APPOINTMENT

United Hospitality Management (UHM) Appoints Ricardo Leal as Vice President Operations – India & Southeast Asia

United Hospitality Management (UHM) India has announced the appointment of Ricardo Leal as Vice President Operations – India & Southeast Asia. In this role, he will oversee operational performance across all company-managed properties in the region, supporting UHM’s focus on growth, scale, and operational excellence. He will report to Deepika Arora, Managing Director, UHM India.

The appointment comes at a time when UHM is expanding its footprint across India and Southeast Asia, with a focus on strengthening its presence in high-growth hospitality markets. The company continues to invest in leadership capabilities to enhance performance, improve guest experience, and deliver long-term value across its portfolio.

Leal brings over two decades of international experience in luxury and ultra-luxury hospitality operations across global markets. His expertise spans the full lifecycle of hospitality assets, including feasibility, design planning, pre-opening strategy, repositioning, and operational management.

In his new role, he will focus on driving operational consistency, optimising property performance, and aligning execution with UHM’s regional growth strategy. He will also have oversight of Southeast Asia operations and will report to Klaus Assmann, Chief Executive Officer, UHM Middle East, India & Southeast Asia, as part of his expanded responsibilities.

Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management India, said: “Ricardo’s appointment is a strategic milestone for us as we enter our next phase of growth in India and Southeast Asia. As we expand our portfolio, Ricardo brings a strong balance of global perspective and on-ground leadership that will strengthen our performance culture, deepen owner confidence, and ensure we scale with discipline and quality. India remains a core growth engine, and building a future-ready operational framework is central to our long-term vision.”

Commenting on his appointment, Ricardo Leal said: “I am delighted to join UHM at such an exciting moment in its regional growth journey. India and Southeast Asia present tremendous opportunities and I look forward to working closely with our teams to drive operational consistency, strengthen guest satisfaction, and support sustainable expansion across the portfolio.”