General Body

Ms. Jyoti Mayal

Chairperson THSC

“A graduate from Delhi University with a degree in Interior Designing (Delhi) and Travel & Tourism Diploma (Mumbai), Jyoti Mayal is a Director, since 1980,”

Ms. Jyoti Mayal

Chairperson THSC

Ms. Jyoti Mayal President of TAAI (2019 – 2021) A graduate from Delhi University with a degree in Interior Designing (Delhi) and Travel & Tourism Diploma (Mumbai), Jyoti Mayal is a Director, since 1980, of New Airways Travels (Delhi) – one of the leading travel agency in the country & highly accredited by Airlines. A proven leader with forward thinking, innovative management & dynamic abilities, she has helped New Airways Travels grow, diversify, blossom into global standards organization. A burning desire to contribute her services & expertise for betterment of travel trade and vision to raise standards of travel & tourism, she forayed and began her journey in Travel Agents Association of India - the oldest and biggest nodal association in the country Chairperson TAAI Northern Region 2009 – 2013 Member of the Managing Committee 2013 - 2015 and 2015 – 2017 Honorary Secretary General TAAI 2017 – 2019 Currently President TAAI 2019 – 2021 Currently Vice – Chairperson of FAITH Connected TAAI with Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airlines, Embassies, NTOs, State Tourism Boards, VFS, ASSOCHAM, FICCI, PHD and CII. Got TAAI included in to the fold of all the Airlines, Embassies, Consulates and NTO’s Helped TAAI to be recognized with both Central & State Governments with forward thinking & innovative ideas Representing TAAI in meetings convened by all stakeholders nationally Sitting on various boards of Tourism & Skill development – CII, PHD & FAITH and FICCI FLO. Contribution on GST matters is unparalleled – representations to Ministries and umpteen meeting with its officials. Continues to raise industry issues and members’ grievances at every available opportunity and forum. Leading from the front and taking TAAI to greater heights & glory. ACCOMPLISHMENTS/HONOURS/RECOGNITION Best Professional Award of the year 2010 & 2016 by Pacific Asia “Young Woman of Substance Leadership Award” by Dr. K. Chiranjeevi, Hon Minister of State for Tourism, Govt. of India at Hospitality India & Explore the World Annual International Awards in 2013. Best Entrepreneurial Award in 2010, 2014 & 2017. ‘The Most Influential Person’ in the Industry by NDTV Profit & OTM in 2014 & 2017. “Woman Entrepreneur of Travel & Tourism” by Wanderlust Travel Writers in 2018. “Woman Entrepreneur of Travel & Tourism” by Asian Woman’s Travel Writers in 2018 “Woman of Substance” by the Sikh Chamber of Commerce 2019. Best Profession in Travel by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) in 2017 Included in India’s Incredible Women List compiled by Express Travel World in 2012, 2014 & 2018. Appreciated by CII & MOT for her input as Speaker at Parvatan Divas. She has recently launched successfully “Wellness, Tourism & Education” among children starting from the young age of 3 years. She also runs campaigns on Prime Minister’s Vision, “Save the Girl Child”. She also has been in the forefront of Honoring Icons of Travel, Tourism, Hospitality & Luxury along with Iconic Man & Woman of the year on the platform of ‘ICONIC’

Mr. Rajan Bahadur

CEO THSC

Mr.Bahadur is a highly motivated individual with strong commercial acumen and people leadership, repeatedly demonstrating ability to build high performance

Mr. Rajan Bahadur

CEO THSC

Mr.Bahadur is a highly motivated individual with strong commercial acumen and people leadership, repeatedly demonstrating ability to build high performance teams. He is a strong leader with extensive experience of over 30 years buit across both Corporate & social sectors. He has managed large cross-cultural teams across national and global platforms covering a wide range of senior positions in general management, sales, marketing, PR & Communication and brings a rich experience across sectors such as Hospitality, Financial services, Travel and Tourism, FMCG & Not for profit sector. Some of the key positions that he has held in the past include MD & CEO for CARE India, COO of Unison Hotels, MD at Lebua Hotels & Resorts, Regional Director(South Asia) - Sales, Marketing, PR & Communication at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, National Sales head with Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Director at American Express - Travel related services. A graduate from St.Stephen's College, Delhi, he completed his post-graduation in Business Management from Kolkata university. His passion and Motivation stems from creating business solutions/infrastructure to leverage opportunities presented by market needs.

Mr. Vikram Oberoi

CEO Oberoi Group of Hotels

Vikram Oberoi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, is the son of Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi,

Mr. Vikram Oberoi

CEO Oberoi Group of Hotels

He is the Managing Director and CEO of EIH Limited, is the son of P.R.S. Oberoi and grandson of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group. Despite his lineage, he earned his position through hard work and dedication. Overseeing Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Trident Hotels in India, he upholds the brand’s legacy of luxury and personalized service. A natural hotelier, he relentlessly pursues excellence and believes in making a meaningful impact. His leadership is driven by a commitment to adding value and ensuring organizational success.

Mr. K. B. Kachru

Chairman at Radisson Hotels

Mr. Kachru is the Executive vice president - South Asia, for Carlson Hotels Worldwide Asia Pacific. In his role, K.B. is responsible for the overall strategy,

Mr. K. B. Kachru

Chairman at Radisson Hotels

K.B. Kachru serves as the Executive Vice President – South Asia for Carlson Hotels Worldwide Asia Pacific. In this role, he oversees overall strategy, hotel development, management, and key functional support across South Asia, while also managing Carlson’s joint venture companies in India. Before joining Carlson, he led the Ashok Group of Hotels under the India Tourism Development Corporation. Additionally, he has been an active member of several committees, including the National Tourism Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors for Tourism Corporations of various state governments in India, including Jammu.

Mr. Raman Bountra

Group Account Director at JLL India.

26+ years leadership experience in Sales, Operations & Support, Global Business Transition, GTM Strategy in Departmental Start-Ups & Business Scale-ability

Mr. Raman Bountra

Group Account Director at JLL India.

Mr. Raman Bountra has over 26 years of diverse leadership experience across multiple functions, including Direct and Channel Sales, Inside/Telesales, Sales Operations & Support, Global Business Transition, Program Management, and Business/GTM Strategy & Operations. He specializes in launching new departments, scaling businesses, and driving turnarounds for sustainable growth.

Mr. Samir Kuckreja

Founder and CEO Tasanaya Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Samir is the founder of Tasanaya Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Samir Kuckreja

Founder and CEO Tasanaya Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Samir is the founder of Tasanaya Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Anil Parashar

President and CEO InterGlobe Technology Quotient

Anil Parashar has extensive operational and financial experience in handling various aspects of business including raising finances, capital restructuring,

Mr. Anil Parashar

President and CEO InterGlobe Technology Quotient

Anil Parashar is a seasoned financial and operational leader with over 35 years of experience in fundraising, capital restructuring, M&A, compliance, and strategic planning. As President & CEO of InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ) and former Group CFO at InterGlobe Enterprises, he played a key role in transformational deals, including securing Worldspan distribution rights in India. He serves on the boards of ITQ, IndiGo, and other InterGlobe companies and is a member of the Group’s Executive Committee. Anil also chairs the Tourism Committee at PHD Chambers of Commerce and is actively involved in Assocham, FICCI, and the CFO Board. He is a Chartered Accountant and Economics graduate.

Mr. Jaideep Anand

Vice President The Leela Group of Hotels

His last assignment was with The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi as general manager. Anand started his career in hospitality with The Oberoi New

Mr. Jaideep Anand

Vice President The Leela Group of Hotels

Mr. Jaideep Anand most recently served as General Manager at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi. He began his hospitality career at The Oberoi New Delhi, gaining experience in F&B and the rooms division. He later worked with The Oberoi Nile Cruisers and was transferred to Oberoi Hotels in Saudi Arabia, where he managed catering for over 25,000 meals daily and housekeeping for Allied Forces camps. His exceptional service earned recognition from the Saudi Royalty and General Schwarzkopf. Anand went on to serve as EAM F&B at The Oberoi New Delhi and played a key role in the pre-opening of three Oberoi hotels: The Cecil Shimla, Trident Udaipur, and The Wildflower Hall Shimla. He later joined IHHR Hospitality, leading the pre-opening of Shanti Ananda Maurice and launching the ‘Ista’ hotel brand in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Additionally, he oversaw the Ananda Spa Institute. In 2008, as Regional Head of Development, he successfully contributed to the timely launch of Ista properties in Amritsar, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

Mr. Ajay K Bakaya

Managing Director Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd.

He is a highly savvy, informed, loyal and pragmatic business leader with effective management skills in building loyalty through training and motivating

Mr. Ajay K Bakaya

Managing Director Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Ajay K Bakaya He is a highly savvy, informed, loyal and pragmatic business leader with effective management skills in building loyalty through training and motivating staff, as well as creating benchmarks that drive visibility on an international scale for the hotel and hospitality industry. As Executive Director, of Sarovar Hotels for over 20 years, he has played an integral part inthe magical growth story of Sarovar since its early inception. Stemming from a shared office and leadership of a single hotel, he has championed tremendous growth of a portfolio of 70 hotels in 40 destinations, brands include Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, and Hometel and restaurant brands Geoffreys and Oriental Blossom. He has spearheaded Sarovars Africa development, in Nairobi and Dar-Es Salaam, with goals to replicate the India story in the continent of promise. He has been instrumental in setting up greenfield and brownfield hotel projects from scratch. He is a globe-trotting, well-traveled Australian citizen residing in India.

Mr. Kiran Andicot

Senior Vice President- South Asia, Marriott International.

Mr. Kiran Andicot

Senior Vice President- South Asia, Marriott International.

He took over as Senior Vice President – South Asia overseeing both, Operations &Development, for Marriott International, leading a dynamic portfolio of 173 hotels across India,Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. He will be responsible for aligning growth with operational performance, accelerating conversions and openings, deepening owner partnerships, and strengthening the leadership bench across some of Marriott’s most important and fast-growing markets. With nearly three decades of experience across hotel operations, consulting, and development,Kiran is a well-rounded hospitality leader with deep knowledge of the South Asia region. An alumnus of the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, New Delhi, he began his career in hotel operations with the Oberoi Group and IHCL before moving into consulting with HVS in India and EY in Dubai, covering the Middle East. Kiran joined Marriott International in 2006 as part of the Development, Planning & Feasibility team and has been pivotal in driving the company’s growth strategy over the past 19 years. Under his leadership as Senior Vice President, Development, South Asia, Marriott achieved record milestones that included signing more than 220 hotels in the region, including a landmark deal with Concept Hospitality earlier this year to aﬀiliate The Fern’s 115-property portfolio with Series by Marriott. In 2024 alone, his team secured a record 42 hotel signings totaling 7,000 rooms in India, strategically expanding Marriott’s presence into high-potential Tier 2 and 3 markets. Widely respected for his business acumen, market insight, and strong stakeholder relationships,Kiran’s leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and shaping the company’s trajectory in South Asia. His ability to bridge development and operations gives him a unique perspective in driving sustainable growth and operational excellence across the region. Outside of work, Kiran is passionate about travel, photography and spending time with his family. oving forward, he will be operating from the Marriott Corporate oﬀice in Mumbai.

Mr. Sougata Roy Choudhury

Executive Director CII

Mr. Sougata Roy Choudhury

Executive Director CII

Mr. Rajesh Kumar

Senior Vice President - Human Resources at Lemon Tree Hotels Limited The Lemon Tree Hotel Company

Mr. Rajesh Kumar

Senior Vice President - Human Resources at Lemon Tree Hotels Limited The Lemon Tree Hotel Company

Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji

Chairman India Heritage Hotels Association

With HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur committed to preserving the city as one of the finest examples of Living Heritage, Jodhpurs magnetic charm drawn

Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji

Chairman India Heritage Hotels Association

His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur is dedicated to preserving the city as a premier example of Living Heritage, where tradition, culture, and history seamlessly blend with modern relevance. Living Heritage, rooted in continuity, ensures that heritage remains dynamic and evolving. Guided by this vision, he has spearheaded several initiatives to conserve, develop, and transform ancestral properties—most notably Umaid Bhawan Palace—into luxury heritage hotels, offering travelers an authentic and immersive experience of Jodhpur’s rich legacy.

Mr. Ajay Dutta

Vice President Taj Group of Hotels

Mr. Ajay Dutta

Vice President Taj Group of Hotels

Ms. Charulata Sukhija

Hotel Association of India

Currently the Deputy Secretary General of Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex national forum of the Indian hospitality, Charu has been a part of

Ms. Charulata Sukhija

Hotel Association of India

Ms. Charulata Sukhija, currently the Deputy Secretary General of the Hotel Association of India (HAI), has been a part of the hospitality industry since 1985. She began her career as a management trainee at ITDC, gaining nearly two decades of experience in hotel operations, sales & marketing, and event management. After opting for voluntary retirement in 2004, she joined International Travel House Ltd. (ITC) before moving to Bangkok as Director of Corporate Affairs at Challenge Hospitality, overseeing luxury properties like The Dome and lebua at State Tower. Personal commitments led her back to India, where she transitioned into an advocacy role, joining HAI in 2008. A distinguished academic achiever, Charu is an alumna of Delhi University, IHM Pusa, and IMI New Delhi.

Mr. Harish Mathur

Executive Committee Member IATO

Mr. Harish Mathur

Executive Committee Member IATO

Mr. EM Najeeb

Chairman & Executive Director ATE Group of companies, Kerala

Mr. E. M. Najeeb Founder and Chairman of the highly successful ATE Group of Companies including Air Travel Enterprises India Ltd.(ATE), Great IndiaTour

Mr. EM Najeeb

Chairman & Executive Director ATE Group of companies, Kerala

Mr. E. M. Najeeb is the Founder and Chairman of the ATE Group of Companies, which includes Air Travel Enterprises India Ltd., Great India Tour Company, Great India Aviation Services, Chrysalis Communications, and Great India Infologics. A postgraduate in Business Administration and a Diplomate in Journalism, he has led ATE to win numerous awards from the Kerala Government, national and international travel organizations, and airlines over the past 20 years. A prominent figure in India’s hospitality industry, he has traveled extensively as a member of Central Government trade and tourism panels and is actively involved in national and international travel associations, the Trivandrum International Airport Society, and the Hotel Classification Committee.

Mr. Pradeep Chavda

HR- Director Sodexo

Chief Human Resources Officer Board of Director, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of INDIA. Board of Director, Sodexo Food Solution INDIA Pvt Ltd

Mr. Pradeep Chavda

HR- Director Sodexo

Mr. Pradeep Chavda is the Chief Human Resources Officer and Board Director at the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India and Sodexo Food Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. He also serves as a Trustee of the Stop Hunger Foundation, India. With over 21 years of experience, he has led large-scale workforce management (53,000+ employees) across national and international locations in digital banking, telecom, hospitality, facility management, food services, pharma, and FMCG industries. A sought-after speaker at IIMs, WILL, and national forums, he specializes in organizational transformation, leadership development, women leadership, technology adoption, and fostering diverse and inclusive talent cultures.

Dr. Kerwin Savio Nigli

Head of Department CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore

Head and associate professor with an experience of 20 years at Department of Hotel Management, Christ University. Completed PhD in management. Teaches

Dr. Kerwin Savio Nigli

Head of Department CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore

Dr.Kerwin Savio Nigli Head and associate professor with an experience of 20 years at Department of Hotel Management, Christ University. Completed PhD in management. Teaches Imagineering, Restaurant Management, Research

Mr. Vijay Hazari

NSDC Nominee Director

Mr. Alok Sharma

Director IITM

Mr. Alok Sharma

Director IITM

Professor Satish Jayaram (PhD)

Principal Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration

Professor Satish Jayaram (PhD)

Principal Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration

Senior business, human resource and hospitality professional dedicated to enhancing work-life ecosystems. 35 years experience across operations, education, EdTech, innovation, people, culture, leadership. Driving G2G, B2B, B2C change initiatives, incubating alternatives to enhance institutional learning and skilling. Incubating tech-hybridindustry solutions for corporate, national and stakeholder growth.

Mr. Rahul Agrawal

NRAI representative

Mr. Rahul Agrawal

NRAI representative

Mr. Gulshan Singh Chib

General Manager – Human Resources (Resorts) of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited.

Mr. Gulshan Singh Chib

General Manager – Human Resources (Resorts) of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited.

Mr. Gyan Bhushan

Economic Advisor MOT

“IES, Economic Advisor, MoT and CEO, NCHMCT”

Mr. Gyan Bhushan

Economic Advisor MOT

Mr. Gyan Bhushan IES, Economic Advisor, MoT and CEO, NCHMCT speaks to Steena Joy on the Covid-19 impact on hospitality education and how the National Council and the IHMs are preparing for the challenges ahead. What has been the contribution of the ministry of tourism (MoT) and NCHMCT to hospitality education in India? To standardise hospitality education in the country through a common curriculum, examination system and entrance criteria as per vision and policies of the central MoT, the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT) was set up in 1982 and transferred to the MoT in 1984 alongwith the IHMs. Subsequently, the MoT was able to commission under the UNDP/ ILO, an upgradation programme for the IHMs involving equipping these institutes with the state-of-the-art equipment and training of its faculty at leading hotel schools of USA. This exercise brought about qualitative improvement in teaching at the NCHMCT affiliated institutes across the country. In 2002 the premier 3-year Diploma was upgraded to a Degree programme. Ever since, the MoT has been working in close conjunction with the hospitality industry to meet the shortage of skilled manpower by increasing capacity through more affiliated institutes and introducing several new trade oriented courses. It has provided capital grants to these institutes for expansion and purchase of new equipment. It has also embarked upon conduct of regular MDP training for its faculty to upskill their competencies and knowledge through national and international tie-ups.

Mr. Shashank Bhagat

Chairman The Bi Group of Companies

He has 26 years of entrepreneurial and managerial experience and is the Group Chairman for the past 16 years. His experience encompasses operations in

Mr. Shashank Bhagat

Chairman The Bi Group of Companies

Mr. Shashank Bhagat has 26 years of entrepreneurial and managerial experience, serving as Group Chairman for 16 years. He has led operations across India, England, and the Philippines, expanding and diversifying the group's business. He has managed global partnerships with IDV (Diageo) and handled international brands like Gilbeys and Smirnoff. An innovative thinker, he contributed to India's ethanol-for-fuel program and serves on multiple corporate boards and industry chambers. As a Governing Body Member of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) under the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC), he plays a key role in enhancing youth employability and productivity through skill development.

Mr. Shyam S Aggarwal

Managing Director Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd

Shyam Sunder Aggarwal is the man behind a culinary empire that best reflects the amalgamation of Indian traditions and modern technology. And all this

Mr. Shyam S Aggarwal

Managing Director Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd

Mr. Shyam S Aggarwal is the man behind a culinary empire that best reflects the amalgamation of Indian traditions and modern technology. And all this would not have been possible without the talent and insight of Shyam Sunder Aggarwal, the Managing Director of Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd. - a leading manufacturer of packaged sweets and snacks. The company also owns a chain of Restaurants and mega sweets stores in India.Started a small shop by the name of Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar in Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk in 1960, today BFPL since 1988, has made 4 modern manufacturing facilities spread over 3,00,000 sq ft and has to its credit a group turnover of more than INR1500Crores.Mr Shyam Sunder Agarwal is person who has vision for the industry. He has been a great thinker for the upliftment and his idea of establishing a Skill Development Centre for Mithai

Mr. Anjan Chatterjee

Founder, Chairman Specialty Restaurant Group

Specialty Restaurants Ltd. is the name of a grand and passionate journey of flavors, unraveling authentic cuisines and sharing them with the world. It

Mr. Anjan Chatterjee

Founder, Chairman Specialty Restaurant Group

Mr.Anjan Chatterjee Specialty Restaurants Ltd. is the name of a grand and passionate journey of flavors, unraveling authentic cuisines and sharing them with the world. It started as a tiny restaurant created by a bunch of foodies for some more foodie friends and even after 129 renowned restaurants and confectionaries and eight award winning cuisines, we are proud to say it still remains a Restaurant Group by the foodies, to the foodies and for the foodies. Because at the heart of the group lies the passion of Anjan Chatterjee, and his weakness for good food that turned into a great strength for Speciality Restaurants! He started Only Fish in 1992 with the nostalgic flavours of Calcutta, in the fast lane of Mumbai. The forty by forty square feet crowded dining place drew gourmets and food critics alike with the unique flavors of Calcutta. Anjan Chatterjee realized the dearth of speciality cuisines and wanted to make good the lack of authentic flavors in the stand-alone.

Mr. Naveen Jain

Managing Director Nouvelle Knowledge Services

Naveen Jain is a Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience in hospitality with groups such as Duet India Hotels, Oberoi Group, Leela Hotels

Mr. Naveen Jain

Managing Director Nouvelle Knowledge Services

Mr. Naveen Jain is a Chartered Accountant with over three decades of experience in hospitality with groups such as Duet India Hotels, Oberoi Group, Leela Hotels & Resorts carrying enormous experience in investment, treasury, corporate finance, operations finance, project execution and general management in the hospitality industry holding senior positions. Naveen is also associated with various industry forums and has been the chairman of "The CFO World", a forum created for senior finance professionals in the industry. He has managed investments of over $ 300 million to develop hospitality portfolios working with global leading brands. The Management Team at Nouvelle Knowledge Services consists of people with successful experience and knowledge in the Hospitality, Business Process Outsourcing, Engineering & Technical Industries and Hotel Finance while working across different verticals of the businesses.

Mr. Vishwanath Goenka

Chairman Federation of industries & Commerce of NE Region

He is the Chief Executive of the group. Conceived and pioneered all growth areas of the business into hospitality, agriculture, real-estate. He is also

Mr. Vishwanath Goenka

Chairman Federation of industries & Commerce of NE Region

Mr. Vishwanath Goenka He is the Chief Executive of the group. Conceived and pioneered all growth areas of the business into hospitality, agriculture, real-estate. He is also been Board Member of Assam State Agriculture Marketing Board, President of Lions Club of Guwahati, President of Hotels

Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale

Founder and General Secretary of HPMF

He is the founder and General Secretary of Hospitality Purchasing Managers' Forum (HPMF)

Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale

Founder and General Secretary of HPMF

Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale is the founder and General Secretary of Hospitality Purchasing Managers' Forum (HPMF)

Chef K Thirugnanasambantham

Founding Dean, The School of Hospitality Management at Mahindra University.

Chef K Thirugnanasambantham

Founding Dean, The School of Hospitality Management at Mahindra University.

Chef K. Thiru, is a distinguished culinary educator and hospitality professional with over 35 years of experience. As the Founding Dean of the School of Hospitality at Mahindra University, he is transforming hospitality education by incorporating global practices and innovative teaching methodologies.

Chef Davinder Kumar

President - Indian Culinary Forum

Chef Davinder Kumar

President - Indian Culinary Forum

A connoisseur in the art of cooking, a perfectionist to the core, a strict disciplinarian, and a true leader, Chef Davinder Kumar—fondly known as Chef DK among colleagues and associates—brings five decades of culinary excellence. His contributions have been instrumental in transforming the chef’s profession, ensuring due recognition and rewards for the talent behind the kitchen. With a significant role in promoting Indian cuisine on a global platform, Chef DK has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Tourism Award. As the President of the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) for the past 20 years, he has been the driving force behind the institution of the renowned annual Chef Awards. Under his leadership, ICF's mega-annual event has evolved into a highly respected brand, celebrating culinary excellence and innovation.

Mr. Amit Saincher

Global Head – VFS Global Academy

He is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of rich experience in Client Relations, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Revenue Delivery, Process Improvement, and Sales & Marketing.

Mr. Amit Saincher

Global Head – VFS Global Academy

Recently appointed as the Head of VFS Global Academy, Amit is tasked with establishing and managing VFS Global Academies worldwide, ensuring that they are world-class institutions known for academic excellence and top-tier infrastructure. Before joining VFS Global, Amit was with The Walt Disney Company in India, where he worked closely with the Regional President as a key member of the India Leadership Team (ILT). In his multifaceted role as Vice President, he led Business Operations for Sports Leagues, Brand Experience & Events, and Corporate Operations, including Real Estate. His work with Mashal Sports, a subsidiary of Star India, included leading business development, P&L management, marketing, branding, sales, and sponsorships for major sports leagues like Pro Kabaddi and the India Soccer League. Amit's leadership journey also includes significant roles at The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Amit is recognized as a balanced and mature business leader with the ability to build and lead high-performing teams. His focus on delivering Operational Excellence, coupled with a hands-on, versatile approach to leadership, has earned him accolades for improving top-line revenues and bottom-line margins while fostering value creation. Amit is an innovation-centric change evangelist with a track record of transforming sales through decisive actions and disruptive operational strategies. Known for his strong work ethic, creative problem-solving, and outstanding communication skills, Amit has consistently worked with top-ranked institutions renowned for best practices.

Mr. Rajesh Rana

Director (Commercial & Marketing) - India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

With an illustrious career spanning over 26 years in areas of Tourism, Catering and Marketing, Shri Rana is an alumnus of prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, lucknow and holds an MBA in Marketing.

Mr. Rajesh Rana

Director (Commercial & Marketing) - India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

General Body

General Body

Ms. Jyoti Mayal

Mr. Rajan Bahadur

Mr. Vikram Oberoi

Mr. K. B. Kachru

Mr. Raman Bountra

Mr. Samir Kuckreja

Mr. Anil Parashar

Mr. Jaideep Anand

Mr. Ajay K Bakaya

Mr. Kiran Andicot

Mr. Sougata Roy Choudhury

Mr. Rajesh Kumar

Maharaja Gaj Singh Ji

Mr. Ajay Dutta

Ms. Charulata Sukhija

Mr. Harish Mathur

Mr. EM Najeeb

Mr. Pradeep Chavda

Dr. Kerwin Savio Nigli

Mr. Vijay Hazari

Mr. Alok Sharma

Professor Satish Jayaram (PhD)

Mr. Rahul Agrawal

Mr. Gulshan Singh Chib

Mr. Gyan Bhushan

Mr. Shashank Bhagat

Mr. Shyam S Aggarwal

Mr. Anjan Chatterjee

Mr. Naveen Jain

Mr. Vishwanath Goenka

Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale

Chef K Thirugnanasambantham

Chef Davinder Kumar

Mr. Amit Saincher

Mr. Rajesh Rana

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