Day 2 of HICSA 2025 began with a dynamic session exploring the evolving leadership journey in hospitality, aptly titled “From GM to CEO.” Moderated by Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer of The Oberoi Group, the session captivated the audience with insights from industry stalwarts. The panel included Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited; Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts; Dr. Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director & CEO of Chalet Hotels Limited; and Rajeev Menon, President – Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International.
The discussion delved into the transition from General Manager to CEO, highlighting the shift from operational focus to strategic leadership. While GMs are tasked with achieving Gross Operating Profit (GOP), a CEO’s role extends to driving long-term growth, overseeing new assets and brand expansion, and nurturing talent within the organization.
Rajeev Menon emphasized the crucial interplay between strategy and execution, stating, “Execution eats strategy for breakfast.” He underscored the vital role of GMs in translating vision into action, making them indispensable to a hotel’s success.
The panelists also shared traits essential for successful GMs aspiring to reach the C-suite. Beyond operational expertise, qualities like an entrepreneurial mindset, self-awareness, and a people-first approach were highlighted as pivotal. As Anil Chadha noted, “Leadership is about empowering teams and fostering growth.”
