The Lalit Management
Dr. Jyotsna Suri
Chairperson & Managing Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Dr Jyotsna Suri has been associated with Bharat Hotels since its inception. In the year 1989, she became the Group’s Joint Managing Director. In 2006, she took on the mantle of Chairperson & Managing Director and since then, has been the driving force of the Group’s operations.
Under her stewardship, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group became one of the leading privately-owned domestic hotel brands in India, engaged in the business of operating and managing hotels, palaces and resorts, with a focus on the luxury segment. The Group operates 12 luxury hotels, palaces and resorts under The LaLiT brand and two mid-segment hotels under The LaLiT Traveller brand across India’s key business and leisure travel destinations, offering 2,261 rooms,
Recently Dr. Suri was conferred with the Order of The Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Japan Government for her contribution towards strengthening strategic ties between India and Japan in economic and tourism sectors. She is the first Indian Woman to have received the Imperial honour since its commencement for foreign nationals in 1981.
Besides this she has been the recipient of over 30 National and International awards and recognitions. She has also been featured in several power and business listings by renowned publications like Business World, Fortune India, Forbes Asia to name a few.
Dr Suri holds various portfolios with Industry Associations – Past President FICCI; Chairperson FICCI Tourism Committee; Chairperson, Creative Industries Committee, FICCI; Executive Member of HAI; Council Member of World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative; Member of Board of Governors for National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and Member of Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
Ms. Divya Suri Singh
Executive Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Divya Suri Singh is the eldest daughter of Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Mr Lalit Suri, The Founder Chairman of the company. In 2009, she took upon the mantle of Executive Director (ED) at the Group.
She spearheads the key verticals of Legal & Company Affairs across the 14 operational properties. Ms. Singh infuses a new dimension and enthusiasm to the Group’s core management team. She is actively involved in providing strategic direction and implementation of key legal processes that relate to negotiations and commercial settlement agreements. She is also focussed on strengthening the legal framework of the Group by crafting business strategy and decision-making processes. She also acts as a mentor to key legal department personnel, encouraging their professional growth and grooming them. Besides spearheading the legal cell, she also heads the Procurement function for the group. Since taking over the portfolio she has been instrumental in streamlining the Corporate Purchase department leading to substantial savings for the group.
A multi-faceted personality, she spearheads The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group’s initiative of ‘Developing Destinations and not just Hotels’, to popularize destinations and thereby boost tourism. Under her guidance the group has been organizing highly successful annual events like Polo Tournament in Drass, Ice Hockey in Leh, Shikarathon in Srinagar, The Lalit Arts Festival in Khajuraho, Kabaddi Tournament in Bekal.
An alumna of Convent of Jesus & Mary, New Delhi, Divya Suri Singh graduated in Commerce from the prestigious Shriram College of Commerce, Delhi University and further went on to pursue her Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Kings College London in 1998. She trained under and then subsequently worked with established lawyers – Arun Jaitley and Mukul Rohtagi for over 8 years.
She is a member of The Delhi High Court Bar Association and was the Chairperson of The Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO) 2012- 2013. Since 2014 she is a Member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
Ms. Deeksha Suri
Executive Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Deeksha Suri, the youngest daughter of Mr. Lalit Suri, Founder Chairman, and Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, assumed the position of Executive Director in 2009.
She spearheads the key verticals of Sales & Revenue Optimisation, Human Relations, People Management and Learning & Development for the Group. Apart from this, she also heads the Internal Audit functions across the 14 operational properties.
Ms. Suri infuses a fresh perspective and energy to the Group’s core management team. She is actively involved in strategic sales plans to achieve overall business objectives. She leads the implementation and execution of policies and processes for operational excellence.
She is focussed on efficiency maximisation by crafting an employee value proposition that is reflective in brand promise. By effectively charting plans for organisational development and initiatives taken for employee relations, she has made The LaLiT – the most preferred employer. Her strategy is focussed on internal resources and customer satisfaction. With her keen insight she is instrumental in providing a new dimension to learning and development programs that lead to the company’s goal of limitless hospitality.
She has diligently worked on diversity and inclusion policies for the Group. As a woman leader who has taken the business forward by leaps and bounds in the last decade, she is a role model for the younger generation.
Ms. Suri attributes her success to being able to constantly reinvent herself and find new challenges that’s fulfilling. It is her belief that results come from doing the basics right every time, day after day, month on month. She has the ability to remain patient while being result oriented and navigate through challenges maintaining a positive outlook.
Ms Suri is an alumnus of the Convent of Jesus & Mary, New Delhi. In 2000, she graduated with a first-class Bachelors of Commerce (Honours) degree from the prestigious Hindu College, Delhi University. She holds a Post Graduate Degree in Business Management from the London School of Economics.
Prior to joining the family business in 2009, Ms Suri gained invaluable experience as a Business Consultant with the Hay Group. She spent over two years working extensively on strategy and operational issues with leading companies in APAC and EMEA. Besides this, she is a travel enthusiast and maintains a disciplined and challenging personal fitness regime.
Awards and Recognitions:
– Best Woman Leader of the Year in Hospitality Sector by ASSOCHAM India, November 2019
– The GQ 50 Most Influential Young Indians Award, November 2019
– Listed amongst the ‘Blackbook Top 50 – Indian Luxury’s Most Powerful Women’ in 2017
– Listed amongst the ‘25 Most Influential Women Professionals in India’ by India Today Woman, 2012
– Recognised amongst ‘Top Young and Successful Leaders’ by The Times of India, 2012
Mr. Keshav Suri
Executive Director – The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Founder – Keshav Suri Foundation
Co-Chair FICCI Task Force on D&I
Keshav Suri is the youngest Executive Director at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. He is involved in the Group’s expansion, quality management, building marketing strategies, operations and F&B revenues.
Under his guidance the Group established F&B brands like 24/7, Baluchi and OKO. His brainchild, Kitty Su – the Group’s nightclub – is set to complete ten successful years in August 2021. It is one of the longest running and most inclusive (LGBTQ+) nightclub in the country. The club has supported acid attack survivors, hired India’s only differently abled DJ and people from the deeply marginalised LGBTQ+ community. A firm believer of responsible entrepreneurship, Keshav Suri has been working with several NGOs and activists to help mainstream marginalized communities. He launched social campaign #PureLove to spread the message of love and educate masses. He is also one of petitioners to revoke Section 377 in the Supreme Court of India.
The Group has provided opportunities to more than 100 queer people and has established itself as one of the most safe places in the country. Having taken upon the cause to build an inclusive nation; he launched his own – Keshav Suri Foundation – with a mission to embrace, empower and mainstream the LGBTQ+ community. He partnered with FICCI for Queering the Pitch, the foundation launch on October 13, 2018, and brought inclusion into the organisation. The Foundation is the official affiliate for It Gets Better Project in India.
An alumnus of St. Columbus School, New Delhi, Keshav Suri graduated in Law and Business from the University of Warwick. He obtained a Master’s Degree in International Management from Kings College, London followed by an LLM Degree from School of African & Oriental Studies (SAOS), London.
He has won several international awards and honours such as Attitude Pride Award, LGBT+ Future Role Model (2019) and Top 100 LGBT + Executive (2020) by Yahoo Finance Outstanding and about 15 national honours including Change Maker by Hindu Businessline, Culture Icon of NewHood by Mens XP and Agent of Social Change by GQ and Tycoons of Tomorrow by Forbes India to name a few.
Board of Directors
Dr. M Yusuf Khan
Non-Independent Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Dr. Mohmmad Yousuf Khan is a Non-Independent Director of our Company. He has been on our Board since December 22, 2005 and was appointed as Non-Independent Director with effect from September 27, 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Jammu & Kashmir and has been conferred an honorary doctorate of philosophy in business management from Burkes University, UK. He was the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited.
Vivek Mehra
Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Mr. Vivek Mehra is an Independent Director of our Company. He has been on our Board since July 21, 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce (hons.) from the University of Delhi. He has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India since August 1, 1979. He has worked as a partner with Price Waterhouse Coopers Private Limited and as a tax partner, managing partner and nominal partner with P.R. Mehra & Co.
Dhruv Prakash
Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Mr. Dhruv Prakash is an Independent Director of our Company. He has been on our Board since July 21, 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Meerut University, a master’s degree in science (chemistry) from Meerut University and a post-graduate diploma in business administration from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He has worked with Amar Dye-Chem Limited, DCM Financial Services Limited, DCM Toyota Limited, Escorts Limited, Helion Ventures Private Limited, Hewitt Associates (India) Private Limited, Hindustan Reprographics Limited and Korn/Ferry International Private Limited.
Shovana Narayan
Director
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Ms. Shovana Narayan is an Independent Director of our Company. She has been on our Board since October 16, 2017. She holds a bachelor of science degree (hons.) in physics from the University of Delhi. She holds a master’s degree in science (physics) from the University of Delhi, a master of philosophy degree in social sciences from the Panjab University and a master of philosophy degree in defence and strategic studies from the University of Madras. She has been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992. She has also been conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Chattisgarh.
Leadership Team
Vivek Shukla
Chief Executive Officer
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Vivek Shukla has been elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group (A Bharat Hotels Ltd. Enterprise). A key member of the organisation’s senior leadership team, Mr. Shukla is responsible for product enhancement, driving key initiatives along with leading the overall business performance for the brand. He has been one of the core members of the Strategic Management Committee, a key management core group of the company to formulate strategies, oversee the operations, business and corporate affairs.
Mr. Shukla has over 31 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry out of which 18 years have been with The Lalit Group. He joined The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group on April 13th, 2005 as a Resident Manager of InterContinental The Grand New Delhi (now The LaLiT New Delhi) and later took over as the General Manager in 2007.
Recognising his potential, the company sent him for the General Managers’ Program at Cornell University, USA in 2011. He was promoted as General Manager – Corporate Affairs & The LaLiT New Delhi in 2017 and thereafter Vice President – Operations in 2022.
In his previous role as the Vice President – Operations of the company, he strategically led the Group’s Operations, Corporate Affairs and Governance. Mr. Shukla has successfully driven the company’s culture, vision and values by energising teams towards service and operational excellence. He has fostered Diversity, Equity and Inclusion culture by embracing, mainstreaming and skilling diverse teams. He also led the teams during the COVID by opening the hotel doors for Doctors and providing meals and provisions to the marginalised and underprivileged.
Under his dynamic leadership, The LaLiT New Delhi has won over 60 awards including the prestigious Hall of Fame – National Tourism Award from the Ministry of Tourism, Conde Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure awards, to name a few.
An Alumni of Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Mumbai, he completed his Diploma in the year 1992. Prior to joining The LaLiT, he has been associated with Hyatt International, Marriott International, East India Hotels Ltd. and Indian Hotels Company Ltd. in various positions and locations across India.
A veteran hospitality professional, he thinks out of the box with critical problem-solving and analytical skills. He has successfully driven innovation and transformation in business strategies contributing to sustainable growth and enhanced customer experiences.
Dr. Rocky Kalra
Vice President – Operations
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
Dr. Rocky Kalra has a career spanning over 25 years of versatile experience in key leadership positions with leading luxury hospitality brands, such as Bharat Hotels (The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group), ITC Hotels, Costa Coffee, The Park to name a few. His exemplary leadership characterised by excellent people management & team building skills drives the result-oriented, passionate and ethical work culture that he inculcates.
In his current role as Vice President Operations at The Lalit, he is responsible for ensuring consistency in hotel operations and high level of service excellence, coaching and managing diverse multi-cultural teams with large scale operations across 14 hotels within India and 1 in London in sync with established company standards and customer expectations. He also provides strategic and operational leadership to all hotels in developing, operating and maintaining hospitality driven guest experience. Dr. Rocky Kalra is responsible for the continued success of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group through his strategic planning, ensuring margin enhancement and overall operational excellence.
Dr. Kalra has completed his Bachelor’s from Delhi University in Commerce and Business. He has also completed Business Administration and Management degree from Cornell University and is a Doctorate in Philosophy from Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon.
He is a certified Yoga teacher and a Psychologist. He has been doing personal and professional counselling for more than two decades to help his clients in dealing with their personal and interpersonal conflicts. He helps them improve their understanding of themselves, including their pattern of thoughts, behaviours, feelings and the ways in which these may have been problematic in their lives. Dr. Kalra specialises in various types of counselling that includes cognitive, Psychotherapy, mental health, personal, professional and interpersonal counselling.
Dr. Kalra, lays emphasis on his client’s unique life experiences, goals and works on a custom plan for their coaching and personal development, helping them improve, achieve results and free from issues and challenges through psychological strategies. He also brings a healing presence to his work through compassion, empathy, deep listening, communication skills, positive psychology, mindfulness and meditation.
Poonam Tyagi
GM-Corporate HR
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group
She is working as General Manager-Corporate HR for The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. She has handled roles in full spectrum of HR functions and has been responsible for Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Change Management, Learning & Development, Organizational Design and development, Employee Engagement, structuring of compensation & Benefits, and Employee Retention Strategies.
Poonam comes with a strong blend of strategic and operational HR expertise of around 25 years across varied Industries like Hospitality, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, FMCG and Print Media. She has been a senior member of the HR function at large Indian Business houses.
She has been responsible for defining the HR strategy of the Company in line with business growth and expansion objectives to create both long-term and short-term HR Roadmaps, strategies and policies within a demanding business environment and budgets.
