Fortune Hotels Welcomes Samarth Agarwal as Head of Development

Fortune Hotels Welcomes Samarth Agarwal as Head of Development

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 4, 2024

Fortune Hotels, part of ITC’s hotel group, has announced the appointment of Samarth Agarwal as the new Head of Development. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality business development, investments, and consulting, Agarwal is set to lead Fortune Hotels through its next growth phase.

Agarwal's career includes roles in equity research focused on the gaming and lodging industry in the USA. He later moved into hotel and real estate consulting at Cushman & Wakefield, where he provided strategic advice to top hotel companies, owners, and developers. He then joined InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between Accor Hotels and InterGlobe Enterprises, working on hotel investments. Most recently, he led the Asset Light growth strategy for Lemon Tree Hotels across India, successfully executing over 50 contracts in three years.

As the new Head of Development at Fortune Park Hotels Limited, Agarwal will focus on expanding the network of Fortune-branded hotels across India. Based in Gurgaon, he will manage strategic growth initiatives, form key partnerships, and oversee new developments.

Fortune Hotels believes that Agarwal’s extensive industry experience and visionary leadership will be crucial for the brand’s expansion and success in the competitive hospitality market.

Samarth Agarwal has a diverse background in the hospitality industry. Starting with equity research in the USA, he specialized in the gaming and lodging sectors. He then transitioned to Cushman & Wakefield, providing strategic consulting for leading hotel brands. His move to InterGlobe Hotels involved hotel investments, where he honed his skills in the buy-side of hotel investment deals. At Lemon Tree Hotels, Agarwal led the Asset Light strategy, focusing on management contracts that significantly boosted the company’s growth.

In his new role at Fortune Hotels, Agarwal is expected to leverage his extensive experience to drive the brand’s development efforts. His strategic approach and ability to form effective partnerships are anticipated to play a key role in the brand’s growth.

Fortune Park Hotels Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, is a leading chain of business and leisure hotels in India. With 66 signed alliances and over 5,000 rooms across 56 cities, Fortune Hotels aims to provide contemporary accommodation for business and leisure travelers, emphasizing personalized service and great value.

The chain operates under various sub-brands like Fortune Select, Fortune Park, Fortune Inn, and Fortune Resort. Each brand is tailored to meet different guest requirements, ensuring a memorable stay.

Under Agarwal’s leadership, Fortune Hotels plans to expand its footprint across India, enhancing its presence in both established and emerging markets. The focus will be on strategic growth initiatives, fostering partnerships, and developing new properties that align with the brand’s philosophy of offering excellent service and value.

Fortune Hotels is confident that with Agarwal at the helm, the brand will continue to grow and succeed in the competitive hospitality sector. His appointment is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving Fortune Hotels’ long-term goals.

For more information about Fortune Hotels, visit itchotels.com/fortunehotels.


The LaLiT Group Appoints Ms. Harmeet Kaur as GM – Corporate Marketing & CX

The LaLiT Group Appoints Ms. Harmeet Kaur as GM – Corporate Marketing & CX

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

The LaLiT Group has announced the appointment of Ms. Harmeet Kaur as General Manager, Corporate Marketing & Customer Experience. With nearly 28 years of experience in customer engagement, marketing strategy, and business transformation, Ms. Kaur brings a wealth of expertise to the hospitality giant.

An MBA in Marketing and an alumna of the Management Development Program at IIM Ahmedabad, Ms. Kaur began her career with Direm (now Direxions), focusing on loyalty and CRM. She later spent seven years at OgilvyOne Worldwide, working with iconic brands such as ITC Hotels, British Airways, and Benetton, delivering holistic 360° brand communications across ATL, BTL, digital, CRM, and loyalty marketing.

For over 18 years, she was associated with DishTV India Ltd., where she most recently served as Head – Customer Engagement (Retention & Usage) for brands including DishTV, D2H, Zing, and Watcho. She led communications for over 15 million subscribers, managed major transformation initiatives, designed emotionally intelligent customer journeys, and fostered a culture of customer-first excellence.

A recognized thought leader, Ms. Kaur has earned several national and international awards and has been a speaker and jury member at leading industry forums.

Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Harmeet Kaur to The LaLiT family. Her exceptional experience in customer-centric marketing and deep understanding of brand transformation will strengthen our connection with guests and enhance our brand experience.”

Her appointment highlights The LaLiT Group’s commitment to innovative marketing strategies, transformative communication, and unmatched customer experiences across all touchpoints.


Chetana Suryawanshi Appointed Director of Services at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Chetana Suryawanshi Appointed Director of Services at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

By Hariharan U

Published on October 8, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Chetana Suryawanshi as its new Director of Services. With more than ten years of experience in hospitality, Chetana brings strong expertise in operations and housekeeping, strengthening the hotel’s executive leadership team.

In her new role, she will lead the Services Division, overseeing housekeeping, laundry, guest services, and operational efficiency. Her focus will be on enhancing luxury standards, driving service innovation, and ensuring every guest enjoys a smooth and memorable stay.

Chetana has previously held senior roles with top hospitality brands including The St. Regis Mumbai, Marriott International Bengaluru, and the Ramee Group. Known for combining strategic insight with operational excellence, she has consistently raised service benchmarks while nurturing high-performing teams.

Speaking about her appointment, Chetana Suryawanshi said, "Luxury is not defined by grand gestures alone, but by the consistency of care guests feel in every interaction. This opportunity at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar allows me to strengthen the very backbone of guest comfort our services and create a culture where every team member takes pride in the details."

With Chetana leading the Services Division, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar continues to uphold its promise of world-class hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, sophistication, and memorable guest experiences.


Soham Dhar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8

Soham Dhar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 8, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Chef Soham Dhar as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8, the hotel’s renowned all-day dining destination. Bringing with him over a decade of global culinary experience and a distinctive expertise in Indian cuisine, Chef Dhar is set to elevate CUR8’s offerings with his innovative and authentic approach to food.

Chef Dhar’s journey began at IHM Bhubaneswar, where early exposure to international cuisines sparked a lifelong fascination with the culinary arts. For him, cooking goes beyond flavour; it is an art form, a celebration, and a medium of human connection. His philosophy has guided a career spanning Michelin-recognized restaurants and prestigious hotels worldwide. He was recently honoured with the TOI Food & Nightlife Award, Chef of the Year 2023, recognising his contribution to the culinary landscape.

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Kazim Mehdi, Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, said,

“At Four Seasons, we believe that the strength of our culinary offerings lies in the calibre of talent we bring to the table. Chef Soham Dhar embodies this ethos. His expertise, discipline, and creativity will ensure our guests enjoy an authentic yet elevated dining experience that matches the intuitive hospitality we are known for.”

Chef Dhar adds, “Joining Four Seasons is an exciting new chapter in my journey. The brand is synonymous with excellence and represents some of the most distinguished dining venues globally and in India. It is a privilege to be part of this legacy.”

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With Chef Dhar at the helm, CUR8 continues to strengthen its position as one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after dining destinations. Known for lavish buffet spreads, indulgent Sunday brunches, and pet-friendly lunches, CUR8 also offers an inviting alfresco setting. Guests can now look forward to culinary experiences that blend traditional Indian flavours with contemporary flair, curated under Chef Dhar’s expert guidance.

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