Anuraag Bhatnagar

Chief Executive Officer

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

Anuraag Bhatnagar, 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 personalised touch, which he believes are brought to life through the power of teamwork.

Anuraag is currently focused on reinforcing and elevating The Leela’s stature as the epitome of true 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 traveller.

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 honours, 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 7 to 13 luxury hotels, with new properties in Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Bhartiya City Bengaluru, Kovalam, Ashtamudi and now Hyderabad. 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.