The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Advances Hospitality Leadership with New Upskilling Program

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Advances Hospitality Leadership with New Upskilling Program

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 29, 2024

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, renowned for its luxurious offerings, has launched the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP) – Class of 2025. This initiative is a strategic move to cultivate future leaders in the hospitality sector. The program kicked off on May 19 with a new batch of candidates at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences.

In collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) and Les Roches, a global leader in hospitality education, the LLDP offers a robust 15-month curriculum. Participants engage in a mix of boot camps, classroom sessions, online courses, and practical experiences across various Leela properties.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela, emphasized the program's role in fostering a legacy of excellence within the hospitality industry. "Through the Leela Leadership Development Programme and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity initiatives, we are crafting a pathway for aspiring hospitality professionals to reach their potential and lead the industry forward," he stated.

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The LLDP aims not only to enhance skills but also to fast-track participants into managerial roles, preparing them to handle the complexities of luxury hospitality management. Since its inception in May 2022, the program has already seen two cohorts graduate, poised to make significant contributions to the industry.

Further enriching its commitment to inclusivity, The Leela has also expanded its training initiatives with the Shefs at The Leela programme, launched in 2022 to inspire and support women in culinary arts. This has evolved into a comprehensive development program, aiming to diversify talent in professional kitchens and empower female chefs globally.

For more information about The Leela's educational and professional development offerings, visit The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.


Neha Chhabra to Lead Sofitel Mumbai BKC into Its Next Chapter of Luxury and Innovation

Neha Chhabra to Lead Sofitel Mumbai BKC into Its Next Chapter of Luxury and Innovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 5, 2025

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Neha Chhabra as its new General Manager. With over two decades of distinguished experience in luxury and business hospitality, Neha brings a deep understanding of operations, guest experience, and brand leadership, perfectly reflecting Sofitel’s signature blend of French zest and Indian warmth.

A seasoned hotelier and dynamic leader, Neha has led several prestigious properties under globally acclaimed hospitality brands. Most recently, she served as General Manager at JW Marriott Goa, where she positioned the property among North Goa’s most celebrated luxury destinations. Under her leadership, the hotel garnered over 27 industry accolades, including honours from Travel + Leisure India, Condé Nast Traveler, and the HICSA Hotel of the Year 2024.

Prior to this, Neha was General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where her agile leadership through the pandemic drove both operational excellence and strong financial performance. Her earlier roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Trident Bandra Kurla, and The Oberoi New Delhi further enriched her expertise in delivering exceptional service and guest satisfaction across diverse luxury environments.

Renowned for her people-first approach and commitment to excellence, Neha has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:

  • Goa’s Best General Manager 2024 (CMO Asia)

  • Leadership Excellence 2022 (APEC GM Awards)

  • Diamond General Manager of the Year 2021–22 (Global, Courtyard Brand)

She has also been honoured among the Most Fabulous Women Leaders in Hospitality and recognized as Hotel Manager of the Year 2019 by BW Hotelier and Stelliers South Asia.

Reflecting on her appointment, Neha Chhabra shared,

“Joining Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an exciting opportunity to build on the brand’s legacy of French sophistication and Indian hospitality. I look forward to leading the exceptional team here to further strengthen Sofitel’s position as Mumbai’s most distinguished luxury destination and to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests.”

In her new role, Neha will oversee the hotel’s overall operations and strategic direction, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among her teams.

With her vast experience and visionary leadership, Neha Chhabra’s appointment marks an inspiring new chapter for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, as the hotel continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the heart of India’s financial capital.


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.

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