his leadership, The
Leela’s portfolio has nearly doubled, and is on track to being widely recognized as a group setting
new benchmarks in luxury hospitality.
Kaul brings over three decades of luxury hospitality leadership experience to his role, including
serving in top positions at some of the country’s finest and most celebrated luxury hotel chains. He
has spearheaded flagship properties at The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, including the Oberoi hotels in
Egypt, and Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, including Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai. Under
his thoughtful leadership, hotels have flourished, gained national and international accolades, and
carved a unique niche for themselves across the globe.
A recipient of the esteemed “Hotelier of the year” title by PATA Travel Writers Association at ITB
Berlin, 2005, Kaul is an industry thought-leader, his views and inputs are regularly sought on various
hospitality panels and forums.
Kaul is a member of the Global Advisory Board of the US-based Preferred Hotel Group (PHG), a
global collection of unique and independent hotel groups, destination resorts, and luxury residences.
He is also a member of the La Conferie de Chevalier du Tastevin, one of the oldest international
wine confraternity, created in 1934 in France. He is also a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an
International Association of Gastronomy which aims to bring together enthusiasts who share the
same values of quality, fine dining, and the encouragement of culinary arts.
A graduate from the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, Kaul holds an MBA in Hotel
Management jointly awarded by Cornell Hotel School, Ithaca USA & Ecole Superieure des Sciences
Economiques et Commerciales, France’s Leading Business School. Kaul is also an alumnus of the
prestigious IMHI at Cornell-Essec in France.
Kaul is married with two children.
Rattan Keswani
Lemontree Hotels
With over 32 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rattan Keswani is the Deputy
Managing Director of Lemon Tree Group. He is also the Chairman of Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd. (A
joint venture between Lemon Tree Hotels and Rattan Keswani).
Prior to joining Lemon Tree Hotels, he was associated with Trident Hotels (part of The Oberoi
Group) as a President from April 2008 till April 2012. Rattan was responsible for ten Trident Hotels
in India. In addition, he oversaw Maidens Hotel, Delhi and Clarkes Hotel, Shimla. He has worked
across various Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in India and overseas.
An alumnus of the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, Rattan started his career with
The Oberoi Mumbai in 1983, as the Assistant Front Office Manager. Apart from a brief tenure with
Holiday Inns Worldwide, Mr. Keswani had two tenures with The Oberoi Group, the last till the middle
of April 2012.
Rattan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. Married with two children – a son and a
daughter, Rattan is an avid reader and enjoys travel, movies, and sports – with tennis and cricket
being his keen interests.
Page 13 of 26
Achin Khanna
HVS
Achin Khanna is the Managing Director of the Consulting & Valuation practice at HVS South Asia.
Over the past seven plus years at HVS, he has performed and overseen hundreds of market studies,
economic feasibility analyses and large scale portfolio valuations varying from limited-service
properties to upscale and luxury hotels.
His clients include public & private sector banks, private equity firms, real estate developers, hotel
companies, state agencies and management companies. Prior to joining HVS, Achin spent ten years
in the United States and worked with Hilton, Homestead Studio Suites and the Wyndham Hotel
Group across various roles in hotel operations, revenue management, franchise relations and
business development. Achin holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Hospitality Management from
Widener University, Chester, PA and a Masters in Business Administration degree from The
University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Thorsten Kirschke
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Thorsten Kirschke is responsible for leading the strategic growth of Carlson Rezidor’s hotel
business in Asia Pacific. Currently, Carlson Rezidor has more than 190 hotels in operation and under
development in the region. Carlson Rezidor’s brand portfolio includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson
Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson Red, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites
By CarlsonSM.
Thorsten, who was born in Hannover, Germany, is a hospitality veteran with more than 25 years
of experience. Prior to coming back to Asia, he was President of the Americas and the Chief
Operating Officer of Carlson Rezidor’s global business. During Thorsten’s tenure in the Americas,
his achievements include brand revitalization, accelerated development and the creation of an
effective, global commercial organization. Previously, he was Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer for The Rezidor Hotel Group based in Brussels, Belgium.
Kirschke has a master's degree in hospitality from IMHI Essec University, Paris.
Avneesh Kohli
AmbujaNeotia Hospitality
Avneesh Kohli is responsible for developing hotel projects and operations in Eastern India for all
new hotels for AmbujaNeotia Group - Hotels. An alumnus of École hôtelière de Lausanne,
Switzerland, Avneesh has worked with International brands- Swissôtel, The Oberoi Hotels and
Resorts and Taj hotels. He is experienced in hotel operations and recognized for owner relations,
strategic planning, innovative solutions and hotel openings.
Page 14 of 26
Michel Koopman
The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences
Michel Koopman was appointed as General Manager of The Leela Ambience Gurgaon, on 1st
April, 2013. His last assignment was with Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas, United Arab Emirates
as the Director of Operations Middle East & General Manager Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa.
A stalwart hotelier with over three decades of experience, Mr. Koopman holds a broad range of
operations and marketing talent in managing multiple hotel units, organizational re-structuring and
pre-opening hotel experience with globally acclaimed hotel groups.
A Dutch national and a graduate from Steigenberger Hotelberufsfachule (Germany) with a high
school degree from HotelSchool (Certificate), The Hague, Holland, he has held successful stints with
various international hotel groups including Hyatt International, Hilton and Intercontinental. His
professional assignments took him to various international destinations like Europe, Australia, China
and other Asian countries with multicultural and dynamic environment, rapidly raising his
professional capabilities from Director of Food & Beverage, Executive Assistant Manager (Rooms)
to serving General Manager’s role several times with Hyatt International and Intercontinental group.
He also held a regional position with Intercontinental hotels group. His most recent regional role was
with Ana Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spa.
With continued focus on operational excellence of hotels and his enviable background in
F & B and Rooms, Mr. Koopman holds equal interest in “people” and “marketing” which he considers
to be key in success of any hotel.
Akshay H. Kulkarni
Cushman & Wakefield
Akshay leads the C&W hospitality efforts in South & South East Asia based out of Singapore. He
leads teams of experienced hospitality professionals across the region offering a range of services
including Consulting, Asset Management and Transactional Services besides having dedicated
Hotel Valuation teams in Singapore, India, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. Through formidable
market knowledge, experience and dedicated & innovative services to clients, C&W Hospitality has
built strong relationships across developers, operators and investors who regard him and his team
as trusted advisors.
In a career spanning 21 years, Akshay Kulkarni has delved in most aspects of hospitality ranging
from materials management, F&B operations, H R, training and development, education with
majority of his professional life dedicated to real estate and transaction management. He has been
an integral part of the transformation that organized hospitality real estate has seen in India where
he has led to the creation of a sustainable business model for Cushman & Wakefield. Akshay has
worked with leading hotel brands including ITC, Accor and Intercontinental amongst various global
brands from across Europe & Africa and the Asia Pacific.
Page 15 of 26
Suresh Kumar
Fortune Park Hotels Ltd
An Advanced Management Qualification (AMQ) degree holder from School of Business-Bond
University, Australia and a Science Graduate from Delhi University, Mr. Suresh Kumar joined ITC
Hotels Ltd. as a Management Trainee in 1978.
In a career spanning about three decades, Suresh has held several managerial positions in ITC
Welcomgroup’s prestigious hotels commencing his career as General Manager in 1987 at a young
age of 29 years. Sheer dedication and strong work ethics soon earned him the portfolio of Vice
President for the Southern Region of ITC Hotels Ltd. In April 2005, Suresh Kumar took over as Vice
President Operations - ITC Hotels based in Delhi. Since October 2006, he assumed the mantle of
President, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, A wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd. Under Mr. Kumar’s
dynamic leadership initially as the President, and currently as the Chief Executive Officer, the
Company has witnessed a phenomenal growth. Currently Fortune Hotels has 75 Alliance Hotels,
with an inventory of close to 6000 Rooms, of which 42 Hotels are operational, and the balance at
various stages of development.
Mr. Kumar has been awarded a number of accolades, including ‘The Green Hotelier’ award by
International Hotels and Restaurants Association (IHRA) in 1996, ‘Safari India Best Hotelier, 2004 &
2009’, ‘PATWA International Young Achievers Award’ in 2008, ‘PATWA International Achiever
Award’ in 2010 and 2011. At present he is a Management Committee Member of Hotel & Restaurant
Association of Northern India (HRANI), Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India
(FHRAI) and Executive Committee Member of Hotel Association of India (HAI).
Mandeep S. Lamba
JLL
Mandeep has spent over 30 years in the Hospitality Industry. Heads the Hotels & Hospitality
Advisory Business for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal & Bangladesh.
After successful stints with International Hotel Brands such as Choice Hotels, Intercontinental
Hotel Group (IHG) and Carlson Residor in General Management positions, he became, in 2001,
President of ITC Fortune Park Hotels, part of the USD 8 billion ITC Group. He is credited for having
built the Fortune hotels Brand and establishing it as a leading player in the Indian Mid-Scale
Hospitality sector growing the business over 100% year on year throughout his term.
Post his career with ITC, Mandeep set up joint ventures to own and operate hotels in the Indian
upscale sector with the multi-billion dollar Real Estate and Financial services conglomerate, Dawnay
Day Group UK, Private Equity Firm Duet International UK and subsequently with Onyx Hospitality
Group, the leading hospitality player in Thailand.
Prior to moving to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) India he spent three years in a consulting role as
President with TEN Hotels and Hospitality Solutions, a company he founded in 2011 providing end
to end solutions to the hospitality Industry.
An established Industry leader, Mandeep is respected for his insight into the Indian Hospitality
Industry, having won several awards & recognitions for his accomplishments. He is a regular invitee
to several Industry forums and a speaker in Seminars & Conferences in India & abroad.
Sahdev Mehta
DoubleTree by Hilton Pune
Sahdev joined the hotel in August 2012 and guided the transition from the project stage into the
operations phase, overseeing each aspect of the hotels transformation into a fully operational
property. He has more than 14 years of experience in hospitality management in India, USA, France
and Malaysia. He has a proven talent for devising and implementing successful business strategies
and is devoted to ensuring an exceptional experience for each guest who enters the hotel.
Sahdev is passionate about food, and it was this passion that led him to spending the majority of
his career leading the Food & Beverage Projects with international chains like Hyatt and Marriott.
His most recent assignment was leading the food production team at Marriott International.
Page 16 of 26
Rajeev Menon
Marriott International
Mr. Menon joined Marriott International in 2001 as General Manager of the Renaissance Mumbai
Hotel & Convention Centre and the Lakeside Chalet Marriott Executive Apartments.
In 2004, Raj was promoted to General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, responsible for
eight Marriott International properties in the region. Prior to joining Marriott, Mr. Menon served in
management positions with Welcomgroup Sheraton Hotels in India and Stamford Hotels & Resorts
and Radisson Hotels & Resorts in Australia.
Raj Moved back to India with his family, in 2007 as the Area Vice President where he heads the
South Asia region.
Mr. Menon holds a diploma in Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition from PUSA in New
Delhi, India.
Sudip Mullick
Khaitan & Co
Sudip is a Partner in the Commercial and Real Estate Practice at Khaitan & Co, Mumbai. He has
vast experience in Real Estate, Hospitality, Infrastructure, Construction and Commercial Contracts.
He also specializes in litigation and arbitration arising out of construction, commercial and
management contracts. He has advised many real estate owners, developers, corporate houses,
investors, hotel owners / operators in the real estate and hospitality space. He has an in depth legal
and commercial understanding of hotel development, construction as well as management contracts.
Amit Nagpal
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Amit is Director Development-South Asia for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. He has over 17 years of
experience in the hospitality industry. His experience includes business development, feasibility &
market studies, pre-opening, and hotel operations. In his earlier assignments he has worked as:
Director Development–South West Asia for InterContinental Hotels Group, Consultant with HVS
(New York), General Manager at Wingate Inn Commack (New York), and Fairfield Inn Exton
(Pennsylvania). He is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) with Master’s in Hotel, Restaurant and
Travel Administration from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Anupam Narayan
Rockwood Associates, LLC
Mr. Narayan has 30 years of business experience and founded Rockwood Associates LLC in
2010. Since then he has provided strategic advice to clients in Peru, India, China, Switzerland and
the United States.
Prior to that he served as President and CEO and Director of Red Lion Hotels Corporation, a New
York Stock Exchange company.
From 1998-2004, he was with Best Western International, based in Phoenix, Arizona. He served
as Acting CEO and Senior Vice President for Finance and Global Strategy and helped define Best
Western’s brand and expansion strategy worldwide.
Prior to 1998, he was with a Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts (KKR) hotel and real estate company
and closed $4.0 billion of debt financings, completed two Initial Public Offerings which raised $300
million, and was actively involved with real estate development, mergers and acquisitions and the
capital markets.
He is a frequent speaker at hotel industry and investment conferences worldwide and serves on
various Boards including Ginger Hotels and Swiss International Hotels in India.
Mr. Narayan is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, India and he
received his MBA at the University of Florida, USA.
Page 17 of 26
Vikram Oberoi
The Oberoi Group
Mr. Vikram Oberoi is the Chief Operating Officer and Joint Managing Director of EIH Limited, the
flagship company of The Oberoi Group.
Mr. Vikram Oberoi has a degree in Economics from Pepperdine University in California. After his
graduation, Mr. Oberoi gained work experience as a stockbroker at ANZ McCaughan in
Australia. Thereafter, he returned to India to join The Oberoi Group’s management team.
As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Oberoi is actively involved in the management and operations of
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Trident Hotels in India. The “Oberoi” brand has come to represent
fine luxury hotels which offer efficient and personalised service.
Mr. Oberoi has held various management positions within The Oberoi Group in India. He was
actively involved in the re-engineering of systems and processes of the company, working closely
with the consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
In 1997, as General Manager of The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India, Mr. Oberoi set new standards
of excellence in personalised service. He led a young and committed team, winning international
accolades and recognition for The Oberoi Group.
Mr. Oberoi is the son of Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group and
grandson of late Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group.
Deepak Ohri
lebua Hotels & Resorts
Deepak Ohri, a name that has become synonymous with the ‘luxury experience’, joined lebua at
its inception in 2003 and has not only brought the vision of the brand to reality but expanded this
vision across continents with several of the world’s finest five-star hotels, restaurants and bars.
Drawing on a unique vision of hospitality that aspires to tap into a deeper level of exchange with
guests and create lasting emotional connections, and supported by a career that includes operational
and executive roles with leading hospitality businesses, Mr. Ohri is recognized as an innovative
industry leader, making him a sought-after speaker on luxury and strategy at international
conferences and a lecturer at top business schools. He is a three-time recipient of the Most
Enterprising Entrepreneur Award (2008 to 2010) by the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards and The
Best in Asia: Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2011 to 2013).
Recently, Mr. Ohri announced the expansion of lebua’s dining concepts to Europe, starting with
the 2015 opening of the restaurant Breeze in Frankfurt, Germany. He continues to explore hotel
management contracts and dining opportunities for lebua in exceptional city and resort destinations
worldwide.
Lalit K. Panwar
Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
Dr Lalit Panwar, IAS, Rajasthan (1979) has a doctorate in tourism and MSc In Zoology. He has
been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, effective 30th October, 2014.
Dr Panwar has long-standing association with the tourism sector – Chairman & Managing
Director, ITDC for 3 years from April 2010, during which he turned the loss-making ITDC into a
dividend paying corporation; CMD, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation & M.D., R.T.D.C.
(1999-2002); Director Tourism, Rajasthan and M.D., R.T.D.C. (1991-95); Secretary, Tourism, Art &
Culture, Rajasthan (1998-2002). His many achievements included conceiving and implementing
Palace on Wheels in 1992; Heritage Hotels and several cultural festivals in Rajasthan. He was
responsible for launching ‘Tourist Police’ in Rajasthan in 1993.
He has written several books / policy papers including on Rural Tourism (for IDS, University of
Sussex), Eco Tourism and Palace on Wheels. He served as visiting faculty at University of
Wageningen, Netherlands, at University of Rajasthan and IITM, Gwalior.
Dr. Panwar received National Tourism Award 2012 from Ministry of Tourism (as CMD, ITDC);
National Hospitality Education Award 2011 from Ministry of Tourism and Pacific Asia Travel Writers’
Association (PATWA) Award at ITB Berlin (March 2012).
Dr Panwar was Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs from April 13, prior to appointment as
Secretary Tourism.
Page 18 of 26
Shapath R. Parikh
Parikh Inn Pvt. Ltd.
Shapath Parikh is a Director at Parikh Inn Pvt. Ltd. (“PIPL”), a family run organization in the
business of developing and owning mid-scale hotels. PIPL currently owns one operational hotel
(Fortune Park Centre Point) in Jamshedpur and one under construction hotel in Vadodara. Shapath
is instrumental in the group’s expansion activities, which includes the Vadodara venture and several
other upcoming projects in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India.
Prior to joining the hospitality business in mid 2012, Shapath was an investment banker for 11
years, having worked at leading organizations such as Lehman Brothers, Nomura and Barclays PLC,
both in New York and Mumbai. He most recently served as a Director at Barclays in Mumbai,
heading the investment banking coverage effort for a number of sectors.
Shapath has a Bachelor of Science degree (majoring in Finance and Information Systems) from
the Stern School of Business, New York University.
Rajesh A. Punjabi
Hilton Worldwide
Rajesh leads the company’s multi-brand, multiple partners and high-growth development strategy
in India.
Prior to joining Hilton Worldwide in 2006, Rajesh was Vice President with Ambit Corporate
Finance Pte. Ltd., a leading Indian investment bank. In his eight years with the company he was
responsible for initiating, negotiating and managing some key merger and acquisition transactions.
He was also involved in the company’s hospitality practice. Before Ambit, Rajesh worked in the
Business Advisory Division of Arthur Andersen, where he was responsible for advising, leading
multinational companies on investment structuring, foreign investment and taxation. Rajesh has
actively participated in representing the industry at various forums including Global Real Estate
Institute (GRI) and The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Rajesh is a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai and a Chartered Accountant
from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Dilip Puri
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Dilip Puri took over as the Managing Director India and Regional Vice President, South Asia for
Starwood Hotels & Resorts in January 2010.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is the largest international operator of four and five
star hotels in India and currently operates 39 hotels under management and franchised
arrangements. Starwood has a portfolio of nine distinctive and compelling brands that include St.
Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Méridien,
Aloft and Element. Starwood expects to have 100 hotels under operation, development or
management contracts signed by 2015.
With almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Dilip comes with a wealth of
experience in operating hotels, in depth local knowledge and the right credentials to take the lead to
drive and support Starwood’s aggressive expansion plans in the region.
Dilip has worked with major Indian hospitality brands like Taj and Oberoi as well as with
Intercontinental Hotels Group and Sarova Hotels internationally. He brings with him a global
perspective that has been honed through operational and development roles in India, South Pacific,
Australia and Africa across luxury and upscale hotel categories.
Prior to assuming his new role with Starwood, Dilip was the Chief Executive Officer of Duet India
Hotels.
A graduate in Economics from Delhi University, Dilip holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel
Management from the Oberoi Center for Learning and Development. He has also done an Executive
MBA program for IHG General Manager’s with the Poon Kam Kai School of Business at the Hong
Kong University.
Dilip is based out of the Starwood Regional Office in Gurgaon and has been spearheading
Starwood’s ambitious expansion plans in the region ever since he took over the role.
Dilip is a voracious reader and an avid golfer.
Page 19 of 26
Elizabeth Randall-Winkle
STR Global
Elizabeth (Randall) Winkle is Managing Director for STR Global Limited and is based out of
London, England. Prior to being appointed Managing Director, Elizabeth had been Director of
Operations for the company with responsibility for operations and client relationship management.
Elizabeth has been active in the industry, speaking at international conferences and participating on
panels at various events. Mrs. Winkle was invited to take part in the Dean's Distinguished Lecture
Series (DDLS) at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration (SHA) in 2011 and at Ecole hôtelière de
Lausanne (EHL) in 2012.
Elizabeth joined STR Global from the financial services industry, having served as Interim
President/CEO for Pasadena Federal Credit Union in California after previously serving as Vice
President, Member Services for the $120 Million organization.
Mrs. Winkle is a 2007 recipient of the World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) Young Credit
Union Professional Award and represented the organization on a Cooperative Learning Tour in
Ecuador. In 2006, she was honored with the Callifornia Credit Union League’s Tomorrow’s Star
award.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University
Dhruva Rathore
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
A post graduate in Business Administration, Dhruva Rathore has been in the hospitality industry
for nearly twenty five years. He started his career as a Sales & Marketing management trainee with
Indian Hotels Company Limited followed by a stint with ITC Hotels Limited. He subsequently
occupied leadership positions in Sales & Marketing at Parkroyal New Delhi and with Indian Hotels
Company Limited in Delhi. He joined Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in February 2005 to set up their sales
organisation in India, moved to the Development function in 2008 and is currently their Vice
President, Development, responsible for the Indian subcontinent and Maldives.
P. Rudran
Arcil
Mr. Rudran has over 40 years of management and leadership experience in reputed banking and
financial institutions like RBI, IDBI and SIDBI. He joined Arcil in April 2012 as the Managing Director
& Chief Executive Officer and presently guides the strategic and operational aspects of the
Company.
Prior to joining Arcil, Mr. Rudran was the first Managing Director & CEO of ISARC, an ARC
sponsored by SIDBI group & major banks; before that he was associated with SIDBI as its Chief
General Manager and headed various Head Office departments, besides heading / working in the
Zonal and Branch offices of SIDBI and IDBI. He is M.Com, LLB and CAIIB with diploma in Industrial
Finance.
Mr. Rudran has attended several training programmes in and outside India on important topics
relating to banking and finance. He was also a member of the Working Group on Rehabilitation of
SMEs constituted by RBI, and a consultant to GTZ, Germany for a brief period. Mr. Rudran is
specialized in project appraisal, monitoring and follow-up, restructuring / reconstruction of distressed
assets and NPA management.
Page 20 of 26
Lokesh Sabharwal
Accor
Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 92
countries with over 3,600 hotels and 470,000 rooms. Its extensive offer of complimentary brands
encompassing Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, The Sebel, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Suite Novotel,
Mercure, Adagio, ibis, ibis styles, ibis budget and Formule1 – provide a comprehensive range of
options from luxury to budget and extended stay.
Lokesh Sabharwal is a professional hotelier with over 16 years of experience in hotel
development, consulting and operations. Based at the Gurgaon office, he is responsible for leading
Accor’s growth activities across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, besides being a key
member of the regional strategy and operations team.
Before joining Accor, Lokesh was Director Development, South West Asia for IHG. Prior to IHG,
Lokesh worked with HVS in the New Delhi office in the Consulting & Valuation division, where he
was responsible for directing valuations, feasibility and market demand studies for investors, lenders
and hotel companies. Previously, he worked with Hyatt Hotels Corporation across various hotels in
management and front line roles.
Lokesh has completed his Hotel Management from the International College of Hotel
Management, Adelaide, Australia and also holds a Diplome Culinaire d’Hoteliere from Le Cordon
Bleu. He has also completed a Certification in Real Estate, Development and Hotel Investment from
Cornell-Nanyang, Singapore.
Sheldon Santwan
Saffron Synergies Pvt Ltd
Sheldon Santwan brings with him over 18 years of publishing experience in the travel and
hospitality industries. Through the years, he has worked closely with various state governments and
tourism boards in an advisory capacity, along with various government agencies and he is also a
part of the tourism sub-committee and steering committee of the Indian Merchants’ Chambers (IMC).
He is also on the International Advisory Board of France Tourism (Atout France) for India. Sheldon
has been invited to speak at various national and international forums like HIFI (Hotel Investment
Forum India), HICSA (Hotel Investment Conference - South Asia), and EFT (Eye for Travel) etc. He
has also been a guest speaker at three WTO (World Tourism Organisation) Summits in Vietnam,
Cambodia and Sri Lanka where he spoke about the tourism opportunities in India and the Asian
region. He is also part of the Advisory Board of Lavasa Corporation Ltd. in India.
At Saffron Synergies as the driving force behind two trade magazines – TravelBiz Monitor and
Hospitality Biz - he started India’s first and only weekly travel publication in the form of TravelBiz
Monitor 5 years ago and live news portal for the travel industry www.travelbizmonitor.com.
Subsequently he started Hospitality Biz and www.hospitalitybizindia.com, the only live news portal
for the hospitality industry. TravelBiz Monitor website ranks in the top 5 Google worldwide search for
travel-related news.
Page 21 of 26
Rakesh Sarna
Indian Hotels Company Ltd
Mr. Rakesh Sarna, joined Indian Hotels Company Limited as Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer on 1st September, 2014. Mr. Sarna brings over three decades of experience across
various leadership roles with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He was the Group President - Americas with
a portfolio of 146 Full Service hotels, 233 Select Service hotels and 15 Vacation Ownership facilities
across North America, the Caribbean and Latin America with around 40,000 employees. In this role,
Mr. Sarna was responsible for the development and management of all owned, managed and
franchised hotels across all Hyatt brands.
Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer- International from June 2007 until his
appointment as Group President- Americas in October 2012. During this time, he was responsible
for the development and management of all owned, managed and franchised hotels across all Hyatt
brands and for overseeing the Divisional Offices in Hong Kong for Asia Pacific; in Zurich for Europe,
Africa & Middle East; in Dubai for South West Asia and in Mexico City for Latin America. In addition,
during this time, Mr. Sarna was also responsible for co- authoring the brand attributes of Andaz
(Hyatt’s boutique brand) and leading the launch of this new brand.
Mr. Sarna has had and international upbringing. He moved to Canada as a young adult and
completed his Diploma in Hospitality Administration from Ottawa.
Rushabh Shah
Horwath HTL - India
Mr. Rushabh Shah, Associate Director at Horwath HTL-India has been actively involved in
hospitality sector consulting since 2009. He has rich & varied consulting experience covering market
analysis, feasibility studies, valuations and appraisals across twenty four Indian markets and three
international destinations. During his tenure, he has liaised with bankers, investors and various
domestic and international hospitality chains assisting in multiple strategic consulting projects
including expansion plans and entry strategy advice. He has a mix of professional skills including
financial, commercial and diligence evaluations to add to his hotel consulting knowledge and
experience.
Siddharth Shah
Khaitan & Co.
Siddharth is a Partner in the Funds and Corporate Practice Group at Khaitan & Co in Mumbai.
He has vast experience in the Funds space having over the years advised large number of clients
on matters related to fund formation involving structuring & organization of domestic and offshore
funds across asset classes, corporate and regulatory advice in relation to operations of the funds,
foreign investment and exchange control laws. In addition to fund formation, he also has substantial
experience in corporate transactional space including fund investments (including PE investments
in real estate sector), public and private acquisitions, corporate restructuring and capital markets
(involving public and private offerings).
Page 22 of 26
Nirupa Shankar
Brigade Hospitality
Nirupa Shankar, Director, Brigade Hospitality, is responsible for bringing new focus and energy
into the Company by streamlining its marketing and revenue management initiatives, focusing on
increasing the company’s bottom line and creating a business environment that is objective and data
driven. She has been instrumental in leading a number of organization wide activities that include
improving customer experience and brand perception.
Nirupa oversees the operations strategy for the company’s self-managed assets, which include
convention centres, serviced apartments, lifestyle membership clubs, banquet catering and event
management. She also asset manages the group’s hospitality ventures, such as the first newly built
and managed Sheraton in India and the first Grand Mercure in India. In addition, she is responsible
for the business development of new hotel projects; there are currently eight in the pipeline.
Nirupa recently launched a unique lounge bar atop the World Trade Centre-Bangalore, called
HIGH Ultra Lounge, the highest point for food and beverage in South India.
With a Masters in Hospitality Management, Nirupa graduated on the Dean’s list from Cornell
University. Prior to joining Brigade Hospitality she worked as a Senior Business Analyst with Ernst
& Young LLP, New York. She is also a Six Sigma Black Belt.
LN Sharma
Golden Jubilee Hotels Ltd
Mr. L. N. Sharma is FCA and FCS and over 3 decades of industrial experience including last 20
years in hotel project developments at various locations in India and in technical collaboration with
international hotel management companies.
Mr.L.N.Sharma is presently heading a hotel development company as the main promoter (Lead
Developer) for the hotel projects Trident, Hyderabad (commenced commercial operations in
September, 2013), Double Tree by Hilton, Hyderabad (project under implementation) and Hampton
by Hilton in India. The investment in these hotel developments exceeds Rs. 1500 Crores.
Mr. Sharma has extensive working knowledge of PPP Hotel Projects with State Governments
(Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rajasthan) and long-term relationships with premier PE firms and
Banking Institutions for his projects.
Rajiv Sharma
IHG
Rajiv Sharma is Vice President Development for South West Asia and is responsible for driving
the strategic distribution of IHG brands through hotel management contract signings, in key locations
across the sub-region.
Rajiv started his career with IHG in 2004 as Director Development South West Asia and in 2007
was made Associate VP Development for the South West Asia region. In late 2009 he assumed
charge of the New Delhi Office and has been given the additional responsibility of managing owner
relationships. In 2011 he assumed the responsibilities of Vice President Development, South West
Asia.
He has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry with significant expertise in
the hotel and tourism development arena, spanning South West Asia and Australia. He has also
handled Development roles with Aman Resorts, Accor and Southern Pacific Hotels in the South
West Asia region. Rajiv has worked in Australia with Horwath and in the US and Germany in hotel
operations.
Rajiv holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of
Management, Sydney in addition to a Bachelor of Business Administration from Fort Lauderdale
College, Florida. He also holds a Hotel Management Diploma from Dadar Catering College, Mumbai.
He is currently based in New Delhi, India.
Page 23 of 26
Shruti Shibulal
Tamara
Shruti Shibulal is Director - Trivandrum Project for The Tamara, a hospitality company based in
Bangalore, India. The company launched its first luxury resort, The Tamara Coorg, in 2012. Shruti is
currently managing The Tamara's newest project, a 120 key luxury hotel with conference & wedding
facilities in Trivandrum, Kerala. She is concentrating on building long term business growth while
maintaining The Tamara's values on responsible tourism. Shruti is also a Director in her family office,
Innovations Investment Management, and is managing its US based investments. She splits her
time between Bangalore and New York.
Previously, Shruti was a Co-Founder and Director in Avant Garde Hospitality which runs premiere
restaurants - Caperberry & Fava in Bangalore. Prior to that, she worked in Merrill Lynch's Global
Private Client division in New York. She has a MBA from Columbia Business School in New York
City and a BS from Haverford College.
Shruti is a Member of the Management Council of The Samhita Academy, a school based on the
principles of experiential learning and integrates students of poor socio-economic backgrounds with
those from middle class families. She is a trustee of the Advaith Foundation and Sarojini Damodaran
Foundation which provide scholarships, pensions, and health care assistance to deserving but
underprivileged individuals.
Shwetank Singh
InterGlobe Hotels P Ltd
Shwetank joined Interglobe Hotels in this leadership position in May 2014. In his current role he
is responsible for both the Development function as well as the relatively unchartered territory of
asset management, especially in India in the mid-market segment.
Prior to this role he had worked with Premier Inn and handled a variety of roles which began with
Director for Business Development & New Openings (for nearly two years). He was later promoted
to Brand and Operations Director in Dec 2009 and once again elevated to Regional Vice President
Operations in 2013. In this role, Shwetank managed the Premier Inn India business. He was sat on
the Board of Premier Inn India and was a part of the Whitbread Leadership Forum.
An alumnus of the Faculty of Management Studies (Delhi) and the Indian School of Mines,
Dhanbad, Shwetank started his career with Tata Steel as the Senior Officer (Engineering) in 1998,
where he worked for two years managing large teams of labor in a unionized environment, in
extremely challenging working conditions. Post his MBA degree he worked at Citifinancial, a
consumer loan company, and set up and managed a very successful business unit in Kanpur.
Following this stint he served at IL&FS, one of India's leading infrastructure development and finance
companies, where he was handling several Government and private relationships. In this role, he
was exposed to the tourism and hospitality sector and he decided to explore this vocation further.
Shwetank is an avid reader and a fitness freak. He also loves travelling to exotic locations.
Narendra Somani
TGB Banquets & Hotels Ltd.
The driving force behind the rapidly growing TGB Group is its Chairman and Managing Director,
Narendra Somani. The story of his success in the hospitality industry is a tale of grit and
determination and an inspiration to the country’s youth. Mr. Somani started with a small chaat
restaurant in Ahmedabad in 1989. Today, TGB is a multi dimensional hospitality group with presence
in various verticals such as five star deluxe hotels, star category hotels, budget hotels, club,
banquets, conventions, restaurants, café and bakeries and gourmet catering. A dynamic BSE and
NSE listed company headed by Mr. Somani, TGB also owns Gujarat’s largest five star deluxe hotel
in Surat with 170 rooms and largest ‘in-hotel’ convention space in India.
Mr. Narendra Somani is known as a trendsetter in the hospitality sector. From just one chaat
outlet in the 90s, today he has built a brand and an empire, TGB which is well known for its strength
in catering, wedding and convention management on a mega scale. TGB is the first one to introduce
a banquet centric hotel model and has converted its strength in outdoor catering into a new model
for the hospitality industry by reversing the ratio of F&B’s contribution to the hotel’s revenue. Today,
even top international chains are following this model.
Page 24 of 26
Sujjain Talwar
Economic Laws Practice
Sujjain Talwar is a co-founding Partner at ELP, and heads the Hospitality; Infrastructure; and
Banking & Finance practices of the firm. He is a qualified Solicitor in India as well as England and
Wales, with over 20 years of experience as a lawyer.
Sujjain has worked extensively on private sector participation initiatives in various infrastructure
projects in India and abroad, including real estate and hospitality. He has acted in over 65 hotel
transactions involving almost every international hotel operator in India.
Sujjain has been ranked as a Band 1 lawyer for his expertise in Projects, Infrastructure & Energy
in India by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2013 & 2014. He has been recommended as a Leading Lawyer
by IFLR1000 Energy & Infrastructure 2014 and has been identified as a Leading Lawyer for Projects
& Energy in India by The Asia-Pacific Legal500 consecutively for the past 6 years. He has also been
recognised for his expertise in Construction by Who’s Who Legal 2013 & 2014 and has featured in
Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2014.
Vijay Thacker
Horwath HTL - India
Mr. Vijay Thacker has extensive consulting experience over 28 years in Hotels, Tourism and
Leisure. Mr. Thacker has undertaken, supervised and directed diverse professional assignments
including feasibility studies, concept planning, valuations, management contracts, strategy plans,
advice on bids and bid structures, systems reviews and litigation support.
Mr. Thacker has carried out engagements in over 90 different markets in India and 30
international projects, including several projects in the Middle East and Bhutan. Assignments
handled involved projects across various categories including large mixed-use development
projects.
Mr. Thacker advises domestic and international hotel chain developers, owners, investors and
bankers on development matters, management contracts, financing, valuations etc.
He is a practicing Chartered Accountant in India and a director on several companies. He has
been a speaker at several professional seminars in India and overseas in relation to the hospitality
sector and on accounting, corporate law and corporate finance topics.
Horwath HTL is the leading global hospitality firm, across 39 countries. It is a member of Crowe
Horwath International, a top 10 global accounting and consulting network network of independent
accounting and consulting firms with about 680 offices in 117 countries worldwide.
Suma Venkatesh
Taj Group of Hotels
Suma Venkatesh, Vice President – Development, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd., heads the
Taj Group’s initiatives for growth through green field developments, acquisitions, licenses and
management contracts. Over the last 12 years with the Taj Group, she has been involved in doubling
the Group’s inventory to 126 hotels with 15500+ keys.
Ms. Venkatesh is an Electrical Engineer by training and holds a Masters Degree in Management
Studies from the Mumbai University in India. She has over 22 years of cross functional experience
across industries. Before joining the Taj Group, she has worked in different functions across multiple
industry sectors in India.
Page 25 of 26
Vineet Verma
Brigade Hospitality
Vineet started his career in 1980 with the Royal Calcutta Turf Club, one of the oldest and
renowned thoroughbred horse racing institutions in the world.
He served the Club till June 2003 having officiated in various capacities culminating in his
appointment as its Secretary & CEO in the year 1993. He was also two times the Secretary General
of the Turf Authorities of India.
He was later invited by Bengal Ambuja to join them as CEO, Bengal Ambuja Metro Dev. Ltd that
developed the well-known ‘City Centre’ at Salt Lake, Kolkata.
He was actively involved in several Chambers of Commerce in Kolkata including CII, ICC, Young
Leaders forum, Bengal Chamber of Commerce etc. He was also the Member, Governing Body of
Concern for Calcutta, a leading NGO in West Bengal.
Vineet is presently the Executive Director, Brigade Hospitality Services Ltd. BHSL is a Brigade
Group enterprise involved in the setting up and management of Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Clubs
and Convention Centers.
Besides two award winning hotels in Bangalore, Sheraton Bangalore @ Brigade Gateway and
Grand Mercure, Brigade Group has several other hotels under development in Bangalore, Chennai,
Mysore and Kerala.
He is on the Management Committee of Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce and
Chairman of its Expert committee on Tourism, Media & Leisure.
He has also a Member of Karnataka Tourism Vision Group constituted by the Government of
Karnataka.
Page 26 of 26

Speakers As of 6 January 2015 Rummy Anand Kiran Andicot

Transcription

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