Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani
Chairman & Managing Director
Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.
Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.
Patu Keswani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, is a first-generation Indian
entrepreneur. Anticipating the enormous yet latent demand for mid-market and economy hotels in
India, Patu promoted Lemon Tree Hotels in late 2002. Patu’s legendry journey from Senior Vice
President with the Taj Group of Hotels to one of the leading hospitality entrepreneurs in the country is a
story that can inspire thousands of budding entrepreneurs.
Patu is a member of the Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Travel and Tourism (NSDC). He was previously Chairman of the Skills Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD), as well as a member of the University Grants Commission and the Board of Governors of IIT Delhi.
Patu is a member of the Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Travel and Tourism (NSDC). He was previously Chairman of the Skills Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD), as well as a member of the University Grants Commission and the Board of Governors of IIT Delhi.
Patu has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by his Alma Maters – IIT Delhi in 2011 and IIM
Calcutta in 2012. Patu received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 by IIHM (International Institute
of Hotel Management) and IHC (International Hospitality Council). Patu was inducted into the IATO
(Indian Association of Tour Operators) Hall of Fame in 2019; the ‘Hotelier India’ Hall of Fame in 2012 and
into the FHRAI (The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India) Hall of Fame in 2010. He
received the Excellence Award (inclusion/diversity) at Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards 2018.