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.


Prashanth Kuchimanchi Appointed General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre

Prashanth Kuchimanchi Appointed General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre

By Author

Published on November 3, 2025

Prashanth Kuchimanchi has been appointed as the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre, effective November 1, 2025.

With over two decades of extensive experience in hospitality, Prashanth brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, events and convention management, guest experience, and revenue optimization. Known for his strategic leadership and commitment to operational excellence, he has consistently driven growth and delivered memorable guest experiences throughout his career.

In his most recent role at The Leela Gandhinagar & Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Prashanth led operations for a large-scale luxury hotel and convention environment. During his tenure with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, he was instrumental in elevating service standards, guest satisfaction, and premium dining experiences across a complex property that included convention facilities and multiple F&B outlets.

A family-oriented individual, Prashanth is married to Niharika and they have two daughters, Nitya Stuti and Sveshta Udita. Outside of work, he is known for his warm personality, love for travel and food, and looks forward to exploring the cultural heritage of Mahabalipuram with his family.

His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre as it continues to strengthen its leadership and guest experience under his guidance.


Supriyo Dhali Appointed General Manager of Fortune Select Siliguri

Supriyo Dhali Appointed General Manager of Fortune Select Siliguri

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2025

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels Group, has announced the appointment of Supriyo Dhali as the General Manager of Fortune Select Siliguri.

An accomplished hotelier with over 25 years of experience, Dhali brings a strong record of success in hotel operations, guest engagement, and brand-led service excellence. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s overall functioning with a focus on enhancing the guest experience and strengthening the brand’s presence in the region.

Throughout his career, Dhali has held leadership positions across leading hospitality brands, including Sterling Holidays, Lemon Tree Hotels, Club Mahindra, Park Inn by Radisson, Taj Hotels, and ITC Hotels.

Before joining Fortune Select Siliguri, he served as General Manager at Sterling Aravalli, Udaipur, where he successfully led a 70-key upscale resort with multiple banquet venues, driving both guest satisfaction and operational performance.

Known for his disciplined leadership, people-first approach, and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, Dhali is set to play a key role in driving the continued growth and service excellence of Fortune Select Siliguri, the company said in a release.


The Leela Gandhinagar Appoints Abhesek Roy as Sous Chef

The Leela Gandhinagar Appoints Abhesek Roy as Sous Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2025

The Leela Gandhinagar, a beacon of luxury hospitality in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, has announced the appointment of Chef Abhesek Roy as its new Sous Chef.

With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, Chef Abhesek brings a wealth of experience, culinary creativity, and technical expertise to his new role. His professional journey includes associations with some of India’s most prestigious hospitality brands such as The Leela Palace Bengaluru, The Leela Mumbai, The Lalit Mumbai, Hilton Shillim, and The Willingdon Sports Club.

Commenting on the appointment, Vikas Sood, General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Abhesek Roy to The Leela Gandhinagar. His extensive experience across leading hospitality establishments, coupled with his creativity and commitment to quality, will further strengthen our culinary offerings and delight our guests with exceptional dining experiences.”

Chef Abhesek holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Global Institute of Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (GIMS), Mumbai. His career reflects consistent growth across diverse leadership roles, from Demi Chef de Partie to Pre-opening Sous Chef and Brand Chef, each role sharpening his expertise in kitchen management and menu innovation.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, Chef Abhesek will oversee kitchen operations, drive culinary innovation, and curate refined dining experiences that reflect the brand’s signature elegance and authenticity.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Chef Abhesek Roy shared,

“Joining The Leela Gandhinagar is both an honour and an exciting opportunity. I look forward to crafting memorable gastronomic journeys for our guests, showcasing innovative techniques while celebrating the rich culture and culinary heritage of India.”

With Chef Abhesek’s appointment, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to reinforce its commitment to elevating the culinary landscape through exceptional talent and craftsmanship.

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