TMS. With over two decades of experience across leading hospitality brands like The Leela, Hyatt, Taj, and Accor, what key experiences have shaped your leadership approach today?
Saumitra Chaturvedi. My journey in the hospitality industry has been dynamic, enriching, and transformative. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most respected hotel brands, gaining diverse experience across roles and functions. These exposures, along with a global leadership development programme, have shaped my approach to operational excellence, guest-centricity, and team development. Each phase of my career has added a new dimension to my perspective, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, empathy, and consistency in leadership. At its core, my approach is centred on creating seamless, thoughtful, and memorable guest experiences while building strong, empowered teams.
TMS. 2. You have grown within Accor from Director of F&B to General Manager-how has this journey influenced your perspective on hotel operations and team leadership?
Saumitra Chaturvedi. Growing within Accor from Director of F&B to General Manager has given me a well-rounded perspective on hotel operations. The journey has allowed me to experience the business across multiple functions, building a strong understanding of how different departments come together to deliver a seamless guest experience. Along the way, I had the opportunity to be part of a global leadership development programme and undertake taskforce assignments across hotels, which exposed me to diverse operational environments and real-time challenges.
These experiences strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, think strategically, and stay resilient under pressure. This progression has shaped my leadership style to be more collaborative and people-focused, with a strong emphasis on empowering teams, simplifying processes, and maintaining clarity in execution. Having grown through the system, I value hands-on learning and believe in creating an environment where teams feel confident to take ownership and contribute meaningfully.
TMS. With expertise across F&B, revenue management, and operations, how are you driving innovation and enhancing guest experiences at Novotel New Delhi City Centre?
Saumitra Chaturvedi. Driving innovation today is about creating seamless and intuitive guest experiences while staying agile to changing expectations. At Novotel New
Delhi City Centre, we take an integrated approach by aligning insights from F&B, revenue management, and operations. On the commercial front, we rely on data-driven strategies to identify demand patterns and design targeted offerings, from curated stay packages to event-led experiences. Within F&B, the focus is on creating engaging concepts that go beyond dining, such as evolving bar narratives like The Flying Trunk, which brings a storytelling-led approach to mixology. Operationally, we are streamlining the guest journey through digital touchpoints while ensuring our teams remain empowered to deliver personalised, high-touch service. The goal is to balance efficiency with genuine hospitality, where every interaction feels effortless yet memorable.
TMS. Sustainability is becoming central to hospitality-how are you integrating sustainable practices while maintaining operational efficiency and service excellence?
Saumitra Chaturvedi. Sustainability today is embedded into the way we operate rather than treated as a separate initiative. At Novotel New Delhi City Centre, our approach is closely aligned with Accor’s global sustainability commitments, where responsible hospitality is driven through structured frameworks and measurable impact. At the property level, we focus on integrating these principles into daily operations without compromising guest comfort or service quality. This includes optimising energy and water usage through efficient systems, reducing waste through better resource management, and making conscious sourcing decisions. Our Green Key certification further reinforces our commitment to internationally recognised environmental standards.
In our F&B offerings, we follow a farm-to-fork approach with a strong emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal produce. At the same time, we are aligning with evolving guest preferences by offering healthier choices, well-balanced portions, and food that is thoughtful rather than gimmick-driven. Approximately 25% of our menu is plant-based, supporting both sustainability and mindful dining. Equally important is building awareness within our teams, ensuring sustainability becomes a shared responsibility across all departments. By combining Accor’s broader vision with on-ground execution, we aim to create a balance where operational efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility work together seamlessly, while continuing to deliver a high-quality guest experience.
TMS. What is your vision for positioning Novotel New Delhi City Centre as a leading hospitality and MICE destination in the coming years?
Saumitra Chaturvedi. Our vision is to position Novotel New Delhi City Centre as a contemporary urban hub that seamlessly blends business, leisure, and social experiences. With our central location and versatile event infrastructure, we are well placed to cater to the evolving needs of both corporate and social segments. From a MICE perspective, the focus is on delivering flexible, tech-enabled event solutions supported by personalised service and curated experiences. Whether it’s large conferences or more intimate gatherings, the aim is to ensure every event is executed with precision and relevance. At the same time, we are strengthening our overall proposition through distinctive F&B and lifestyle offerings, including our rooftop experiences, to create a well-rounded destination for both travellers and the local audience. The objective is to go beyond being just a venue and become a preferred choice for meaningful and memorable experiences in the city.
