Lemon Tree Hotels Announces Strategic Leadership Changes Effective October 1, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Announces Strategic Leadership Changes Effective October 1, 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 12, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTH) has announced a strategic leadership reshuffle effective October 1, 2025, subject to shareholder approval. The changes are part of the company’s succession planning to ensure leadership continuity and robust governance.

Patanjali Govind Keswani will continue as executive chairman of LTH and chair of the board of directors, focusing on ensuring a smooth operational handover to the new MD & CEO, accelerating expansion through an asset-light growth strategy, and providing long-term strategic oversight. Keswani will also retain his role as executive chairman of Fleur Hotels Limited (a material subsidiary), guiding its expansion plans with disciplined capital allocation and high-level governance.

At LTH, Neelendra Singh has been appointed as managing director, responsible for day-to-day operations and all business functions. With 26 years of experience, Singh’s career includes senior leadership roles at Adidas in India, South Korea, and Germany.

Kapil Sharma, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of financial expertise, has been elevated to executive director & chief financial officer. Sharma has been with the Lemon Tree Group since 2004, playing a pivotal role in M&A activities, capital market transactions, and strategic financial management.

Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, who joined as president in June 2025, will oversee operations, HR, and revenue management. Cheema brings 28 years of hospitality experience from leading brands such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Radisson Group, Marriott International, and Carnival UK.

At Fleur Hotels Limited, Saurabh Shatdal will take charge as managing director & CEO, overseeing all operational and business functions. Shatdal’s 27-year career spans capital markets, land acquisitions, and hospitality operations, most recently as MD - Capital Markets & Land and India Head-Retail at Cushman & Wakefield.

Mayank Sharma has been appointed as chief financial officer at Fleur Hotels, bringing over 15 years of expertise in financial management, consultancy, and industry roles.

Sanjiv Jain joins as vice president – projects & engineering, responsible for hotel design, development, and renovation. Jain has 33 years of experience, with previous roles at NBCC Limited and Bloom Hotels.

The company stated that these appointments reflect its commitment to strengthening leadership depth while preparing for the next phase of growth in India’s competitive hospitality sector.


Chef Kailash Singh Joins BarNaan Brookfield as Sous Chef

Chef Kailash Singh Joins BarNaan Brookfield as Sous Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

BarNaan Brookfield, a dynamic destination for authentic and modern Indian dining, has appointed Chef Kailash Singh as its new Sous Chef. With international experience and a deep-rooted passion for Indian cuisine, Chef Kailash is set to bring creativity, precision, and contemporary flair to the restaurant’s culinary offerings.

Most recently, he served as Chef de Partie at ROOH San Francisco, refining his expertise in progressive Indian cuisine. His international journey also includes creating Indian-inspired menus in Warsaw, Poland, and specializing in tandoor-based dishes at Namak by Chef Kunal Kapoor, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

Chef Kailash’s earlier career spans prestigious Indian and Middle Eastern dining destinations, including Oven Hot Bakery & Sweets L.L.C Abu Dhabi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, Café Out of the Box (Khan Market), Trinity Residency (Gurgaon), and Mojo Blu (Cyber Green). He has also contributed to several pre-opening projects, focusing on kitchen setup, menu development, and team training.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Kailash Singh said, “Joining BarNaan Brookfield is a significant milestone in my career. I am excited to contribute to the restaurant’s vision and look forward to creating new dishes that celebrate Indian flavors with a modern twist.”

With Chef Kailash on board, BarNaan Brookfield continues to position itself as a premier destination for Indian fine dining in the US, offering guests memorable experiences that blend authenticity, innovation, and world-class hospitality.


Chef Saurabh Sharma Sarswat Joins Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, Dallas

Chef Saurabh Sharma Sarswat Joins Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, Dallas

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a premier destination for authentic Indian dining in Dallas, has announced the appointment of Chef Saurabh Sharma Sarswat as its new Executive Sous Chef. Bringing years of global culinary experience across luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and private kitchens, Chef Sarswat is set to elevate the restaurant’s offerings with his expertise in Indian cuisine.

Chef Sarswat’s journey spans multiple countries and prestigious establishments. Most recently, he served as Sous Chef at Sanjh Restaurant – Las Colinas, Dallas, overseeing daily kitchen operations, menu execution, and maintaining top-quality standards. He also contributed to menu planning and kitchen management at Rixos Premium Hotel in Antalya, Turkey, and served as Personal Head Chef to Shaikh Azzam Al Mannai at a private resort in Doha, Qatar, creating Indian and Pakistani dishes for exclusive events.

His international experience further includes working with OYO Hotels across China, Japan, and Hong Kong as Sous Chef (Indian cuisine), specializing in menu development, banquet catering, and tandoor preparations. Earlier in India, Chef Sarswat honed his skills at AnnaMaya at Andaz (Hyatt), Eros Hotel New Delhi, Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram, and Jaypee Siddharth New Delhi, gaining a deep understanding of Indian ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Sarswat said, “Joining Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar is an exciting chapter in my journey. I look forward to bringing my experience and creativity to Dallas’s vibrant food scene and sharing the richness of Indian cuisine with our guests.”

With Chef Sarswat on board, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to offer authentic Indian flavors with a contemporary twist, further establishing itself as Dallas’s go-to destination for fine Indian dining.


Manoj Kumar Appointed General Manager of WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa

Manoj Kumar Appointed General Manager of WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Manoj Kumar as its new General Manager. With more than 14 years in the Indian hospitality sector, Manoj is known for creating memorable guest experiences, strengthening operations, and driving sustainable growth.

Over the years, Manoj has worked with some of the country’s most respected hospitality names including JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Westin Hyderabad, Taj Hotels, Caravela Beach Resort Goa, and Inner Living Hotels & Resorts. His work has consistently focused on enhancing guest engagement, introducing innovative F&B concepts, and nurturing strong, service-driven teams.

An entrepreneur at heart, he also founded Ancient Treasure Hospitality, a venture behind boutique villas and the popular Thynk Veg Café in Goa, spaces celebrated for creativity, attention to detail, and personalized service. His approach to leadership is rooted in heritage hospitality, sustainability, and talent development, with a strong reputation for mentoring the next generation of hoteliers.

Set within the Aravalli range in Jawai, WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa is spread across 20 acres of natural beauty. The resort offers lake-view rooms, spacious chalets (some with private temperature-controlled pools), and curated experiences including leopard safaris, Rabari village walks, stargazing, wellness therapies, and fine dining. Just a short drive from Udaipur and Jodhpur, it is an escape for those seeking both tranquility and adventure, while immersing in Rajasthan’s heritage.

With Manoj Kumar at the helm, the resort is set to further strengthen its reputation as a destination that combines wilderness, luxury, and Indian hospitality at its best.

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