Anuraag Bhatnagar
Chief Executive Officer
The Leela Palaces, Hotels And Resorts
The Leela Palaces, Hotels And Resorts
Anuraag Bhatnagar, the Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, is a dynamic
leader with an illustrious career spanning over 35 years in the hospitality industry. Renowned for his
strategic vision and inspirational leadership, Anuraag has led some of the world’s most prestigious
Indian and international hotel brands, consistently positioning them at the forefront of the market. His
passion for operational excellence, combined with an unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke
and memorable guest experiences, has earned him a stellar reputation in the industry.
A seasoned hospitality professional, Anuraag is celebrated for his ability to blend strategic business
acumen with exceptional interpersonal skills, driving market-leading returns and creating substantial
stakeholder value. He is a results-oriented leader, adept at building and nurturing high-performance
teams, guiding them towards ambitious goals, and aligning brand values with key business initiatives. His
approach to luxury hospitality is rooted in authenticity, innovation, and a personalized touch, which he
believes are brought to life through the power of teamwork.
Often referred to as the ‘Man with the Midas Touch,’ Anuraag is currently focused on reinforcing and elevating The Leela’s stature as the pinnacle of Indian luxury while steering the brand towards future growth. His global perspective and deep understanding of the luxury consumer uniquely position him to lead The Leela into its next phase of evolution, catering to the ever-changing aspirations of the discerning global traveler.
Since joining The Leela in 2020, he has led the brand to become a leader in every market in which it operates. Under his leadership, The Leela has consistently earned top honors, including being named the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2020 and 2021, and maintaining a position among the top three brands in 2023 and 2024. His strategic vision has also driven the brand's expansion from seven to twelve luxury hotels, with new properties in Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Bhartiya City Bengaluru, and Kovalam and Ashtamudi in Kerala. His commitment to innovation is evident through the launch of signature initiatives such as Aujasya by The Leela, Tishya by The Leela, and Icons of India by The Leela. He has also introduced new programmes focusing on talent development,including the Leela Leadership Development Programme, The Leela Palace Services, and Shefs at The Leela, further elevating the brand’s positioning as the epitome of true Indian luxury.
Anuraag’s journey in luxury hospitality began with The Oberoi Group of Hotels, where he mastered the nuances of the industry. He then took on significant roles at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and later at Marriott International, where he served as Multi-Property Vice President for Mumbai and Goa, overseeing 12 luxury hotels. During his tenure, he worked with iconic brands such as St. Regis, W Hotels, and The Ritz-Carlton, further refining his expertise in creating unparalleled luxury experiences.
Anuraag’s exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry have been widely recognized. He has been honored as “Hotelier of the Year” at the World of Wedding Summit & Awards 2024, “CEO of the Year” by PATWA International Travel Awards 2023 at ITB Berlin, and “Luxury Hotelier of the Year” by India Gourmet Luxe 2023. Additionally, he has received accolades such as ‘Hotelier of the Year’ at the EazyDiner Awards 2017 by Vir Sanghvi and at the Food Food India Awards 2018 by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, as well as the prestigious ‘COO/VP of the Year – International’ by Hotelier India Awards 2017.
A respected thought leader, Anuraag is a sought-after speaker at academic institutions and industry forums. He also serves on the board of BW Hotelier and Hotelier India magazine. An alumnus of Delhi University and IHM Pusa, Anuraag has further honed his leadership skills through programmes at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and the University of North Carolina.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Anuraag is an avid whisky and culinary aficionado with a newfound passion for fitness. He enjoys films, music, and the tranquillity of a good book. An enthusiastic trekker, he is always seeking out new travel destinations and challenging peaks to conquer. Above all, Anuraag is a devoted family man, cherishing the time spent with his wife, son, and their two dogs.
Often referred to as the ‘Man with the Midas Touch,’ Anuraag is currently focused on reinforcing and elevating The Leela’s stature as the pinnacle of Indian luxury while steering the brand towards future growth. His global perspective and deep understanding of the luxury consumer uniquely position him to lead The Leela into its next phase of evolution, catering to the ever-changing aspirations of the discerning global traveler.
Since joining The Leela in 2020, he has led the brand to become a leader in every market in which it operates. Under his leadership, The Leela has consistently earned top honors, including being named the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2020 and 2021, and maintaining a position among the top three brands in 2023 and 2024. His strategic vision has also driven the brand's expansion from seven to twelve luxury hotels, with new properties in Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Bhartiya City Bengaluru, and Kovalam and Ashtamudi in Kerala. His commitment to innovation is evident through the launch of signature initiatives such as Aujasya by The Leela, Tishya by The Leela, and Icons of India by The Leela. He has also introduced new programmes focusing on talent development,including the Leela Leadership Development Programme, The Leela Palace Services, and Shefs at The Leela, further elevating the brand’s positioning as the epitome of true Indian luxury.
Anuraag’s journey in luxury hospitality began with The Oberoi Group of Hotels, where he mastered the nuances of the industry. He then took on significant roles at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and later at Marriott International, where he served as Multi-Property Vice President for Mumbai and Goa, overseeing 12 luxury hotels. During his tenure, he worked with iconic brands such as St. Regis, W Hotels, and The Ritz-Carlton, further refining his expertise in creating unparalleled luxury experiences.
Anuraag’s exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry have been widely recognized. He has been honored as “Hotelier of the Year” at the World of Wedding Summit & Awards 2024, “CEO of the Year” by PATWA International Travel Awards 2023 at ITB Berlin, and “Luxury Hotelier of the Year” by India Gourmet Luxe 2023. Additionally, he has received accolades such as ‘Hotelier of the Year’ at the EazyDiner Awards 2017 by Vir Sanghvi and at the Food Food India Awards 2018 by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, as well as the prestigious ‘COO/VP of the Year – International’ by Hotelier India Awards 2017.
A respected thought leader, Anuraag is a sought-after speaker at academic institutions and industry forums. He also serves on the board of BW Hotelier and Hotelier India magazine. An alumnus of Delhi University and IHM Pusa, Anuraag has further honed his leadership skills through programmes at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and the University of North Carolina.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Anuraag is an avid whisky and culinary aficionado with a newfound passion for fitness. He enjoys films, music, and the tranquillity of a good book. An enthusiastic trekker, he is always seeking out new travel destinations and challenging peaks to conquer. Above all, Anuraag is a devoted family man, cherishing the time spent with his wife, son, and their two dogs.