Leisure Hotels Group Announces New Leadership Team

APPOINTMENTS

The Leisure Hotels Group (LHG) has recently made several key appointments to their senior management team. LHG welcomed Ritesh Bhatt, Sanjay Wadhwa, Sanjeev Kumar, and V.K. Sharma, all senior hospitality professionals with extensive experience in luxury resort operations, people management, and culture. This strategic move reflects the group’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational excellence and underscore its commitment to developing leadership within the organization, which is crucial for refining guest experiences through personalized services.

Sanjay Sood, the chief operating officer of Leisure Hotels Group, expressed his excitement about welcoming these seasoned senior professionals from renowned hospitality companies. He emphasized the value of their best practices and diverse experiences, particularly their expertise in pre-opening hotels, hotel operations, talent management, and creating unique guest experiences. These appointments are integral to the group’s growth, helping to ensure their commitment to excellence and personalized service.

Sanjay Wadhwa, with over 27 years of experience in the hotel industry, will serve as the cluster general manager for the Himachal Pradesh region. He aims to enhance hotel operations and business development, leveraging his extensive expertise in hospitality. Sanjay has also been involved in development projects in Himachal Pradesh. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, a Master’s in Management, and a Diploma in Hotel Management and Tourism.

With over 20 years of general management experience, Ritesh Bhatt has been appointed cluster general manager for the Uttarakhand region and will also serve as the Chief Experiences Officer, responsible for curating experiences across the group. Ritesh has gained expertise from renowned brands such as IHCL and Aman Resorts. He is a wildlife enthusiast with a master’s degree in hospitality management from the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Dehradun. He is dedicated to sustainability and eager to support Leisure Hotels Group’s conservation efforts in his region.

Sanjeev Kumar, an industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience in luxury hotels, has joined the Naukuchiatal region as the general manager for an upcoming luxury resort. He excels in managing business operations, developing growth strategies, and ensuring guest satisfaction. Sanjeev holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Aurangabad, a BBA from Marathwada University, Aurangabad, and a B.A. (Hons.) in Hotel Management from the University of Huddersfield, U.K.

Vijendra Sharma, with a 34-year tenure at IHCL, is poised to assume the pivotal role of cluster human resource manager for the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, stationed at The Riverview Retreat, Corbett. In this capacity, Vijendra will lead efforts to cultivate a productive workforce through strategic H.R. policies. Known for his talent acquisition and retention expertise, he has served as Area Director of Human Resources at IHCL in Rajasthan. Vijendra holds a postgraduate diploma in labour law, industrial relations, and personnel management and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.