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.


Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

Pankaj Jaswal Appointed as Operations Manager at Hotel Express Inn, Nashik

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Hotel Express Inn, Nashik, has welcomed Pankaj Jaswal as its new Operations Manager. Bringing with him valuable experience and a deep passion for hospitality, Pankaj Jaswal is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s operations and guest engagement.

Express Inn has always been known for its focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, and this appointment marks another step towards enhancing service quality and operational excellence. The team expressed their excitement in welcoming him, noting that his expertise will help the property continue its journey of growth and success.

The Express Inn Family looks forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership, ensuring that every guest enjoys the warmth and hospitality the brand is known for.


Hotel Corus Welcomes Arun Sharma as New Operations Manager

Hotel Corus Welcomes Arun Sharma as New Operations Manager

By Author

Published on August 28, 2025

Hotel Corus, located in the heart of Connaught Place, Delhi, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Arun Sharma as its new Operations Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional, Arun Sharma brings extensive experience in hotel operations and guest relations, with a proven track record of enhancing service standards and driving operational excellence. His expertise in streamlining processes and elevating guest satisfaction is set to strengthen the hotel’s position as a trusted destination for business and leisure travelers.

In his new role, Arun Sharma will oversee all day-to-day operations at Hotel Corus, ensuring seamless coordination among departments and delivering the brand’s commitment to high-quality hospitality. His leadership will focus on implementing innovative service strategies, fostering team growth, and curating exceptional guest experiences that reflect the hotel’s core values.

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With this appointment, Hotel Corus reinforces its dedication to providing outstanding hospitality in one of Delhi’s most iconic locations. The team at Hospitalitynews congratulates Arun Sharma on his new role and looks forward to seeing him lead Hotel Corus to even greater achievements in service excellence.

Hotel Corus – Where Hospitality Meets Excellence


St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Li Qiang as Master Chef at By The Mekong

St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Li Qiang as Master Chef at By The Mekong

By Hariharan U

Published on August 28, 2025

 The St. Regis Mumbai has strengthened its culinary team with the appointment of Li Qiang as Master Chef Chinese, who will now helm the hotel’s award-winning Asian specialty restaurant, By The Mekong.

With a distinguished culinary journey spanning more than two decades, Chef Li brings with him unmatched expertise in authentic Chinese cuisine. His specialisation covers a wide range of regional styles including Sichuan, Cantonese, Guangdong, Beijing, and Shanghainese. A graduate in Chinese Food Technology, his craft reflects both deep-rooted tradition and modern finesse, offering guests an immersive dining experience.

Chef Li’s global career includes working across celebrated culinary hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, Doha, and Qatar, where he honed his skills in blending authenticity with innovation. His diverse background makes him uniquely placed to lead By The Mekong, one of Mumbai’s most celebrated Asian dining destinations, located at the Penthouse level of St. Regis Mumbai.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Li Qiang shared, “Cooking is my greatest passion, and my joy lies in watching guests taste, pause, and smile. At By The Mekong, I look forward to sharing the true essence of Chinese cuisine with dishes that carry both heart and soul, while guests soak in the stunning Mumbai cityscape”.

The appointment of Chef Li Qiang underlines St. Regis Mumbai’s commitment to bringing world-class culinary talent to its kitchens, offering diners not just a meal, but an experience steeped in culture, authenticity, and artistry.

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