Meet the National Jury Members
#IHA 2026
Meet the regional jury members
#IHA 2026
September 24–25, 2026 (Thursday & Friday) at JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity
Day-Wise Focus:
• Day 1 – Investments & Development
Theme: Growth Engines – Investments, Infrastructure, Global Partnerships.
• Day 2 – Operations & Talent
Theme: Greatness in Delivery – Talent, Service Excellence & Experience Innovation
Evening Programs:
• Day 1: Leadership Networking Dinner & Cocktails
• Day 2: BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Awards Gala
Speaker Line-Up Includes:
• Union Ministers & Government VVIPs
• Global & Indian Hospitality CXOs
• Leading Investors & Hotel Owners
• Industry Thought Leaders
• Renowned Architects, Designers & Celebrity Chefs
• Hospitality CHROs, Educationists & Operations Leaders
Awards & Recognition
The IHA Awards 2026 are recognised across the industry for their transparency and credibility. With an independent, multi-tier jury process – spanning regional shortlisting to national evaluation – the awards honour excellence across categories, functions, and geographies. All nominations follow an open and inclusive online submission process, encouraging broad-based participation from across the Indian hospitality ecosystem.
The most anticipated weBBlast virtual series, The GM SHOW, presented by BW HOTELIER, is making a comeback with its Fourth Season.
This groundbreaking show which has carved a niche for itself in the annals of the industry, once again aims to showcase exceptional General Management talent (GMs) across hospitality brands while engaging with them in insightful discussions on topics relevant to the industry’s present and future.
Responding to popular demand, this year’s edition of The GM Show will feature two episodes each week, every Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 5 pm IST, offering even more valuable content to viewers. This exciting series promises another season of compelling conversations and industry insights.
For Speaking Opportunities
For Partnership Opportunities
Vivek Mittal
vivek.mittal@businessworld.in
98102 65619
Amit Bhasin
amit.bhasin@businessworld.in
98116 17970
Nilesh Argekar
nilesh@businessworld.in
98676 10986
September 22–23, 2025 (Monday & Tuesday) at JW Marriott Hotel, New Delhi – Aerocity
BW HOTELIER, India’s leading hospitality media platform, proudly celebrates 11 years of excellence in 2025. Over the past eleven years, it has built a reputation for thought leadership through its print magazine, digital platforms, curated web shows, and high-impact industry events.
At the heart of this journey lies the Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards (IHA) – launched in 2016—which has grown into a marquee gathering for the country’s hospitality, travel, tourism, and F&B sectors.
The 9th edition of IHA returns in September 2025 in a powerful phygital format, bringing together key decision-makers, innovators, investors, and influencers to exchange ideas, unlock opportunities, and set the agenda for a new era in Indian hospitality.
IHA-2025: Overview at a Glance
Theme: Atithi Devo Bhava 2.0: Hosting the World, Shaping the Future
Day-Wise Focus:
• Day 1 – India Invests & Builds
Focus: FDI, Greenfield Growth, Policy, and Private Sector Vision
• Day 2 – India Delivers & Elevates
Focus: Operations, Talent Pipeline, DEI, Technology, and Workforce Excellence
Evening Programs:
• Day 1: Leadership Networking Dinner & Cocktails
• Day 2: BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Awards Gala
Speaker Line-Up Includes:
• Union Ministers & Government VVIPs
• Global & Indian Hospitality CXOs
• Leading Investors & Hotel Owners
• Industry Thought Leaders
• Renowned Architects, Designers & Celebrity Chefs
• Hospitality CHROs, Educationists & Operations Leaders
Awards & Recognition
The IHA Awards are recognised across the industry for their transparency and credibility. With an independent, multi-tier jury process – spanning regional shortlisting to national evaluation – the awards honour excellence across categories, functions, and geographies. All nominations follow an open and inclusive online submission process, encouraging broad-based participation from across the Indian hospitality ecosystem.
Hon’ble Minister of Culture & Tourism
Government of India
Hon’ble Deputy Chairperson
Rajya Sabha
MD & CEO
IHCL
President
Asia Pacific excluding China
Marriott International
President EMEA
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
President, Hotel Association of India and Chairman – Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia
Chairperson
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels
Additional Secretary
& Director General of Tourism
Government of India
Managing Director
India Tourism Development Corporation
CEO
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority
Chairman, Sarovar Hotels &
Director, Louvre Hotels India
Managing Director
ITC Hotels Limited
Sr Vice President & Regional Head
South Asia, Hilton
Managing Director
India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt
MD & COO – South Asia
Radisson Hotel Group
MD – South West Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Managing Director
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels
CEO
Sarovar Hotels
President
Lemon Tree Hotels
Market MD – Eurasia
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
CEO
Tamara Leisure Experiences
Co-founder & CEO
Treebo Hospitality Ventures
Hotel Superhero
Director of Business Development, Ascott International Management, India
Co-Founder
Brij Hotels
Regional MD – India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan
Atmosphere Core
CEO & Managing Director
Chalet Hotels
Executive Director
Chalet Hotels
COO
Chalet Hotels
Chairman
Ambuja Neotia Group
Managing Director
Dangayach Group
President & CEO
InterGlobe Hotels
MD & CEO
Advent Hotels International
Chief Operating Officer – Hospitality
Brigade Group
Joint Managing Director
MBD Group
Senior Director – Talent & Culture
Accor India & South Asia
Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development
IHCL
Executive Vice President
Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL
VP – Real Estate & Development
IHCL
Head of Development – Southwest Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Sr Director & Head Hotels,
Capital Markets-Investment Transactions & Sales
Cushman & Wakefield
Chief Development Officer
ITC Hotels Limited
Vice President – Development
Accor India and South Asia
Vice President – Development
(India & Southwest Asia), Hyatt
Executive Vice President – Strategic Development,
The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Executive Vice President – Corporate Strategy & Head of Investements, SAMHI Hotels
Senior Vice President – Hotel Investments
JLL
Senior Director – Development,
India & South Asia, Hilton
Senior Director – Development,
South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group
President
South Asia
HVS Anarock
Managing Director,
Horwath HTL India
Senior Sales Manager
South & Southeast Asia
STR
Founder & CEO
Indian School of Hospitality
Chairman – Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee,
IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Former Head of Asia
Minor Hotels
Chief Commercial Officer
Noida International Airport
Market VP – North India,
Nepal, Bhutan
Marriott International
Senior Vice President – Operations & Head – Wellness, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Vice President – Operations,
Accor India and South Asia
Vice President – Operations (North & West),
ITC Hotels Limited
Senior Regional Director –
Operations (South Asia), Hilton
Chief Commercial Officer,
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Senior Regional Director – Operations (South Asia)
Radisson Hotel Group
General Manager
JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity
Vice President – HR Operations (South Asia),
Marriott International
Senior Vice President & Head HR,
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
Executive VP – Brand and
Communications
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
Assistant Vice President –
HR, Sarovar Hotels
Vice President – Design & Technical Services,
Accor India and South Asia
Senior Regional Director, Architecture, Design & Construction (AD&C) – South Asia, Hilton
Director
Gian P Mathur & Associates
President
ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Area Director, Marketing & Communications – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group
Vice President & Commercial Director –
South Asia, Hilton
Partner, Technology Consulting Ernst & Young LLP
Director – IT (South Asia)
Radisson Hotel Group
Senior Vice President –
Commercial, Sarovar Hotels
Vice President – Strategic
Initiatives, Lemon Tree Hotels
Senior Vice President – IT,
The Oberoi Group
Vice President – South Asia (Professional) & Global Strategic Accounts (APAC), Diversey
Head – Project Sales & Technical
Gyproc
Principal
IHM Mumbai
Director & Regional Head,
EHL (South Asia, Myanmar
& Middle East)
Founder
RLA
Senior Vice President – Sustainability & ESG, Lemon Tree Hotels
Senior DEI Specialist – Communities Leader
The most anticipated weBBlast virtual series, The GM SHOW, presented by BW HOTELIER, is making a comeback with its Third Season.
This groundbreaking show which has carved a niche for itself in the annals of the industry, once again aims to showcase exceptional General Management talent (GMs) across hospitality brands while engaging with them in insightful discussions on topics relevant to the industry’s present and future.
Responding to popular demand, this year’s edition of The GM Show will feature two episodes each week, every Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 5 pm IST, offering even more valuable content to viewers. This exciting series promises another season of compelling conversations and industry insights.
For Speaking Opportunities
Ajith LR
ajith@businessworld.in
+91 9990094948
For Partnership Opportunities
Amit Bhasin
amit.bhasin@businessworld.in
+91 9811617970
Chairman,
Radisson Hotel Group – South Asia
Former President
Leela Hotels
Founder, KUE Management Services
CEO & MD
Trance Hotels
Chairman, Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee
IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Founder and CEO
Indian School of Hospitality
Former Dy. Managing Director
Lemon Tree Hotels
Founding Trustee
Cuisine India Foundation
President (South Asia)
HVS Anarock
MD & CEO
Advent Hotels International
MD – Hotels & Hospitality Group
JLL
Founder
RLA
Principal, Org- YSA & Associates
Sarl Switzerland
Chef & Owner
Hemant Oberoi Restaurant, BKC
Professor Emeritus & Advisor
Hospitality Academics
Principal & Secretary
IHM Pusa, New Delhi
Founder, KUE Management Services
Senior Partner
HM Corp
Managing Director
Nouvelle Knowledge Service
Founder- CEO
The Works
Partner
Incredible Smart Hospitality
Co-Founder/ Director
Incredible Smart Hospitality
Founder & CEO
The People Network
Director, School for European Pastry & Culinary Arts
Professor Emeritus & Advisor
Hospitality Academics
Head HR Hospitality – GITAM University
Director – Gourmet Design Company
Principal – IHM
Kolkata
CEO
Peerless Hotels
PRINCIPAL
IHM Bhubaneswar
Chairman, Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee
IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Journalist, Radio Commentator & Food Consultant
Chef & Owner
Hemant Oberoi Restaurant, BKC
Director
Mahajan & Aibara
Principal
IHM – Mumbai
Founder & MD
Sapphire Professional Services
Founder
RLA
Hospitality Business
Consultant, Leadership Coach& Author
CEO & MD
Trance Hotels
Former V.P. Operations Support & Quality
ITC Hotels
Founder
Simply South
General Secretary
Indian Federation of Culinary Associations
Former CEO
WelcomHeritage
Former Taj Sr. Leadership & Founder & CEO – Turnstone Hospitality
Vice President – Hospitality Knight Frank
Founder & CEO,
Rita Mody Joshi & Associates
Founding Principal Architect, Creative Group, Delhi
Partner, DPA
IP Chairman
IIID-DRC
Founder,
KMA Architecture, Chandigarh
While age is often considered just a number, BW HOTELIER, which made its debut in India on January 12, 2015, is now proudly celebrating its 10th year of publication. Throughout these years, we have maintained our leadership position in the industry by continually rejuvenating and redefining our presence. Our esteemed publication offers a classic print bimonthly, a robust online platform, prestigious awards, captivating events, and engaging web shows. We believe in letting our work speak for itself, and the ever-growing legion of readers and followers is a testament to our commitment.
From its very inception in the year 2016, the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards (IHA) has held a prominent position in our portfolio. In 2020, we achieved a remarkable milestone by hosting IHA-2020 in a virtual format over five days, from August 31 to September 4. This groundbreaking event featured over 200 speakers and the presentation of 100 awards. It was an achievement that is likely to stand the test of time, setting a high bar that may prove challenging even for us to surpass.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BWH IHA – Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards 2024 :
IHA SUMMIT : “REVOLUTIONALISING INDIAN HOSPITALITY”
At BW HOTELIER, our motto is clear: ‘The sun never sets.’ We are committed to continually raising the bar, pushing boundaries with each new endeavour. Complacency has no place in our philosophy, as every day and every project present fresh opportunities and challenges.
We, at BW HOTELIER, consistently strive to stand apart, setting industry standards and embracing innovation.
The highly anticipated BW HOTELIER IHA-2024, known as the Indian Hospitality Summit and Awards, returns with its 8th edition in October 2024. Once again, we adopt the phygital format, blending physical and digital elements.
This year, the summit’s central theme is
“REVOLUTIONALISING INDIAN HOSPITALITY”
IHA-2024 promises to bring together some of the brightest minds in Indian Hospitality, Travel, Tourism, and F&B for discussions and debates on the industry’s most pressing issues. Together, we’ll chart a roadmap for the future, exceed expectations, and ensure the industry rightfully claims its place on the global stage.
With captivating keynote sessions and insightful panel discussions, nearly 100 top thought leaders will delve into the latest trends reshaping the hospitality business. Each day of the event guarantees uniqueness, engagement, and valuable takeaways.
IHA AWARDS :
Our awards are distinguished by their transparency and fairness, impartially recognizing talent across various functions, regions, and the nation. The evaluation process involves four regional juries and culminates in the final assessment by a national jury comprising esteemed industry veterans. We maintain an open online nomination process, welcoming all who meet the common set of criteria and conditions.
While BW HOTELIER ensures compliance, the entire process is meticulously managed by a reputable and independent agency, ultimately subject to the judgment of five juries.
Importantly, we maintain comprehensive documentation of the entire process.
Hon’ble Minister of Culture & Tourism
Government of India
Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister
of Uttar Pradesh
IAS
Additional Secretary
Ministry of Tourism
Government of India
Former Dean at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA and currently Co-Chair of Academic Council of China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Social Security and Aging Finance Institute
Chairman – South Asia
Radisson Hotel Group
Chairman & MD
Lemon Tree Hotels
President
Asia Pacific excluding China Marriott International
President EMEA
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
MD of
Atmosphere Core
CEO – Asia Pacific
Hotels and Hospitality Group
JLL
Commercial Director &
Head of Marketing,
Marjan, RAK, UAE
Managing Director,
Sarovar Hotels and Director, Louvre Hotels India
Head of Asia
Minor Hotels
Chief Development Officer
& Luxury Officer
Minor Hotels
Area Vice President – South Asia
Marriott International
Chief Executive
ITC Hotels
CEO
The Leela Palaces
Hotels & Resorts
MD India & Southwest Asia
Hyatt
MD – South West Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts
SVP & Regional Head –
South Asia
Hilton
MD & Area SVP –
South Asia
Radisson Hotel Group
Chief Operating Officer
Oberoi and Trident Hotels
CEO
Sarovar Hotels
MD
Fortune Hotels
MD
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts – India, Nepal, Bhutan & Sri Lanka
MD
Hotels and Hospitality Group
JLL India
Senior Sales Manager –
Central & South Asia –
STR, CoStar Group
President & CEO – South Asia
HVS Anarock
CEO
Airport Land Development
GMR Airports Holding Limited
CEO
City Side Development,
Adani Airport Holdings
President & CEO
InterGlobe Hotels
Head Hospitality
Embassy Office Parks REIT
MD
Dangayach Group
Executive VP &
Head of Investments
SAMHI Hotels Pvt Ltd.
MD & CEO
Oriental Hotels
Chairman & MD
Terminus Group
Business Head
Hospitality & New Projects
DS Group
JMD
MBD Group
CEO
Neemrana Hotels
Chairman – Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Committee,
IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Author, Independent Consultant. Erstwhile Dep MD
Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd
MD & CEO
Trance Hotels & Resorts
MD & CEO
Advent Hotels International
Founder
RLA
VP Of Development –
India & South West Asia
Hyatt
Regional VP – Operations,
India & South West Asia,
Hyatt
Sr Director
Development – South Asia
Hilton
VP – Development
IHCL
Sr Director Development –
South Asia
Radisson Hotel Group
Chief Development Officer,
ITC Limited – Hotels Division
Sr VP, Hotels & Hospitality Advisory, JLL
CEO
Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India (THSC)
Founder & Executive Chairman, Indian School of Hospitality
Principal & Secretary
IHM Pusa, New Delhi
Executive Vice President & Head HR
ITC Hotels
Vice President – HR Operations – South Asia (APEC)
Marriott International
Area Senior Director People & Culture – South Asia,
Radisson Hotel Group
Regional Human Resources Director – South West Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts
VP
Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD)
Market VP – North India,
Nepal, Bhutan
Marriott International
VP Operation – West & North
ITC Hotels
Area Director –
Operations and GM
Vivanta, Surajkund
Area VP – North &
GM, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, New Delhi
Sr Vice President & GM
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
Cluster GM
Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, Novotel & Ibis Bengaluru ORR, Novotel & Ibis Chennai OMR
Director Of Operations –
South West Asia,
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Chief Marketing & Sales Officer The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
Head – Commercial India
& South Asia
Accor
Director
Communications – South Asia
Hilton
IP Chairman
IIID-DRC
VP of Design & Technical Services, India & South Asia,
Accor
VP and Head of Design
& Planning
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Principal
Studio IV Designs
Principal Architect
Fab Studio
Principal consultant
HPG Consulting
Founder
The People Network l The Job Plus
CEO
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Journalist, Radio Commentator
& Food Consultant
Corporate Executive Chef
ITC Hotels
Founding Trustee,
Cuisine India Foundation & President, IIHM College of Distinguished Fellows
Director of Food & Beverage Operations – South Asia
Hilton
Founder & MD
Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd
Founder & CEO
Hemant Oberoi Restaurant, & Hospitality and OB Hospitalities
President of Emerging Markets Diversey
V.P – South Asia (Professional)
& Global Strategic Accounts (APAC) Diversey
Founder & General Secretary – HPMF CEO India and Emerging Markets – QualityNZ
Area Director Brand Implementation, Quality Management & Housekeeping RHG
VP – Asia Pacific
RMS Cloud
VP
Sales & Marketing,
India & South East Asia,
RMS Cloud
MD
The Clarks Hotels & Resorts
Co-Founder & CEO
Hotelzify
Co-Founder & CEO
Olive by Embassy
Sr Vice President – Commercial Sarovar Hotels
VP
Strategic Initiatives
Lemon Tree Hotels
Sr. Lead Specialist –
Product Management, Commercial Air Conditioning & Global Products Sales Group
Blue Star Limited
Founder & CEO
Baaya Design
Executive Director
Wang Hospitality Equipment Pvt Ltd