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.