Ajay K. Bakaya is a seasoned hotelier and the driving force behind the growth of Sarovar Hotels. A leader in the mid-market hospitality segment, Ajay has guided the brand from its humble beginnings —starting from a shared office table—to nearly 135 hotels across 85 destinations in India, Nepal, and Africa. An alumnus of Cornell-ESSEC, France, and a graduate of the Oberoi School of Learning and Development, Ajay brings rich international experience. His career spans India, Australia, Africa, France, and Scotland, offering him a global perspective on the hospitality industry. Ajay is also an avid cyclist, having completed the tough 1,000 km Tour of Nilgiris. He believes in values of patience, positivity, and discipline, which reflect in his leadership style. His mantra, “Sincerity and hard work will always give results,” inspires his team and peers. Ajay has been recognized with multiple industry accolades, including “Entrepreneur of the Year” by FHRAI and “CEO of the Year” and “Hall of Fame” awards by Hotelier India.

Juhi Roy joined Marriott International in April 2012 in the Development Team. Before joining Marriott, she worked with the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in the Development Team for four years and prior to that with Hindustan Times Media Ltd. and Ernst & Young. Juhi started her career with the Oberoi New Delhi and been a part of the hospitality industry for the last 26 years.

Mr. Kunal Chaudhari is a ‘2nd Generation Consulting Engineer’, and Director at renowned MEP Consulting Firm ‘Udayan Chaudhari & Associates Pvt. Ltd.’ A Mechanical & Automation Engineer by qualification, Kunal has successfully delivered several prestigious projects in India and Abroad, and has begun his journey as a guest lecturer in renowned Architectural & Engineering Institutions as well. At ASHRAE and various Industry platforms he has been part of panel discussions, and moderating sessions. He is also the Past Treasurer of ASHRAE India Chapter. Kunal is a published author with two titles to his credit. Sustainable designs coupled with pro-active use of state-of-the-art technology have been the cornerstone of his career as a Consulting Engineer. He has work extensively with MNCs and Renowned Global Brands over the last 15 years. The industry knows him as someone with an ‘eye for detail’, and having an appetite for concluding complex MEP design assignments. Data Centers, Labs, Retail & Commercial Buildings, Universities, Hospitals, Embassies, and Hotels roundup his repertoire of successfully commissioned assignments. As a second-generation entrepreneur, he is working toward creating an Engineering Organization with a Global Outreach.

Romesh Koul, a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management from Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, started his career as a Management Trainee with Jaypee Group at their hotels in New Delhi and left in 1984 to join Hotel Corporation of India at their unit at Srinagar. He started his career as a Management Trainee with Jaypee Group at their hotels in New Delhi and left in I 984 to join Hotel Corporation of India at their unit at Srinagar. He joined Hotel Banjara Hyderabad in 1986 as Assistant Front Office Manager. After 6 years of operational experience with various hotels, Romesh joined In Hotels Management Services Private Limited, a specialised consultancy organisation promoted by Mr. A. N. Haskar, Chairman Emeritus, ITC. Subsequently, he joined Tourism Finance Corporation of India(TFCI) in 1990 and was responsible for appraising more than 200 hotel projects. Romesh left TFCI in 1996 to set up his own company “Naaz Hotel Consultants Pvt. Ltd.” to provide specialised tourism related consultancy and need based services to new entrants in the hospitality industry. Today, Naaz advises various operational, project and financial matters to individual hotel promoters /groups.

The Founding Partner, of HPTS Consulting Neel Kamal Chauhan is an Associate Member of FCSI, Food Service Consultants Society International. A Master of Tourism Administration with specialization in Hotel Operations Management and Master of Commerce. With over 12 years of hotel operation and 15 years of Facility Planning Experience under his belt, Neel made himself a renowned name in kitchen consulting. Neel has extensively worked in various countries in Asia, Middle East & Africa. Presently, HPTS Consulting is working in 19 countries for various developers and International Hotel Brands. Neel is an expert in Designing Show and Interactive Kitchens. He is a specialist in Designing Standard Kitchen Models. He is also an expert in hospitality planning aspects, corporate cafeterias, Healthcare Kitchens and Food service Planning.

Davashish Srivastava is Senior Director Development, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group. He is based at the group’s South Asia head office in Gurgaon. Davashish has played a key role in establishing Radisson Hotel Group as one of the largest and fastest-growing international hotel brands in South Asia. In his current role, Davashish heads RHG’s Growth Vertical in South Asia, where over last 6 years he has contributed towards addition of more than 70 hotels to company’s existing and pipeline portfolio in addition to management of relationships with Master Franchisers, JV Partners and Strategic Investors. Davashish also holds a rich development consulting experience and has worked on more than 250 hotel feasibilities, valuations, and strategic tie-up assignments during his hotel consulting tenure and some of his areas of expertise include Market entry strategies, M&As, Portfolio valuations, Brand revamps and Market growth strategies. With more than 15 years of hotel development experience, Davashish has held senior positions with prominent multinational companies such as Whitbread International (Premier Inn) and Horwath Consultants.

Anil Sharma graduated from IIT Roorkee in the year 1982 and started his career with Bharadwaj & Associates in the year 1982 and worked with them till 1984. Thereafter, he joined Kabil Associates, a USA-based firm, and worked with them until 1989. He worked with them on various prestigious projects, namely USIS Calcutta, US Chancery Burma, US Consulate and Consular Residence in Lahore. In addition, he also worked in the US office of Kabil Associates for 6 months. In the year 1989, he started his own practise of architecture by the name of ASA (Anil Sharma Associates). His first project in Pune was later branded as the Holiday Inn Pune. It was also awarded "The Best New Hotel of the Year in the Asia Pacific Region" by Holiday Inn worldwide. Since then, ASA has been involved in various reputed hotel projects all over India and has designed projects in Kazakhstan as well.

Mr. Anoop Bali, Managing Director of Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited, is a distinguished corporate leader having over three decades of experience in finance, financial services & investment banking. Mr. Bali is MBA (Gold Medallist) with specialisation certification in Infrastructure Financing from IIM-Ahmedabad. He has rich experience of over three decades in the areas of corporate finance, hospitality project financing, structured lending, special situation financing, credit management, stressed asset management, merchant banking, risk management, accounts & finance, treasury & resource management, corporate/project advisory, etc. Mr. Bali is known for his deep insight in hospitality sector and is focussed on funding the hotel credit gap in India. An avid traveller and dog lover, he is passionate for development of large scale pet friendly hotels/resorts and senior citizen serviced apartments in the country.

Ishaan Koul holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Hospitality and Restaurant Management from IIMT (Institute for Management and Technology) Gurgaon affiliated with Oxford Brookes University, UK in 2009. Ishaan underwent industrial training at Four Seasons Sydney in 2007 and started his professional carrier as Management Trainee at Crowne Plaza, Gurgaon. In order to gain international experience Ishaan worked at Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre Singapore between 2011 & 2012 and joined Naaz Hotel Consultants Pvt. Ltd., in 2013. With the background of hotel operations, revenue management & marketing Ishaan was heading the feasibility division of Naaz Hotel Consultants Private Limited. Mr. Ishaan Koul joined Radisson Hotels Group as a part of the development team in 2019 and spent a year in the organisation before joining Naaz again in 2020. The current focus of Mr. Ishaan in addition to heading the feasibility division is to assist, advise and help in finalising the management & other agreements with various International & domestic hotel chains for independent owners diversifying into hospitality industry. Mr. Ishaan is a sports lover and has interest in acting.

A visionary in contemporary hospitality architecture and interior design, Ar. Khozema Chitalwala has been shaping spaces in India and beyond for over three decades. An alumnus of Rachna Sansad, Mumbai, he co-founded Designers Group 37 years ago with Sujata Chitalwala, guided by the profound belief that “true simplicity takes effort.” This philosophy echoes through his work, where understated elegance and luxury meets thoughtful functionality.
Khozema’s design approach masterfully balances luxury with purpose, weaving together meticulous detailing, innovative materials, and fluid spatial planning. A defining moment in his journey came with the Taj President Hotel project in 1999, which laid the foundation for his vision in hospitality design. Through perseverance, Designers Group has established itself as a leader in the industry. Under his guidance, the firm has collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, including Taj, (IHCL), Oberoi, ITC, Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, IHG, and many others.
Khozema has developed a design philosophy that seamlessly integrates nature, sustainability, and modernity while thoughtfully embracing regional nuances. One of his key talents lies in infusing his designs with distinctive regional flavors, creating spaces that are both authentic and contemporary. His commitment to crafting contextual, immersive spaces has led Designers Group to receive distinguished accolades, both Indian and international, such as the World Architecture Award, Estrade Award, and BW Hotelier IHA Award etc. With an enduring passion for redefining hospitality design, Ar. Khozema Chitalwala continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry, redefining expectations in hospitality design. His visionary approach has set a new benchmark, earning admiration and inspiring a new generation of designers. His work not only shapes spaces that are as meaningful as they are memorable but also captivates and elevates the industry's creative aspirations

Kiran Andicot holds the position of Regional 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.

He was the Deputy Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd and Co-Promotor & Director of Carnation Hotels till April 2022. A role that he performed for over a decade. Earlier he worked for ~31 years with the Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, he was last President, Trident Hotels (EIH Group) from 2008-2012. An OSHM post graduate batch of 1981-83, he held various senior positions with The Oberoi Group in India and abroad (ME and Sri Lanka) Rattan is graduate in Finance from Punjab University. His key specialisation is Hotel operations, with additional expertise in design, branding, marketing, PR and communications as well as human resource. Rattan is also an active trainer and mentor to senior executives across industries. He recently authored a book called “Check In Never Check out” which has been received well by industry leaders both in hospitality and FMCGs. He has been an independent advisor/consultant since the middle of 2022.

Mr. Sunil Khemani is the founder and Principal Consultant of Aufait International Engineering Studio which is multi-disciplinary MEP Design and Consulting Firm based out of New Delhi, India. The company has been involved in more than 200 projects including Hotel, Hospitals, retail, Residential, Commercial and Industrial projects. Mr. Sunil Khemani started his professional journey in 1983 and subsequent worked with a US based specialist company in building an undersea shelter for the first family of a country in Middle East. Mr. Khemani is a member of several professional societies including ISHRAE, ASHRAE, ISLE, IPA etc.

Jacob Purackal – Senior Director Development, South Asia joined Hilton in May 2012 and currently leads development for South Asia. In his tenure at Hilton Jacob has been responsible for originating and closing several landmark deals and growing Hilton's portfolio of brands in India. He has been instrumental in establishing relationships for Hilton with several key investment & development groups of India. Recently he was responsible for negotiating and closing the Strategic License Agreement for the “Spark by Hilton” which should lead to the development of 150 hotels. Prior to Hilton, Jacob led Molinaro Koger in India and was responsible for advisory, capital raise and transactions focused around the lodging sector. He was earlier with the capital markets division of Cushman & Wakefield in India focused on transactions across real estate asset classes, prior to which he handled business development for the wester Europe region for Geometric Software focused around Engineering Services & PLM. Jacob holds a Baccalaureate degree in Architecture and a MBA in Marketing & Finance from Iowa State University, Iowa, USA.

Vikram Singh, a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of diverse experience in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, currently serves as the pre-opening and operative General Manager at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel for Marriott International in Nepal. Leading with distinction in design and innovation, Vikram's dynamic approach underscores his commitment to excellence, contributing significantly to the ongoing success of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel.

Alex Shrestha represents a new generation of architects and urban planners creating a positive impact across the Asian landscape. As the principal architect at Wonaw & Associates with a strong conviction to achieving design excellence within the local context, he confidently confronts and challenges design principles, materials and technology limitations to produce beautiful, functional and sustainable architecture. Alex's creations have earned national and international distinctions in being among the top 4 resorts in Asia at the prestigious 2016 Asia Hotel Design Awards (Singapore) and a winner of 40 Under 40 (Hongkong). He has also been recently awarded its Hallmark, Architectural Excellence Award 2021 by the Society of Nepalese Architects for the Pavilions Himalayas Eco Resort, to recognize the excellence and quality achieved in a built architectural project.

Mr. Pushpendra Bansal, a hospitality stalwart is a civil engineer by profession, who expanded his family business in construction at an age of 20 after completing his education. In 1990 he diversified into hospitality and set up two hotels – one in Surat and the other in Mumbai. Later, he moved to the USA in 2003 and it was there that he acquired hotels, motels, and resorts of reputed brands. He had a passion to give back to his homeland and ventured into the midsegment hotel business in India. In 2007 Lords Hotels and Resorts was formed. He is an accomplished hotelier, operating 46 hotels in three counties and 15 more in various stages of completion. His dream is to be the largest mid-segment market Hotel chain operator.

Mr. Rajeev Janveja started his culinary journey with the Taj Group of Hotels after completing his studies from IHM Lucknow in 1985. During his career with TAJ, Rajeev re-launched many quality restaurants like the Iconic Machan and Ricks at The Taj Mahal Hotel and ARENA, at the Taj Deccan and Masala Bay at Taj Land’s End. Chef Janveja’s current assignment as the Senior Vice President & Corporate Chef of Lemon Tree Hotels, is directly responsible for F&B (Production) and F&B (Service) across all 100 hotels in different brands of the company, the latest one is creating F&B concepts for lemon Tree’s top most brand Aurika Skycity, India’s largest hotel at Mumbai. Rajeev has been a part of various high profile food promotions across the world has also travelled with Late Prime Minister Sh. Atal Bihari Bajpai with his team as his personal Chef. He was recently been crowned with the prestigious GOLDEN HAT AWARD by Indian Culinary Forum 2021 and is recipient of the ‘TATA Award for Business Excellence’. Rajeev is also a passionate marathon runner and has done pacing for many

Mr. Cyrus Madan, is the Senior Vice President, Business Development at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. Cyrus started his professional journey with the Taj group of hotels as a management trainee in 1995. He holds a bachelor of hotel management degree from Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration. Pursuant to his stint with Taj, Mr. Madan worked for Lemon Tree Hotels and was instrumental in setting-up the company's Asset Light Model and it's expansion in India and internationally. Cyrus Madan joined Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts in 2021, as Senior Vice President – Business Development for India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. With close to 30 years of hospitality experience, Madan brings a wealth of domain expertise in working with brands, acquisitions (both land and hotels), hotel pre-openings and operationalising hotels.

Chef Gautam Mehrishi has become a household name with his endeavors on television, and now has introduced a new Indian cuisine series, to revolutionize culinary world of television with Food ka Mood, where he introduces viewers to inspirational, exciting Indian food. Though he comes from a vegetarian family, he even cooked and ate non-vegetarian food. It was his grandfather who supported his passion and urged him to cook professionally. With over 18 years of experience in the industry he has worked with several big names in the business and has new show will bring professional and innovative global cooking techniques to the home kitchen for the first time demonstrating a variety of scientific cooking methods that enhance the cooking experience as well as the flavor of food, whilst preserving its nutritive value. Some of the unusual techniques that will be featured are the use of the soda siphon, the novel sous vide method of cooking in vacuum, native American Delta-T cooking and pit style steaming. The show 'Kitchen Magic' is a landmark show in the premium food entertainment space and a demonstrative show to provide food lovers with technical skills that promises to make the home cooking experience healthier and more scrumptious. Chef Gautam goes on long excursions on his bike; in particular he enjoys exploring the Himalayas

Nikhil Sharma is the Managing Director and Senior Area Vice President of South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, based in Gurugram. He oversees operations for over 180 hotels in the region, focusing on strengthening the Group’s presence, nurturing partnerships, driving revenue, and ensuring operational excellence. With more than 20 years of experience, Nikhil has held leadership roles, including Market Managing Director for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Chief Operating Officer at Ginger Hotels (IHCL). He was also a founding member of Lemon Tree Hotels, driving its growth as India’s fastest-growing upscale hotel brand. An active contributor to India’s hospitality sector, Nikhil also is an active member of industry committees and has earned recognition, including the ‘Excellence in Leadership’ Award and Hotelier of the Year. He holds a degree in Catering and Nutrition from IHM Pusa and has completed programs at IIM Bangalore and Cornell University.

Chef Rakesh Sethi is a prestigious National award-winning celebrity chef of India. He is one of the first chefs on Indian television. Currently he is Corporate Executive Chef for Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia. Chef Sethi has been a Cookery Show Host for many popular cooking shows which contributed to him being, one of India’s top celebrity chefs whose culinary skills have made him a household name across the Indian subcontinent and abroad. Chef Rakesh Sethi has had a rare distinction of working for erstwhile Hon’ble President of India, Shri. R Venkatraman as a Senior Cook for a short period on deputation in Presidents Estate. He has also cooked for two more Hon’ble Presidents of India Shri Kovind ji and Smt. Murumuru ji, apart from some other prominent personalities, politicians, bureaucrats, and players of Indian cricket team. Chef Rakesh Sethi, known for hosting popular TV cooking shows, including "Mirch Masala" and "Tea-Time with Chef Rakesh Sethi & Namkeen Nation, has garnered significant recognition. Awards include "Golden Chef Hat 2015" and "Best Chef of the Year 2015" by Secretary India Tourism, "Meri Dilli Award" in 2014, and "Celebrity of the Year 2018" by Food Food awards. He was named "Corporate Chef of the Year" in 2020 by IHE and "Corporate Chef of the Year (NCR)" by FHRAI in 2022. His achievements culminated with the "National Tourism Award" for "Best Chef of India" in 2022 at Vigyan Bhawan.

Mr. Sunil Khemani is the founder and Principal Consultant of Aufait International Engineering Studio which is multi-disciplinary MEP Design and Consulting Firm based out of New Delhi, India. The company has been involved in more than 200 projects including Hotel, Hospitals, retail, Residential, Commercial and Industrial projects. Mr. Sunil Khemani started his professional journey in 1983 and subsequent worked with a US based specialist company in building an undersea shelter for the first family of a country in Middle East. Mr. Khemani is a member of several professional societies including ISHRAE, ASHRAE, ISLE, IPA etc.

Sohrab Dalal, co-founder and Design Partner at DPA, has played a key role in the growth and success of the firm since its inception in 1985. Leveraging over 35 years of industry experience, Sohrab leads DPA’s business development and design direction, focusing on innovative, research-driven design paradigms. He collaborates closely with his partner, who also happens to be his life partner, Sonali Bhagwati, to explore new ideas and approaches to architecture. Before founding DPA, Sohrab served as the Design Director at Spazzio Design, a firm he co-founded with Sonali Bhagwati. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from CEPT, Ahmedabad, and has worked with Meldrum Burrows & Partners in Sydney and the renowned architect-sculptor Satish Gujral. Sohrab combines a deep understanding of local heritage with international design experience, leading successful residential, hospitality, retail, and mixed-use projects. Notable achievements include the Taj Vivanta in Bangalore, named ‘Building of the Year’ by the Singapore Institute of Architects in 2010, and the ‘Learning Laboratory’ at Thapar University, which won PLAN Magazine’s ‘Building of the Year’ award.

Upaul heads the Tourism Practice in Dolma Consulting UK, for Nepal and for the neighbouring countries in South Asia. He has deep expertise in the hospitality, tourism and service quality industry. A service industry and hospitality professional with specialization in turning around service businesses by working on quality standards, service competencies, low revenues and increasing profitability and customer experience of service businesses. Besides long career stints with the hotel industry in middle and senior management positions, Mr. Upaul has extensive consulting and working experience with South Asian teams in sectors like Aviation, Financial Services, IT, Hospitality, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Retail, Aviation and Tourism companies. Have a total experience of over thirty years starting with Oberoi Hotels and later with Oberoi Flight Services for the initial 7 professional years and then with the Jet Air Group for 2 years and consulting in service quality with Upgrade Management Services for 16 years. Mr. Upaul was also the CEO of The Annapurna Hotel Group in Kathmandu, and then joined the global hotel giant IHG as General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Soaltee – Kathmandu. In his long career stint of over 32 years he has worked on assignment with Hotel companies, Airline and Travel businesses and in Service Quality consulting in the region. Besides working with the private sector, Upaul is closely aligned with the Nepal Tourism Board and is currently the Advisor for the Tourism and Civil Aviation Committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest trade body of Nepal.

Vandana Dhawan Saxena is the Founder and Design Principal of Studio IV Designs, a multidisciplinary design practice based in Gurugram, Haryana. An architect by training, she brings a rare blend of design sensibility, real estate finance expertise, and sustainability-led thinking to her work, creating spaces that are authentic, contextual, and enduring. A graduate of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Vandana further specialized in Real Estate Finance and Investment at NYU’s Schack School of Real Estate and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Her early professional experience in New York with Craig Nealy Architects and Chelsea West Architects, followed by a consulting role at Ernst & Young in Real Estate Risk Advisory, shaped her holistic and analytical approach to design. In 2012, she founded Studio IV Designs to address the growing need for culturally rooted and timeless design. The studio’s portfolio spans luxury hospitality, wellness, commercial, retail, and residential projects across India and internationally, working with leading global hotel brands. A Goldman Sachs 10K Women Entrepreneur (2023), Vandana’s work has received multiple national and international design awards.

Pravin Mukhia graduated in Architecture from School of Architecture, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Born in Darjeeling he received his early education in St. Joseph’s School. He has provided Architectural services to the Tourism & Ecclesiastical Dept., Govt. of Sikkim, restoring & rebuilding Buddhist Monasteries including Pemayangste, Tholung, Kathok, Mambru, Nage & Bermiok. He was enlisted by the N.F. Railways & UNESCO for the restoration of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) Directors residence, the Eleysia Building, at Kurseong and the Railway Stations associated with it. He further provided Architectural services for the upgradation of Gauhati, Rangia, New Bogaigaon & Siliguri Junction stations. He has designed the Sterling Resorts & Fortune Central, at Darjeeling & Fortune Pinetree at Kalimpong in British Colonial design. At Gangtok, he designed the Denzong ITC Welcomheritage in Sikkimese style. The Taj AMA at Makaibari Tea plantation, Kurseong is a part of his work among other Tea Resorts. The Lords Anutara at Boudha, Kathmandu is the latest creation imbibing Nepali & Tibetan elements.

Senthil Kumar is the Senior Regional Director for Hilton Architecture, Design & Construction (AD&C), overseeing projects in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. As part of the Southeast Asia team, he manages the design and construction of Hilton’s pipeline projects in these key growth regions. He also serves as the primary contact for hotel owners, supporting projects from handover to operations and leading major renovations.
Senthil collaborates with developers, architects, interior designers, and consultants to ensure efficiency and adherence to Hilton’s standards. He also assists the Hilton Development Team in technical reviews of new opportunities to expand the brand’s footprint.
Having joined Hilton in 2008, Senthil has played a key role in delivering several successful hotels across the Indian subcontinent. His experience spans design and construction in the Middle East and India. Before Hilton, he was Lead Architect at Design Bay in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) and worked with architectural firms in Delhi, including Morphogenesis and Line & Form.

Ankit Farkya holds a Master of Technology in Energy Management and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics. He is the Director of Design and Technical Services at Sarovar Group of Hotels, Gurgaon, overseeing design reviews for architecture, interiors, and technical services. With over 10 years of experience, Ankit specializes in project design, review, and management. He currently manages a pipeline of 80+ projects, ensuring timely execution and budget control. His role includes site evaluations, feasibility studies, and coordination with stakeholders to deliver successful projects. Ankit focuses on energy-efficient and cost-effective designs, using insights from 135+ operational hotels. He monitors energy trends, optimizes equipment capacities, and ensures projects adhere to timelines and budgets. His work emphasizes meticulous planning, effective communication, and delivering practical solutions to meet project goals.

Nishant Kumar is the Director of Development for South West Asia at IHG, responsible for the development and growth of IHG’s brand portfolio across the region.
Nishant has over 20 years of experience in Real Estate, Infrastructure and the hospitality industry. Since joining IHG in 2017, he has led the luxury & lifestyle brand growth in the region with most recent signing of four-hotel portfolio in Nepal, which includes 3 InterContinental and 1 Hotel Indigo brand. He led the signing of a four-hotel portfolio deal under Holiday Inn brand, which uniquely positions IHG as the first international operator in the Buddhist Circuit of India. He played a key role in successfully introducing IHG’s two new brands i.e., VOCO and Staybridge Suites, which are estimated to open in next 6 - 18 months in key markets of India i.e., Jim Corbett, Goa, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Amritsar and Bengaluru respectively.
Prior to IHG, Nishant was with Starwood Hotel & Resorts where he was a key member of its i100 (India One Hundred) plan to induce strong growth momentum for its brands in SWA region. Before joining Starwood, Nishant was with DLF Limited, where he represented the ownership core team to form the DLF-Hilton joint venture in India, as well as the acquisition of Aman Resorts portfolio in 2007. In his prior assignments, he has been part of multiple strategies & business planning, feasibility studies, JV’s, land acquisitions and corporate re-structuring.
Nishant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance with a minor in Economics and his MBA from IMT Ghaziabad in India.

Zubin Saxena, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, currently serves as the Senior Vice President & Regional Head for Hilton-South Asia. In this pivotal role, based at the Hilton corporate headquarters in Gurgaon, he leads a team of industry best professionals supporting 93 operating and pipeline hotels. Zubin is responsible for steering Hilton’s growth and enhancing the brand presence in South Asia.
Zubin, an alumnus of the University of Glasgow, holds a master’s degree in business administration, graduating with distinction. Before joining Hilton, he carved a distinguished career with leading brands, notably serving as the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President at Radisson Hotel Group for eight successful years, showcasing consistent leadership excellence. His journey also features pivotal roles at InterContinental Hotels Group, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, and HVS New York, where he demonstrated expertise in strategic development, operations, and advisory capacities.
Beyond his professional role, Zubin is also an active member of various industry bodies such as Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Hotel Association of India (HAI) and others. Zubin has been recognized with several prestigious accolades throughout his career, including being featured in "The Economic Times 40 under Forty – India’s Hottest Business Leaders List" in 2019.

Bobby Mukherji is one of India's most influential architects and the Founder & Principal Architect of Bobby Mukherrji Architects, a globally recognised practice with over three decades of leadership in hospitality, mixed-use, aviation, and large-scale developments. Established while he was still in college, the studio rose to prominence through landmark masterplans and has since become one of India's most internationally awarded architectural firms.
The practice has delivered around a hundred of hotels, real estate, civic buildings, infrastructure, and aviation projects with a cumulative value exceeding USD 12+ billion. Its hospitality portfolio includes collaborations with IHCL, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Aurika Hotels & Resorts, The Lalit and Lemon Tree Hotels.
Bobby Mukherji Architects has executed projects across India, U.A.E., Oman, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Nepal, Bhutan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Nigeria, Seychelles, Maldives, the Caribbean Islands, and Bangkok, Thailand. Internationally, Bobby Mukherji and his team are the first Indian architectural practice to win International Property Awards across Africa, Europe, Arabia, Asia, and the United States, alongside 11 Asia Pacific IPA awards in a single year, 10 French Design Awards, the DNA Paris Design Award for best hotel interior for Hilton Gurugram, and recognition as Interior Design Firm of the Year by The Economic Times for two consecutive years.

Anand Sharma, a B.Arch (Hons) graduate from IIT Kharagpur, is the co-founder of Design Forum International. He believes in socially inclusive architecture and coined the term “People First,” which has become a key principle of the practice. Over the past 30 years, Anand has played a key role in shaping the firm’s journey, contributing to significant projects across India. His expertise in architecture, engineering, and construction has helped create efficient design solutions for diverse projects. Anand has led large-scale commercial developments such as Select City Walk Mall (Delhi) and Guwahati City Centre. He has also worked on civic infrastructure projects like Dakshineswar Skywalk (Kolkata) and the upcoming Sainik School (Gorakhpur). Currently, he is involved in projects like Bihta Airport (Bihar), OMC Headquarters (Odisha), and Eye of Noida (Noida), focusing on sustainable, human-centric designs. Anand is also a frequent speaker on BIM and architectural issues. In 2021, he was named one of India’s ‘Top 30 Architects’ by Forbes India.

An architect and urban planner, Sonali graduated in Architecture from C.E.P.T, Ahmedabad, and trained with Architect Bernard Kohn as a recipient of a scholarship from L’Institut Francaise D’Architecture. She co-founded Spazzio Design Architecture with Sohrab Dalal and is now a partner at DPA, overseeing several award-winning projects. With over 200 successfully completed projects, her work has earned recognition as one of the top 20 architects in India and has been published in national and international books and magazines. She has received several accolades, including the Zee Business “Architect of the Year.” She has been a member of the Delhi Conservation Society, served two terms on the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), and is part of the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation. She has contributed to urban initiatives such as the restructuring of building by-laws, Shahjahanabad rejuvenation, and pedestrianization projects. She is also passionate about conservation, having worked on research and environmental committees like the Aravali Hills mining evaluation and Sirifort city forest reforestation.

Arun Dev Pant holds a B.Arch. degree (Gold Medal, 1991) from Nagpur, India, and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (1996) from the University of Illinois. With over 33 years of experience, Mr. Pant has designed and executed various architectural and planning projects, including destinations like Chandragiri, Lumbini, and Maulakali Cable Cars, as well as hotels such as Shangri-la Village Resort Pokhara and Hotel Barahi in Pokhara, Chitwan, and Kathmandu. He has worked on campus planning for institutions like Chitwan, Gandaki, and Birat Medical Colleges, and residential developments such as Civil Homes Sunakothi and Southern Heights. Notable projects also include Krishna Towers, MBL Towers, and the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Pant has contributed to overseas projects in Lhasa, Tsetang, Sikkim, and Bodhgaya, and has worked with international chains like Le Meridien, Radisson, Dusit Thani, ITC, Lemon Tree, Leela and Banyan Tree. He began his career in 1991 with firms such as Architectural Design Associates in Nepal and Sohail & Pasha in Pakistan before co-founding Design Consortium Pvt. Ltd. He studied architecture and urban planning in the U.S., focusing on urban growth management with GIS techniques. Since 1997, he has led projects at Design Cell Pvt. Ltd.

Satya Narayan is the Principal Project Leader at HOSP-O-TECH Nepal and HOSP-O-TECH Services (India), providing technical services across India and Nepal. With over 35 years of experience, the company specializes in design services, turnkey solutions, project leadership, construction management, technical audits, building health checkups, and cost control. They have worked with renowned hotel brands like Le Meridien, Radisson, Ibis, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Taj Vivanta, and Hyatt, offering services such as project rescue and technical coordination. Notable completed projects include major renovations of Hyatt Regency, Yak & Yeti, and Taj Vivanta in Kathmandu. In addition, they have delivered high-end residential projects like Golchha Residence and Kedia House. Currently, they are engaged with Moxy Hotel by Marriott, Vishal Group Residences, and Durbar Residences. The company is known for its expertise in leading hotel and high-end residential projects, providing valuable technical guidance to increase profitability through operational audits, preventive maintenance, and sustainability measures.

Sudeep Jain leads the South West Asia team at IHG, overseeing both Development and Operations. He is responsible for maximizing revenue, profitability, quality, and service standards across the region’s hotels. He also leads efforts to expand IHG’s footprint and meet its growth objectives. Sudeep has more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Before taking on his current role, he headed the Development team for IHG in South West Asia. During his tenure, he doubled the development pipeline and signed the largest conversion deal in India. Earlier, as Head of Development for Starwood Hotels in South Asia, Sudeep led his team to sign over 50 deals in three years, capturing nearly 50% of the market share in relevant segments. Before entering the hospitality sector, Sudeep worked as Managing Director at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels India. Under his leadership, the team completed more than 60 feasibility studies, 20 operator searches, and facilitated 10 hotel sales. He also gained experience as a management consultant at Bain & Company and as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Sudeep holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and completed the PDP program at Cornell’s Hotel School to further enhance his hospitality expertise.

A passionate designer, with an eye for detail, Shripal has been practicing architecture and interior design for more than three decades.SVA specializes in integrated townships, gated communities, institutional buildings, senior living, mixed-use commercial projects, hospitality, entertainment zones, schools, and rail infrastructure interiors. His design approach balances form, aesthetics, functionality, and budgets, creating clean, timeless, and environmentally sensitive architecture. He started his career with HOK HK and later spent 14 years at RMJM, managing projects across Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, and Singapore. In 2009, he founded SVA in India. His current projects span India, Africa, and the US. SVA is the interior design consultant for six High-Speed Rail stations (Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train) for Larsen & Toubro. Shripal has also designed the "Mosaics" collection for Obeetee Carpets, drawing inspiration from nature and modern India. He holds an M.Sc. in Architecture & Urban Design from Columbia University and a B.Arch from the Academy of Architecture, Mumbai.

With a strong vision for expanding Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ presence in the region, Rahool is focused on driving strategic growth, enhancing guest experiences, and strengthening partnerships with hotel owners. His leadership is centered on delivering value through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, ensuring the brand remains a key player in the dynamic Eurasia hospitality market.
Rahool brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having held leadership roles across several global hotel groups. His expertise spans financial strategy, operational management, and stakeholder engagement, making him well-equipped to lead Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ operations across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives. His appointment marks a return to the brand, where he previously served as Director of Commercial for the region.
A firm believer in an owner-first approach, Rahool is committed to fostering strong relationships with hotel owners, partners, and teams. His leadership style is deeply aligned with the brand’s ‘Count on Me’ service culture, ensuring seamless collaboration between stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

Mr. Jose Dominic, a Chartered Accountant by qualification joined his father’s business in 1978 at Casino Hotel, Cochin leaving the accounting firm M/s AF Ferguson & Co. in Bombay. He took over the reins of the enterprise which grew into a group of hotels which came to be known as Casino Group of Hotels. The group rechristened itself as CGH Earth in 2004 giving a clear definition of experiential holiday to its business and also adopting and strongly implementing core values of environment sensitivity, local community inclusion and adaption of the local cultural ethos. Jose Dominic has served on several National & State Advisory panels on Tourism of the Government and industry bodies. He is the Founder President of Kerala Travel Mart and Founder Member of the Responsible Tourism Society of India. He is the Past President of TiE Kerala Chapter and was the President of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce. He is the Immediate Past Chairman of CII, Kerala Region and presently member of National Tourism Advisory Council.

Aviral Sharma is an architect and urban designer with a decade long experience working in India & US. He started his professional career in 2010 with A Sharma Associates and then moved to United States in 2015 for his specialization in Urban Design. After his master’s program he joined Nelsen Partners, a US based firm, and worked with them until 2024. During the tenure with Nelsen Partners, Aviral worked on several high rise commercial, residential and urban projects. In 2024, Aviral decided to move back to New Delhi, India, to apply his academic experience, design skills and professional exposure, in areas of architecture, urban design and construction industry to advance the services at A Sharma Associates. Alongside hospitality design, he is passionate about topics like resiliency, sustainable cites and human centric design.

Mr. Dev Malhotra is The Group Advisor - Sales & Marketing of Jaquar Group. A Graduate in Economics from Delhi University, with a Hotel Management degree from Institute of Hotel Management Pusa New Delhi, Mr. Dev Malhotra joined Jaquar Group in 2009. Before joining The Jaquar Group, he served as CEO of Two Hotel Companies & Vice President Operations and General Manager of Seven Hotels. Mr. Dev Malhotra’s experience includes commissioning of New Hotels, Managing corporate affairs and Providing Strong Leadership to Teams spread across India and Overseas. He is a Business Executive with a strong focus on Operations, Sales & Marketing, HR and Training. He specializes in understanding Cross Cultural Human Values, having worked in Africa, Russia and many different parts of India. Apart from his role as Group Advisor - sales & marketing, he also leads Global Hospitality Business for Jaquar.

Mr. Gajjala Yoganand is the promoter of Manjeera Hotels & Resorts, a trusted name in luxury hospitality with over two decades of expertise in hotel construction, operation, and maintenance. The company owns and operates four hotels with global partnerships, offering 500+ rooms for business and leisure travellers, and is expanding its footprint across India. A postgraduate in Structural Engineering from IISc Bangalore, Mr. Yoganand has 35 years of experience in real estate and hospitality. He began his career as a structural consultant, later founding Manjeera Constructions Limited in 1987. The group is recognized for ethical practices, innovative designs, timely execution, and eco-friendly constructions. Mr. Yoganand has received numerous awards, including the National Energy Conservation Award (2006) and “Best Engineer” (2016). He is a keynote speaker at industry events and serves on the Boards of Governors of NIT Calicut and IIT Tirupati. He is also a member of the National Tourism Advisory Council, Government of India.

With over 15 years of comprehensive experience in hotel design engineering, Harsh brings a wealth of expertise in the MEP design sector, specializing in sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effective engineering solutions. Having spent 5 years in an MEP consultancy firm and 10 years in a leading hotel operator role, Harsh has developed a unique blend of technical proficiency, strategic planning, and operational insight tailored to the hospitality industry. Specializing in the integration of energy-saving technologies and environmentally responsible design practices, Harsh has consistently delivered innovative, sustainable solutions that balance functionality, guest comfort, and operational cost efficiency. Through a deep understanding of hotel operational dynamics, Harsh has played a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability and economic viability of projects, driving both design optimization and long-term energy performance. With a strong foundation in both consultancy and hotel operations, Harsh is well-positioned to lead projects that integrate sustainable design, economic feasibility, and operational efficiency. Passionate about creating high-performance, environmentally responsible hotel environments, Harsh continues to drive innovation in hotel engineering through cost-conscious solutions and forward-thinking sustainability strategies.

A highly accomplished and recognized designer, Karen has an impressive track record with over 20 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the most prestigious firms globally, including HBA Design, Dale Keller Design, and Gauer Design. Karen’s expertise in hospitality design has taken her to projects across the globe, from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan to name a few. Notably, her involvement in the renowned St. Regis hotel in Beijing set a new benchmark for luxury hotel design and left an indelible mark on the industry. In 1997, Karen founded Karen Wang Interior Consultant, where she continues to push the boundaries of hotel design. Her unwavering passion for design, astute commercial insights, meticulous attention to details, and deep understanding of hotel operations has made her a highly sought-after designer in the industry. Karen is celebrated for her ability to create distinctive and opulent spaces that seamlessly cater to the needs of both guests and hotel owners. Her designs strike a perfect balance between functionality and visual grandeur, reflecting her profound comprehension of the hotel industry.

Mandar Zaware is the Vice President - Project Management of Global Design Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International. Mandar is leading GDAPEC Mumbai team as well as GDAPEC consultants based in India and continuously oversee the markets he is currently managing in South Asia countries. Mandar has 16 years of experience with GDAPEC, successfully managing his projects and has become respective professional in the industry. As a Vice President of Project Management, Mandar has been leading GDAPEC India team over 16 years, shown a great leadership among team members. Mandar is passionate about supporting growth of company and has strong focus on quality working closely with internal departments and with external owners and clients. Mandar is the man spearheading the design team of the fastest growing hotel chain in APEC region. He is the one who delivers profit-by-design hotels and not just adheres to Marriott International’s design standard’s but also meets the owner’s expectations.

Mr. Manoj Bhansali is an engg graduate with more than 27 years in HVAC and over 10 years in MEP services. He is the managing director of Airtech Ind which is the leading company in MEP services in Nepal. Airtech had done many landmark project and are well known for excellent quality and timely execution of projects. Mr. Manoj leads competent and dedicated team of over 250 employees who ensure best services to their clients.

Praveen is an Electrical Engineer from Bhopal University and has 25 years in the hospitality sector across The Oberoi, Grand Hyatt, Starwood, IHG and now Lemon Tree Hotels. Praveen’s expertise lies in pre-opening projects/engineering, property assessment and improvement plan formulation as well as in day-to-day engineering operations. He ensures the effective implementation of all Engineering policies and standards across the chain. This includes planning and execution of day-to-day repairs & maintenance and the smooth operation of all technical services. Praveen regularly liaises with suppliers, distributors and state government departments to make arrangements for renewable energy through Open Access or Captive/Group Captive methods across Lemon Tree. Praveen focusses on environmentally friendly practices including energy conservation, reduction of emissions and carbon footprint through energy efficiency programs, the use of renewable energy, the conservation and recycling of water and more.

Sanjay Bahadur Thapa is a seasoned architect and urban designer with a strong background in master planning, urban conservation, and hospitality projects. He earned his Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University Graduate School of Design (2007) and a Bachelor of Architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (1994). As the Executive Director and Principal Architect of Archiplan S.B.T. and a founder of multiple architecture firms, he has led significant projects in Nepal, India, and beyond. His portfolio includes award-winning designs like the South Asian University in Delhi, large-scale mixed-use developments such as Chaya Center in Kathmandu, and key hospitality projects, including Aloft Hotel and Hyatt Regency extensions. He is an active member of professional organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council and the Society of Nepalese Architects. His work emphasizes sustainable development and cultural preservation, making a lasting impact on Nepal’s architectural landscape. Additionally, he serves on the boards of the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology and the Barbara Foundation.

Suraj is currently leading the Architecture Design & Construction (AD&C) vertical for Eurasia region at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WH&R). In his current role he is supporting hotels pipeline growth across new builds, conversions, and renovations. An architect by qualification, Suraj has 2 decades of technical services advisory experience with major international hotel brands. Suraj is an expert in the 'Business of Hospitality&' by Driving Hotel Business Metrices through Design & Engineering. He has strong understanding that hotel’s planning, design and technical engineering impacts Guest Experience, Operating Profits, and Employee Satisfaction. Throughout his career, Suraj has developed good relationship with consultants and suppliers to ensuring that the hotel projects stay cutting edge of best construction and design practices.

Ashish is a senior industry leader with over 25 years of experience delivering prestigious hospitality and other building sector developments across India. As Director – Design at InterContinental Hotels Group, he leads the strategic vision, planning, and execution of design and development, overseeing hotel projects across India, the Middle East, and Africa. His role focuses on bringing IHG’s diverse portfolio to life by ensuring each project reflects global brand standards while remaining locally relevant to create memorable guest experiences.
Previously, Ashish spent more than two decades with Cushman & Wakefield, where he led the Hospitality Project Management practice in India and delivered many sustainable projects through disciplined, best-in-class project management practices and collaborative leadership.
He brings deep expertise in project management and design leadership across hospitality and other building sector projects.

Prem Thakur is a Global Hospitality Real Estate & Development Leader and Vice President & Head of Design & Technical Services at IHCL, bringing nearly three decades of experience in shaping luxury hospitality across continents. Renowned for maximizing value for investors, brands, and guests, he blends design innovation with lifecycle optimization and strategic business thinking. A visionary strategist with a sharp eye for detail, Prem crafts future-ready design and business roadmaps that integrate emerging trends with operational excellence. His portfolio spans multimillion-dollar greenfield developments, adaptive reuse, and large-scale renovations across luxury, lifestyle, upscale, and contemporary midscale segments. At IHCL, he leads global expansion and technical services, harmonizing creativity with resilience, compliance, and sustainability. His leadership is defined by data-driven financial acumen, pragmatic execution, and a global outlook that enables organizations to thrive in competitive markets.

Suresh Kumar is a distinguished hospitality leader with over four decades of experience in shaping India’s mid-market to upscale hotel landscape. An Advanced Management Programme alumnus of Bond University, Australia, and a Science graduate from Delhi University, he began his journey with ITC Hotels Ltd. in 1978 as a Management Trainee. He rose to General Manager in 1987, later serving as Vice President – Operations (ITC Prefixed Hotels), before being entrusted with leading ITC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Fortune Park Hotels Ltd., as Managing Director, with additional responsibility for WelcomHeritage Hotels, until his superannuation in February 2018. His leadership was internationally recognized, including a feature on CNN International’s Business Traveller. Highly respected for his industry stewardship, Mr. Kumar has received numerous accolades, including ‘The Green Hotelier’ by IHRA, multiple PATWA International Awards, ‘Hall of Fame’ honours by Hotelier India and Safari India, ‘Legend of the Hospitality Industry’, and the ‘Honour Award – Contribution to Indian Hospitality Industry’ conferred by Hi-AiM in 2024. Post-ITC, he continues to mentor leaders, advise entrepreneurs, serve on corporate boards, and contribute actively to industry thought leadership.

Douglas Grieco is the Regional Vice President – Design Services, India & Southwest Asia at Hyatt, where he leads the design strategy and creative vision for the brand’s growing portfolio across the region. He oversees architecture and interior design to ensure each project reflects Hyatt’s commitment to thoughtful innovation, authenticity, and guest-centric experiences. With over two decades of global experience in hospitality design and brand development, Douglas previously served as Senior Director of Architecture and Design for Latin America at Hilton Worldwide. In this role, he guided design direction across multiple brands and led the creative development of more than 90 hotel projects. An architect by training, Douglas began his career working with Pritzker Prize-winning architects Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid, contributing to internationally acclaimed projects that shaped his design philosophy rooted in innovation and precision. He later led Design and Brand Development for W Hotels at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, playing a key role in redefining the brand’s global design identity. Douglas has also lectured at Yale University, Columbia University, and Parsons School of Design. At Hyatt, he collaborates closely with owners and designers to deliver spaces aligned with the company’s purpose of care.

Salil Khare is a Civil Engineering graduate and a seasoned Project Management professional with over 30 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and mixed-use developments. With deep expertise in end-to-end project lifecycle management, he has successfully led large and complex projects from concept and feasibility through design, execution, and delivery, coordinating multiple stakeholders. As Chief Projects Officer at Chalet Hotels Limited, Mr. Khare heads the Projects function, driving the planning, design, and execution of new greenfield developments while overseeing the enhancement and upgradation of existing hotel assets. His focus is on delivering cost-efficient, design-optimized, and operationally robust projects aligned with the company’s long-term growth strategy. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong capabilities in project planning, design and construction management, cost control, contract administration, and value engineering. He actively leverages modern construction practices and advanced tools, including BIM, to improve efficiency, design quality, and delivery timelines. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mr. Khare builds high-performing teams that consistently achieve excellence in execution and quality.

Yatin Gulati is an Associate Director at Assotech Realty Pvt. Ltd., Director at Sandal Mauritius Pvt. Ltd., and Co-founder of Kaasi Senior Living Pvt. Ltd., with a strong focus on real estate development and hospitality-led assets. He began his real estate journey in 2019 with Assotech Realty, progressing from Assistant General Manager to Associate Director, and gaining hands-on experience in construction and project execution while working on a 2.1 million sq. ft. integrated IT park project. His subsequent association with Sandal Suites Noida provided valuable exposure to serviced apartments, hospitality operations, and asset management, paving the way for the upcoming expansion of the Sandal Suites brand. As Director at Sandal Mauritius, Yatin leads operations in the Maldives, having successfully developed two mixed-use residential projects in Hulhumalé and currently overseeing a resort development in Lhaviyani Atoll. He also co-founded Kaasi Senior Living with the vision of creating high-quality senior living communities. Yatin holds a BA in Business and Management from Henley Business School, followed by a postgraduate degree in Spatial Planning and Development.

Reema Diwan is a seasoned leader in hospitality design and technical services, with over two decades of progressive experience across luxury, upscale, and economy hotel segments. Her diverse portfolio reflects a strong ability to translate brand vision into immersive, high-impact guest experiences. A strong advocate of sustainability, Reema actively integrates environmentally responsible design solutions, focusing on carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, and the implementation of energy dashboards to monitor and control consumption. Her approach aligns closely with Accor’s commitment to sustainable and responsible hospitality. Reema has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of over 100 hotels, contributing significantly to the creation and orchestration of brand touchpoints that enhance customer and guest engagement. A writer, advisor, and brand innovator, she has received multiple accolades for her contributions, each representing a distinct professional milestone. Known for her strategic thinking, storytelling, and design narrative, Reema adopts a holistic, 360-degree approach to hospitality. Passionate about travel, innovation, and emerging trends, she draws inspiration from global experiences. A trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Reema serves as a role model, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and leadership.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, she specializes in design management, interior design, hotel development, and openings across multiple IHCL brands. Her expertise spans complex greenfield and conversion projects, which she has led end-to-end from concept and design development through execution and successful hotel openings. At IHCL, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s design and development framework, including the creation of brand-specific design standards and the standardization of Technical Services processes. Her strategic oversight has contributed to the delivery of several iconic, award-winning hotels, strengthening IHCL’s growth and brand positioning. Her diverse portfolio includes luxury hotels, resorts, heritage properties, wildlife lodges and safaris, serviced apartments, and city hotels across global markets. Known for managing technically demanding projects and complex stakeholder environments, she balances design excellence with operational efficiency and commercial outcomes. Actively engaged in advancing design management through technology, her design philosophy emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term asset performance. Her leadership style is hands-on, collaborative, and driven by a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and future-ready hospitality assets.

An industry veteran with over four decades of experience, Jaideep Anand has been associated with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts since 1995. He successfully led the turnaround of The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, and The Leela Ambience Gurugram, before moving to The Leela corporate office as Vice President – Development and Pre-Opening. In this role, he has led the pre-opening of The Leela Palace Jaipur, The Leela Gandhinagar, and The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, managing multidisciplinary pre-opening teams and ensuring each property reflects The Leela brand ethos across all touchpoints. Prior to joining The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, Jaideep served as Vice President and General Manager at The Leela Gandhinagar and the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre Complex. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Ananda in the Himalayas, Dusit International, and Ista Hotels, and has also worked with The Oberoi Hotels. A gold medalist in post-graduation from the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, Jaideep is widely respected for his deep operational and development expertise.

Prem Thakur is a Global Hospitality Real Estate & Development Leader and Vice President & Head of Design & Technical Services at IHCL, bringing nearly three decades of experience in shaping luxury hospitality across continents. Renowned for maximizing value for investors, brands, and guests, he blends design innovation with lifecycle optimization and strategic business thinking. A visionary strategist with a sharp eye for detail, Prem crafts future-ready design and business roadmaps that integrate emerging trends with operational excellence. His portfolio spans multimillion-dollar greenfield developments, adaptive reuse, and large-scale renovations across luxury, lifestyle, upscale, and contemporary midscale segments. At IHCL, he leads global expansion and technical services, harmonizing creativity with resilience, compliance, and sustainability. His leadership is defined by data-driven financial acumen, pragmatic execution, and a global outlook that enables organizations to thrive in competitive markets.

Aniruddh Kumar is the Vice President – Development, India & South Asia at Accor, where he spearheads the group’s growth across the region, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. In this role, he is responsible for expanding Accor’s hotel portfolio through strategic acquisitions, new brand introductions, and the strengthening of established brands such as Pullman, Novotel, and Mövenpick. A qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and Company Secretary (CS), Aniruddh brings over 25 years of diverse experience spanning finance, investments, mergers and acquisitions, hotel development, and asset management. He began his career in 1998 and has since worked across both the operator and ownership sides of the hospitality industry. His professional journey includes leadership roles with Aman Resorts, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Duet India Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Accor. His expertise covers hotel operations finance, corporate finance, acquisitions, financing, and equity investments. Known for his strategic insight, Aniruddh plays a key role in driving Accor’s expansion in emerging and high-growth markets across South Asia.

Shobhit Khattri is the Associate Vice President – Development for India, Nepal, and Bangladesh at Minor Hotels, where he is responsible for driving the group’s expansion across South Asia. Based in New Delhi, he oversees the entire development lifecycle, from identifying new opportunities and site evaluation to negotiations, project execution, and hotel openings, while ensuring alignment with brand standards and operational efficiency. With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shobhit has built strong expertise in hotel development and growth strategy across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He began his career in 2008 with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), where he contributed to the expansion of the Taj brand across multiple geographies. In 2011, he joined IHG, leading development initiatives in Southwest Asia, and subsequently overseeing development across the Middle East and Africa. Shobhit holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Delhi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi. He is known for his strategic approach, market insight, and ability to deliver high-quality hospitality assets across diverse markets.

Joseph R. Albert is a seasoned hospitality consultant with over two decades of experience across Asia, specializing in commercial kitchens, laundry planning, back-of-house (BOH) design, solid waste management, and operational planning. Known for his pragmatic and systems-driven approach, he has played a key role in expanding CKP Hospitality Consultants’ footprint across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Originally from Tamil Nadu, Joseph holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University and an Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering from Cochin Shipyard Ltd. He began his career at sea, sailing for nearly seven years, an experience that shaped his disciplined, precision-led, and operations-focused mindset. Joseph joined CKP during its Southeast Asia expansion and was instrumental in establishing and leading the Kuala Lumpur office, delivering projects across luxury hotels, resorts, mixed-use developments, and institutional kitchens. In 2016–17, he returned to India to spearhead CKP’s growth across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Pakistan as Managing Director, CKP India. His leadership emphasizes operational realism, sustainability, and client-centric solutions, bridging creative intent with real-world execution

Davashish Srivastava, Sr. Director Development, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, is based at the group’s South Asia head office in Gurgaon.
Over last 8 years, by contributing addition of more than 125 hotels to company’s existing and pipeline portfolio, Davashish has played a pivotal role in establishing Radisson Hotel Group as one of the largest and fastest-growing international hotel brands in South Asia. Additionally, Davashish is key to management of relationships with Master Franchisers, JV Partners and Strategic Investors.
Davashish also holds a rich development consulting experience and has worked on more than 300 hotel feasibilities, valuations, and strategic tie-up assignments during his hotel consulting tenure and some of his areas of expertise include Market entry strategies, M&As, Portfolio valuations, Brand revamps and Market growth strategies.
With more than 18 years of hotel development experience, Davashish has held senior positions with prominent multinational companies such as Whitbread International (Premier Inn) and Crowe Horwath Consultants.

With over three decades of enriching experience, Ranju Alex is one of India’s most accomplished leaders in the hospitality industry. As CEO – Accor South Asia, she oversees the group’s strategic growth and operations, leading Accor’s accelerated expansion across the region.
Before joining Accor, Ranju had an illustrious tenure at Marriott International, where she served as Area Vice President – South Asia and managed operations for over 170 hotels. Her professional journey began in 1993 with The Oberoi Group, laying the foundation for a career defined by visionary and people-first leadership.
Recently, Ranju was honoured with the Bharat Gaurav Award in the United Kingdom for her outstanding contribution to global hospitality and her commitment to inclusion and purpose-driven leadership. She also participated at the World Economic Forum, Davos 2026, contributing to global dialogues on tourism, sustainability, leadership, and the future of hospitality.
Guided by her philosophy of pursuing excellence with humility, Ranju believes organizational success begins with nurturing talent through growth, wellness, and empowerment. An advocate of health and wellness, she enjoys tennis and swimming and is known for her resilience, having overcome a severe neurological illness.

With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Sharad has had the privilege of working with some of the world’s leading hotel brands — driving growth, building partnerships, and leading development strategies across India and the Eurasia region.
Currently serving as Head of Business Development – Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Sharad leads the strategic expansion of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts portfolio through franchise agreements. His role involves identifying new business opportunities, negotiating deals, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable, brand-aligned growth.
Throughout his career, he has developed a deep understanding of hotel development, franchise operations, and market strategy — from scouting new markets and conducting feasibility studies to overseeing deal execution and ensuring brand compliance.
Before Wyndham, he held senior leadership roles with Fortune Park Hotels Limited, Sarovar Hotels (Louvre Hotels Group) and Golden Tulip Hotels, where he was responsible for expanding brand footprints, managing franchise relationships, and optimizing operational systems across multiple regions. His journey began in hotel operations, where he learned the business from the ground up, managing Front Office operations at properties like Club Mahindra, Clarion Qutab, Park Plaza, and Sir Stamford Hotel, Sydney.
He is driven by opportunity to create long-term value — for owners, investors, and the brands he represents — by combining strategic foresight with practical, on-the-ground experience.

A post graduate in Business Administration, Dhruva Rathore has been in the hospitality industry for over thirty years. He joined Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in 2005 to set up its sales organization in India. He moved to the Development function in 2008 and is currently responsible for Hyatt's growth in the India and South West Asia region.

Dhruv Hoon is a senior hospitality executive and currently serves as Vice President – Strategic Development at The Oberoi Group, where he is responsible for driving the brand’s growth and expansion strategy across key markets. In this role, he focuses on portfolio development, strategic partnerships, and long-term brand positioning for one of India’s most iconic luxury hotel groups.
With extensive experience in hotel development and business strategy, Dhruv brings deep expertise across growth strategy, brand launches, hotel development, and business development. Prior to rejoining The Oberoi Group, he held senior leadership roles at Marriott International as Vice President – Hotel Development, Asia Pacific, and at Hilton Hotels as Vice President – Development, India, where he played a pivotal role in expanding both brands’ regional footprints.
An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD), and IHM Jaipur, Dhruv has also completed the Cambridge Advanced Leadership Programme. Known for his strategic vision and leadership acumen, he is widely regarded as a key figure in the luxury hospitality sector, leveraging his industry insight to build robust, future-ready hotel portfolios.

From blueprint to build, Kinshuk has been instrumental in driving seamless project execution across the region. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality development, he has worked across projects from the perspectives of a hotel operator, design consultant, project management consultant (PMC), and developer, giving him a rare, 360-degree understanding of the industry.
At GDDC, Kinshuk brings deep insight into project lifecycles, brand alignment, and integrated hospitality development, ensuring that projects are delivered with both design integrity and operational practicality. His ability to bridge creative intent with on-ground execution has made him a key contributor to complex, large-scale hospitality developments.
Known for his structured approach and long-term vision, Kinshuk continues to play a pivotal role in shaping future-ready hospitality assets that balance innovation, efficiency, and brand consistency.

With over 17 years of experience in hospitality and real estate, Vinayak Saboo has been instrumental in shaping premium hotel experiences across Rajasthan. He is the Managing Partner of The Paradise Group which owns The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, Luxor Residences, Ramada by Wyndham Jaipur North, and Royal Orchid Central, and is currently developing a 160-key luxury resort in Jodhpur. His leadership focuses on operational excellence, strategic growth, and guest-centric hospitality.
Paradise Group is currently working on bringing in multiple new porjects across India with a target of doubling its revenues in next 4 years. Vinayak is also the founder at Profitel, India's first intergated hospitality procurement platform which aims to bring the experience of hospitality to HORECA with a key focus to provide maximum solutions under one roof at B2B pricing. Profitel while is still in its 1st financial has been part of multiple new projects openings including Westin, ITC & Fairfield and is a procurement partner to over 100 hotels offering more then 5000 SKUS

Anuj brings with him over 18 years of extensive experience in Hospitality Design and Project Execution. Throughout his career, he has been associated with and has successfully delivered a number of premium hotel projects across leading hospitality brands. His professional expertise encompasses the entire design and development process, including concept planning, design management, coordination, team leadership, and project delivery.

With a distinguished culinary career spanning over three and a half decades across India, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States, Chef Umesh Mattoo stands among the most accomplished Indian chefs of his generation. Trained at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa, he has led kitchens at landmark hotels such as The Claridges, Maurya Sheraton, Taj Palace, and Sofitel Surya, before moving on to shape award-winning restaurants internationally.
As a Corporate Chef, Executive Chef, consultant, and director of operations, he has played a pivotal role in launching acclaimed dining concepts—from fine-dining Indian restaurants in Houston and Shanghai to large-scale multi-cuisine operations across India. His work has earned recognition from Zagat, Vir Sanghvi, the Hindustan Times Eating Out Guide, and global hospitality bodies, while his culinary festivals have represented Indian cuisine on international stages from Qatar to Venezuela.
Celebrated for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to culinary excellence, Chef Mattoo continues to influence the evolution of Indian gastronomy through his deep knowledge, creativity, and hands-on expertise. He was presented with life time achievement award in year 2025 by Indian Culinary forum.

Bharat Bansal is a next-generation entrepreneur with a strong foundation in engineering and a growing footprint in real estate and hospitality development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University (2009) and began his professional journey in Norway, working in the oil and gas industry on engineering design for offshore oil rigs—an experience that shaped his systems-driven approach to large-scale projects and technical execution.
In 2010, Bharat returned to India to join the family enterprise, Ashok Auto Sales Ltd., an authorized Tata Motors dealer for commercial and passenger vehicles, where he has contributed to operational excellence and business growth.
Parallelly, he expanded into real estate and hospitality development through ASB Projects Pvt. Ltd., overseeing the design, construction, and operations of commercial and residential developments, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and long-term asset value.
In hospitality, Bharat led the development and introduction of a 102-room Fairfield by Marriott and is currently spearheading plans for another luxury hotel in Agra, the City of Love, marking a significant step in building a destination-led hospitality portfolio.

Mandar Zaware is the Vice President - Project Management of Global Design Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International. Mandar is leading GDAPEC Mumbai team as well as GDAPEC consultants based in India and continuously oversee the markets he is currently managing in South Asia countries. Mandar has 16 years of experience with GDAPEC, successfully managing his projects and has become respective professional in the industry. As a Vice President of Project Management, Mandar has been leading GDAPEC India team over 16 years, shown a great leadership among team members. Mandar is passionate about supporting growth of company and has strong focus on quality working closely with internal departments and with external owners and clients. Mandar is the man spearheading the design team of the fastest growing hotel chain in APEC region. He is the one who delivers prot-by-design hotels and not just adheres to Marriott International’s design standard’s but also meets the owner’s expectations.

He brings with him over 17 years of extensive experience in hospitality engineering and project management, with strong expertise in hospitality projects, MEP services design, project delivery, and project execution. Rajat has worked with reputed organizations and hospitality brands including Apeejay Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, M3M, and The Grand, New Delhi. Known for his technical acumen and hands-on execution capabilities, Rajat has successfully led complex projects across multiple stages—from design coordination and engineering planning to on-ground delivery and operational readiness. His addition to the team further strengthens Sarovar’s technical leadership and reinforces the group’s commitment to delivering high-quality, future-ready hospitality developments.

Our speaker currently leads the South Asia region for Radisson Hotel Group as Design and Technical Director, overseeing design, feasibility, supporting business development and safeguarding the brand standards and guidelines. With over 22 years of experience, she has held senior leadership roles with Chalet Hotels, KRC Group, Design, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, and IMK Architects, delivering large-scale hospitality, mixed-use, corporate interiors, and urban projects across the complete value chain. Her work has been recognized with prestigious honours, including the Mahindra Group Design Thinking Award in Milan and the Charles Correa Gold Medal. A strong advocate of “design with purpose,” she focuses on creating spaces that are memorable, cost-effective, operationally efcient, and deeply human. Beyond her professional work, she actively contributes to education, social initiatives, and community engagement.

Ritu was introduced to the world of hospitality during her formative years, inspired by her father’s association with The Oberoi Hotel, Singapore. Her passion for hotels grew through exposure to leading Indian hospitality brands, making hotel design a natural career path. This vision led to the founding of TID India in 1995, and over the last three decades, she has built the firm into a respected name in hospitality design, working closely with an international team and associates in Singapore. With a young and dynamic team of design professionals, Ritu has delivered projects across India and neighbouring countries, spanning business and luxury hotels, resorts, renovations, and specialised spaces such as spas and tness clubs. Her portfolio includes collaborations with major hotel brands such as Taj, ITC, Accor, IHG, Marriott, and Hyatt, as well as leading hotel owners including Kenilworth Hotels and Swosti Hotels. Beyond hotels, her expertise extends to airport lounges, clubhouses, corporate offices, retail, private residences, and showflats. Ritu believes design is an integrated experience where aesthetics and functionality must coexist, shaped by travel, observation, and innovation. Deeply passionate about Indian art and culture, she actively incorporates it into her work to preserve India’s heritage. She is also a member of the National Council Advisory Team of the WICCI Hospitality Tourism Council, mentoring and uplifting women in hospitality and tourism.

Shruti Mehra is the Director, Projects and Design at Hilton, South Asia. She is responsible for delivery of design excellence and best in class hotels that meet Brand Standards whilst focusing on appropriate operating models and return on investment for owners. Her current role encompasses supporting Hilton’s growing pipeline in South Asia through technical services support on design and projects. She is an experienced and highly skilled architect and design professional, bringing over 2 decades of expertise in the eld of Hospitality Design and construction. With a sharp focus on eficiency in planning, operational workflow and long term health of the asset, she ensures delivery of the hotel from project to opening. Prior to Hilton, she spent 10 years working as Director of Design in IHG and leading the Design and Engineering team through multiple successful openings. A seasoned technical services and project leader with a strong ability to create curated design experiences tailored to different brands and guest profiles, she has experience across different segments including mid market, upscale, luxury and resorts in the Indian subcontinent. Over the span of her career, she has been instrumental in some key agship hotels and portfolio openings.

Vikram Choubal serves as the Senior Vice President – Design and Technical Services at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, where he leads the design strategy and provides technical oversight for the planning, development, and execution of projects across the group’s hotel portfolio. In his role, he supports all stages of hotel development, ensuring each project reects The Leela’s brand ethos and quality benchmarks. Prior to joining The Leela, Vikram was Vice President – Project Management, South Asia at Marriott International. With over three decades of experience in hotel project management, he brings deep expertise across hospitality engineering, architecture, design, and construction. He began his professional journey in the merchant shipping industry, sailing on oil tankers for 14 years, gaining global exposure and strong operational discipline before transitioning into hospitality. His hospitality career includes senior leadership roles at The Oberoi Group, where he headed engineering, operations, and projects, and at IHCL (Taj Hotels) as Vice President – Projects, before his tenure at Marriott. Vikram has successfully managed multiple new builds, refurbishments, and conversion projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and strong brand alignment. He also plays a key role in technical due diligence for acquisitions and portfolio expansion. A musician at heart, Vikram enjoys swimming and reading in his leisure time. He holds an engineering degree from the Department of Transport, UK, and is based in Mumbai.

Juhi Roy joined Marriott International in April 2012 in the Development Team. Before joining Marriott, she worked with the Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in the Development Team for four years and prior to that with Hindustan Times Media Ltd. and Ernst & Young. Juhi started her career with the Oberoi New Delhi and been a part of the hospitality industry for the last 27 years.

A highly accomplished and recognized designer, Karen has an impressive track record with over 20 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has worked with some of the most prestigious rms globally, including HBA Design, Dale Keller Design, and Gauer Design. Karen’s expertise in hospitality design has taken her to projects across the globe, from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan to name a few. Notably, her involvement in the renowned St. Regis hotel in Beijing set a new benchmark for luxury hotel design and left an indelible mark on the industry. In 1997, Karen founded Karen Wang Interior Consultant, where she continues to push the boundaries of hotel design. Her unwavering passion for design, astute commercial insights, meticulous attention to details, and deep understanding of hotel operations has made her a highly sought-after designer in the industry. Karen is celebrated for her ability to create distinctive and opulent spaces that seamlessly cater to the needs of both guests and hotel owners. Her designs strike a perfect balance between functionality and visual grandeur, reecting her profound comprehension of the hotel industry.

Mr. Pushpendra Bansal, a hospitality stalwart, is a civil engineer by profession who expanded his family construction business at the age of 20 after completing his education. In 1990, he diversified into hospitality and set up two hotels—one in Surat and the other in Mumbai. Later, he moved to the USA in 2003, where he acquired hotels, motels, and resorts of reputed brands.
Driven by a deep passion to give back to his homeland, he ventured into the mid-segment hotel business in India, leading to the formation of Lords Hotels & Resorts in 2007. Under his visionary leadership, the brand has grown into a strong hospitality chain operating 70 hotels with 3,000+ rooms across 15 states in 3 countries (India, Nepal, and the USA).
Catering to diverse travel needs across Business, Leisure, Pilgrim, and Wedding segments, Lords Hotels & Resorts is positioned as a “True Value Hotels” brand, known for consistent quality, operational excellence, and guest-centric service.
An accomplished hotelier and legacy builder, Mr. Bansal’s dream is to become the largest mid-segment market hotel chain operator, delivering exhilarating hospitality experiences across geographies.