SAMHI Hotels Limited, one of India’s leading branded hotel ownership and asset management platforms, in collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), has successfully concluded the SAMHI Management Development Programme (MDP), a bespoke initiative designed to nurture leadership and innovation among senior executives across SAMHI’s diverse hotel portfolio.

Launched in February 2025, the programme brought together senior leaders from properties managed under global brands such as Marriott and IHG. It was meticulously structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering an immersive learning experience through workshops, case studies, mentorship, and hands-on projects. Participants explored a wide range of leadership competencies, from understanding finance and building people-first teams to sharpening sales and marketing acumen and mastering the art of storytelling, all essential elements in creating outstanding guest experiences.

Reflecting on the programme’s successful conclusion, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director & CEO of SAMHI Hotels Limited, said,

“The SAMHI Management Development Programme has been an inspiring journey. Seeing our leaders come together from different brands, exchanging ideas and learning from one another, has reinforced the value of collaboration and shared learning. The programme has equipped our leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate an ever-evolving hospitality landscape, and we are proud to see the growth, creativity, and innovation that has emerged from this first cohort. We look forward to continuing this journey with ISH, shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders.”

Dilip Puri, Founder & Executive Chairman at Indian School of Hospitality, shared,

“This Management Development Programme, a collaboration between SAMHI Hotels and the Indian School of Hospitality, was more than a set of classes. It was a journey through the many dimensions of leadership: understanding finance and seeing the story behind the numbers; diving into human resources to build people-first teams; sharpening sales and marketing instincts to connect with guests more deeply; and even learning the art of storytelling, because in hospitality, every great experience is, in essence, a story well told. To work with GMs of both IHG and Marriott hotels coming together and collaborating on projects was very fulfilling.”

Throughout the programme, leaders not only honed key management and operational skills but also collaborated across different brands, exchanging insights and experiences that strengthened both learning and camaraderie.

The successful completion of the SAMHI Management Development Programme stands as a testament to the shared commitment between SAMHI Hotels and the Indian School of Hospitality, to cultivate leadership excellence, encourage collaboration, and foster a culture of continuous learning that drives the hospitality industry forward.