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 New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kanna

Published on February 24, 2026

The LaLiT New Delhi has announced the appointment of Vishal Sharma as its new General Manager. Bringing over 18 years of experience across sales, marketing, and hotel operations, Vishal adds a strong commercial edge and leadership depth to the iconic luxury hotel in New Delhi.

Vishal started his hospitality journey with Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces and went on to take up senior sales and marketing roles at leading properties such as The Imperial New Delhi, The Claridges New Delhi, and Radisson MBD Noida. His association with the brand is long-standing, having earlier served as Head of Sales at The LaLiT New Delhi, followed by his role as National Head of Sales (Business Hotels) at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

Most recently, Vishal was Director of Sales and Marketing at IHG Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini. He was also part of the IHG EMEAA General Manager Development Programme 2025, further strengthening his leadership credentials.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vivek Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Vishal back to The LaLiT New Delhi in this leadership role. His deep commercial expertise, strong understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape, and long-standing association with the brand position him exceptionally well to lead the property into its next phase of growth. We are confident that under his leadership, the hotel will continue to deliver elevated guest experiences and strengthen its market presence.”

In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for overseeing overall hotel operations, shaping commercial strategy, and leading guest engagement initiatives, further strengthening the hotel’s standing in the luxury hospitality segment.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Vishal Sharma said, “It is truly an honour to take on this responsibility at The LaLiT New Delhi, a brand widely recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive hospitality. I look forward to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered, while ensuring our guests experience not only exceptional service, but a space that celebrates individuality, respect, and belonging.”


Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

By Hariharan U

Published on February 23, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Mr. Daksh Shandilya and Ms. Ashwini Alpesh Taware as Director of Sales. This step reflects the company’s clear focus on expanding its reach and sharpening its sales strategy for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts.

Daksh Shandilya brings over nine years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Over the years, he has worked with leading brands such as The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, Treehouse Hotels & Resorts, and Old-World Hospitality. His experience covers key account management, business development, and market expansion across competitive regions. He has handled segments including PCO, DMC, and MICE, helping brands grow through structured planning and strong long-term partnerships.

Ashwini Alpesh Taware joins with more than a decade of experience across corporate sales, travel trade, events, and MICE. She has been associated with brands like Lemon Tree Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, and The Orchid Hotel Mumbai. Having worked at both property-level and national sales offices, she understands client expectations and market trends closely.

Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, "Our focus has always been on building strong leadership teams that can take our brands forward in a competitive market. Daksh and Ashwini come with solid industry experience and a clear understanding of how today's hospitality business works. Their addition strengthens our focus to grow our market footprint, deepen our engagement with key partners, and drive consistent performance across ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts."

In their new roles, Daksh Shandilya and Ashwini Alpesh Taware will focus on improving sales performance and supporting Espire Hospitality Limited’s long-term growth plans across its brands


The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2026

The Leela Hyderabad has announced the appointment of Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at its signature dining destination, Tiga, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on culinary excellence and leadership.

With close to three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Rana brings with him a strong professional foundation shaped by his tenure across several renowned hotel brands. His career includes stints at Park Hyatt Hotels, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Grand InterContinental, Le Royal Meridien, and The St. Regis. Over the years, his work has been defined by a disciplined approach to global cuisines, with a sharp focus on authenticity, precision, and guest satisfaction.

Speaking on his appointment, Rana said, “cooking, for me, is a continuous journey of learning and refinement. i believe in respecting ingredients, techniques, and authentic recipes while evolving with guest expectations. at the leela hyderabad, i look forward to creating dining experiences that balance global influences with flavours that resonate with the local palate.”

At Tiga, Rana aims to curate menus that blend international culinary trends with regional sensibilities. A key highlight of his vision is a strong emphasis on Sichuan-style cuisine, known for its bold spices, layered aromas, and balanced heat, while ensuring the offerings remain approachable for local diners.

Welcoming him to the team, Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Leela Hyderabad, said, “chef rana’s extensive experience across some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, combined with his commitment to consistency and quality, makes him a valuable addition to our culinary team. his leadership will play a key role in further elevating the dining experience at the leela hyderabad.”

With this appointment, The Leela Hyderabad continues to strengthen its culinary portfolio, positioning Tiga as a destination for refined global flavours delivered with consistency and care.

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