A Legacy of Leadership in Global Hospitality

Few hoteliers in India have shaped the hospitality landscape as profoundly as Sunjae Sharma, the Managing Director of Hyatt Hotels Corporation for India & Southwest Asia. With over three decades of industry experience, Sharma has become a cornerstone of Hyatt’s expansion in the region, steering operational excellence, brand development, and policy advocacy.

From his formative days as a hotel management graduate to becoming the face of Hyatt in India, Sharma’s journey reflects discipline, adaptability, and visionary leadership. His ability to balance operational expertise with strategic foresight has not only grown Hyatt’s portfolio in India and Southwest Asia but has also positioned him as a key voice in shaping tourism and hospitality policy.

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Early Life and Education — Building the Foundation of a Hotelier

Sunjae Sharma’s foundation in hospitality was laid at one of India’s most respected institutions, the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). His education instilled in him the discipline of service, the science of operations, and the human psychology of guest experiences. At IHM, Sharma developed both technical expertise in food and beverage and a deeper appreciation for the emotional power of hospitality.

Like many legendary hoteliers, he entered the industry at a time when India’s hospitality sector was undergoing transformation — moving from traditional luxury hotels to globally integrated hospitality chains. This timing gave Sharma the opportunity to be at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, shaping his ability to blend Indian hospitality values with global best practices.

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The Hyatt Journey — From Operations to Strategic Leadership

Joining Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sharma’s journey with Hyatt began over two decades ago. From his early operational roles, he quickly proved his ability to lead high-performance teams, optimize processes, and drive guest satisfaction. His early years reflected a sharp attention to detail and an instinct for creating service cultures that scale across properties.

Vice President & Country Head of Hyatt India Operations

Before taking on the role of Managing Director, Sharma was the Vice President & Country Head of Hyatt India Operations. In this capacity, he oversaw Hyatt’s presence in multiple regions, driving revenue management, operational strategy, and expansion planning. His tenure saw Hyatt’s footprint grow steadily in India, with a focus on luxury, lifestyle, and business hotels.

Area Vice President for South & West India

As Area Vice President, Sharma managed some of Hyatt’s most prominent assets, including Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences, a property known for its scale, banqueting capacity, and luxury positioning. This role required Sharma to balance the complexities of a high-volume hotel with the finesse of brand representation.

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Managing Director — Leading Hyatt India & Southwest Asia

In his role as Managing Director, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, India & Southwest Asia, Sharma has become the face of Hyatt in the region. He oversees all aspects of Hyatt’s strategy — from new hotel development to guest experience innovation. His leadership includes:

• Operational Excellence: Ensuring consistent global standards across all Hyatt properties.
• Growth & Expansion: Leading Hyatt’s aggressive expansion strategy in India and South Asia, targeting both metropolitan cities and emerging markets.
• Brand Positioning: Elevating Hyatt’s luxury and lifestyle brands in a competitive marketplace.
• Talent Development: Building the next generation of hospitality leaders through mentorship and training.

Under his leadership, Hyatt continues to expand its portfolio in India with brands like Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Centric, and Alila, diversifying into lifestyle and wellness-driven hospitality experiences.

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Public Engagement and Policy Leadership

Chairperson of ASSOCHAM National Council on Travel & Tourism

In September 2024, Sunjae Sharma was appointed Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National Council on Travel & Tourism. This role underscores his influence beyond Hyatt, making him a key figure in policy advocacy for India’s tourism and hospitality industry. Sharma actively engages with policymakers, government bodies, and industry associations to address pressing issues such as:

• Infrastructure development for tourism.
• Skilling and training of hospitality professionals.
• Promoting India as a global tourism hub.
• Addressing post-pandemic challenges in travel and hospitality.

Industry Recognition and Power Lists

Sharma is consistently featured in Hotelier India’s Power List and BWHotelier’s leadership rankings, reinforcing his position as one of the most respected hoteliers in India.

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Leadership Style and Strategic Priorities

Sharma’s leadership style is a blend of discipline, adaptability, and empathy. He is known for:

• Operational Excellence: Focus on streamlining processes, improving guest satisfaction, and driving consistency across Hyatt properties.
• Growth-Oriented Strategy: Prioritizing Hyatt’s expansion into secondary cities and tourist hubs.
• Sustainability: Encouraging eco-conscious practices and sustainable hotel operations.
• People-First Philosophy: Building empowered teams through mentorship, training, and career development.

His ability to lead during volatile times, including the global pandemic, demonstrates resilience and forward-thinking strategy.

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Why Sunjae Sharma’s Journey Matters

Sunjae Sharma’s journey matters not only for Hyatt but for the entire Indian hospitality ecosystem. His career exemplifies the importance of long-term leadership, adaptability, and policy engagement.

• For Hyatt, he represents stability, vision, and growth.
• For the industry, he is a bridge between hotels, policymakers, and tourism bodies.
• For aspiring hoteliers, he is a role model, showing how persistence, strategic thinking, and people management can elevate careers.

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Vision for the Future — Hyatt India & Southwest Asia

Looking ahead, Sharma envisions Hyatt as a pioneer in redefining hospitality in India and South Asia. His future strategies focus on:

• Aggressive Expansion: Targeting new markets in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
• Luxury & Lifestyle Growth: Strengthening lifestyle-driven brands like Andaz and Alila.
• Digital Innovation: Leveraging technology for personalized guest experiences.
• Sustainable Growth: Ensuring eco-conscious operations and responsible tourism.

By combining global Hyatt standards with local cultural relevance, Sharma is shaping a future where Hyatt properties are synonymous with luxury, innovation, and Indian hospitality excellence.

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A Visionary at the Helm of Hyatt

From his days as a hotel management student to becoming Managing Director of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, India & Southwest Asia, Sunjae Sharma’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and leadership. His ability to expand Hyatt’s footprint, influence industry policy, and mentor hospitality talent makes him one of the most significant figures in Indian hospitality today.

As Hyatt continues to grow across India and beyond, Sunjae Sharma remains at the helm — a leader who combines operational discipline, strategic foresight, and a people-first philosophy, driving both Hyatt and Indian hospitality into a new era.

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