APPOINTMENT
Tamara Leisure Experiences has announced strategic leadership changes in line with the organisation’s growth and long-term vision. Effective June 16, 2025, Samir MC will be the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Shruti Shibulal, who will take on the role of Executive Vice Chair of the Board. This strengthens values-aligned stewardship of the company’s plans for expansion, continuity and momentum.

Samir MC holds three decades of distinguished experience in structuring operations, managing stakeholders and positioning high-value hospitality ventures for long-term market impact. Prior to this, Samir most notably held senior leadership roles at ITC Hotels and the InterContinental Hotels Group, where he was instrumental in driving profitability, internal performance and regional growth.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO at such a ground-breaking and values-driven organisation. Through its intensive and innovative commitment to responsible hospitality, Tamara has carved for itself a distinctive position in the market. I look forward to building on that foundation by working closely with Shruti and the broader team to lead the company on to its next phase of growth,” said Samir.
Under the leadership of Samir, Tamara Leisure Experiences will launch new hotels across India soon. These include:
The Tamara Bhutan – a 20.88-acre resort that seamlessly integrates with Bhutan’s rich architecture and culture.
The Tamara Boathouse, Alleppey – A high-luxury, exclusive 19-key resort featuring houseboats and backwater facing cottages.
O by Tamara, Bodh Gaya – The concept for the proposed facility in Bodh Gaya spans across 1.529 acres, aiming to be a 100-key four-star upscale haven for those exploring the sacred Buddhist heritage or business travelers in search of a peaceful retreat.
O by Tamara, Tirupati – Formerly Bhimas Residency, this upcoming 80-key property will be repositioned as a full-service upscale hotel under O by Tamara.
The Lilac, Velankani – Situated on a 94-cent plot, this property boasts a prime location on the main ECR with an impressive 80 ft width. Designated for the Lilac Hotel, this upcoming establishment plans to feature 68 guest rooms.
The Lilac, Kotakkal – This 70-key property will be a Lilac Hotel (the Group’s mid-segment chain of hotels) designed specifically for wellness travellers headed to Arya Vaidya Sala.
Meanwhile, Shruti will continue to play a pivotal role in guiding Tamara Leisure Experiences through strategic acceleration. Working closely with the CEO, she will help to steer the company’s long-term vision, shape high-impact decisions, and ensure that new property developments remain in line with the organisation’s brand perimeters, core values, and future aspirations. She will also bridge the organisation’s trajectory with the Board’s forward-thinking engagement in Tamara’s evolution. Her continued leadership in this new role, will forge a keen and thoughtful map for deep, long-term impact across the hospitality industry.

“This is both an essential as well as exciting new chapter for Tamara. Samir carries into this role a wealth of industry experience, strategic insight, and an entrepreneurial spirit that deeply aligns with our culture and aspirations. I look forward to supporting him as we continue to build Tamara Leisure Experiences with integrity, insight and purpose,” said Shruti.
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