Big interview The growth
Managing director and CEO at Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Puneet Chhatwal, has embarked on a journey of profi table growth for the hotel group that promises to expand and strengthen its presence and portfolio. He speaks to Phoebe Galbraith about his experience in the industry, the groups’ expansion strategy and his priorities for sustainability and inclusivity.
mentality W
ith almost four decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and CEO at Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), has always had a fascination with hotels – with some of his earliest memories being at the Machan at Taj Mansingh enjoying a Kona coffee. “My interest eventually led me to pursue a career in hospitality. I studied hotel management and then kick-started my career with the Ashok Group of hotels,” says Chhatwal.
Chhatwal was then “blessed with the opportunity” to study the Euro-American format of hospitality, giving him the best of both of worlds – literally. Having worked across the globe, Chhatwal has built up his repertoire with the emotional intelligence of the East and the processes and quality of the West. Now at IHCL, it is safe to say that this experience has shaped Chhatwal’s decisions and leadership skills.
“I believe that any successful leader must embrace change and think like an entrepreneur. This approach always works because every crisis is an opportunity in disguise. This is universal and applies to all industries, not just hospitality,” explains Chhatwal. “I believe that success is not a solitary achievement – success is only possible when driven by a united vision. This includes giving people an opportunity to grow, because when people grow, they automatically help me grow.” Chhatwal is also responsible for IHCL’s iconic hospitality brand Taj, named the World’s Strongest Brand in 2022 for the second year running. With a rich legacy of more than a century, Taj has also been rated as India’s Strongest Brand across all categories for a second time since 2020. For Chhatwal, this not only confirms Taj as the “most acclaimed benchmark of excellence” in the industry, but also demonstrates the steadfast trust of the hotel groups’ stakeholders. Epitomising world-class luxury through the hotel’s philosophy of “Tajness”, the brand is an undisputed leader in Indian hospitality.
12 Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)
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