MUMBAI, India, August
23, 2010 � One of India�s most renowned luxury hotel brands, The Leela
Palaces, Hotels & Resorts has appointed Roger Wright as the new general
manager of the group�s property in Gurgaon, a fast-rising satellite of
New Delhi. The five-star Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (N.C.R.)
opened last July and has been running close to 100 percent occupancy ever
since.
A seasoned hotelier with more than three decades of international experience
in Asia and the Pacific, Wright has held senior management positions with
some of the world�s leading hospitality brands including Hyatt International,
Starwood and Swissôtel.
Wright joins The Leela group from the award-winning luxury resort, Hayman
Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia where he served as general
manager. A native New Zealander, Wright is no stranger to India having
served as general manager at the Hyatt Regency in Mumbai. His varied
assignments and managerial roles at five-star properties have taken him
to iconic resorts, award-winning business hotels and multi-use properties
in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan.
Wright brings a broad range of operational and marketing talents to
his new post, along with a personal commitment to further develop an environment
where the Leela�s guests are able to experience firsthand the attributes
of India: the natural warmth of its people, its deep spirituality and the
country�s rich culture.
Speaking on Wright�s appointment, Rajiv Kaul, President, The Leela
Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, �In a short span, The Leela Gurgaon has
firmly positioned itself as a leading luxury hotel in the NCR region. Under
Roger�s dynamic leadership and passion for excellence, we are certain that
Leela Gurgaon shall attain even higher levels of success.�
Commenting on being part of the senior management team of The Leela
Kempinski Gurgaon, Wright said,�� I am delighted to be back in India and
to join a highly-respected hotel group with ambitious expansion plans and
a clear vision for the future. I am committed to leading an already
successful team to achieving further milestones and even greater recognition
for innovation and outstanding quality, service and performance.�
Wright received a degree in Economics and Accounting from the University
of Canterbury, Christ Church, New Zealand.
A showcase of Indian contemporary art matched with all the latest advanced
technology, the 322-room Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (N.C.R.) has three
restaurants � one boasting seven open kitchens � serving Indian, Italian,
Japanese, Chinese, Thai and international cuisine; a 20,000-square-foot
spa offering Ayurvedic treatments; a state-of-the art fitness center with
yoga and aerobic studios; a large heated outdoor pool; 26,900 square feet
of banquet and meeting space; a Cigar Lounge, and a 24-hour business center.
The luxury property is filled with striking sculptures, modern photography
and paintings by contemporary Indian and international artists.
About Hotel Leelaventure Limited:
Hotel Leelaventure Ltd. operates The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kovalam (Kerala), Gurgaon and Udaipur. Located
in key business and leisure destinations, and planning a pan-India presence,
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts are a blend of aesthetic sensibility,
modern amenities and truly reflect the essence of India. New hotels will
soon open in New Delhi (fall 2010) and Chennai (2011); with plans to develop
hotels in Agra, Hyderabad, Pune and Lake Ashtamudi in Kerala. The group
has marketing alliances with Germany-based Kempinski (Hoteliers since 1897);
US-based Preferred Hotel Group and are members of Global Hotel Alliance
based in Geneva, Switzerland.
