Sameer Sud named among Hozpitality's Best 30 Most Popular General Managers in India for 2023

Sameer Sud, the General Manager of The Leela Mumbai, has been honored as one of Hozpitality's Best 30 Most Popular General Managers in India for 2023. With an impressive career spanning over three decades in the hospitality industry, Sameer's journey has been closely associated with The Leela Group of Hotels, Palaces, and Resorts. He has showcased exemplary leadership throughout his tenure and successfully led teams within various Leela properties in Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore.

Currently entrusted with the flagship hotel, The Leela Mumbai, for over 8 years, Sameer Sud is pivotal in steering its overall growth, revenue generation, operations, administration, and management. The hotel, boasting 394 rooms and situated at the heart of Mumbai, is an iconic oasis that has thrived under Sameer's guidance. His primary objective has always been to drive year-on-year revenue growth. Under his astute leadership, the hotel witnessed a remarkable 146.86% increase in revenue during the fiscal year 2022-23, marking a momentous achievement for the hotel and the entire Leela Group.

Sameer strategically focuses on room sales, recognizing their potential for maximum business and visibility, especially given the hotel's central location near the International Airport. His vision extends to domestic and international markets, positioning the Leela Brand as the preferred choice for travelers. Additionally, the banqueting department has significantly contributed to the hotel's overall revenue, and Sameer emphasizes its importance in driving success.

Conscious of the interplay between payroll and attrition on overall revenue, Sameer has successfully reduced payroll cost to 10.12% and attrition cost to 3.22% compared to the previous year. His relentless commitment to enhancing guest experience and delight, coupled with effective management and training of his team and employees, has positively impacted the hotel's attrition rate—an essential feat in an industry known for high turnover.

Recognized for his outstanding leadership and teamwork, Sameer Sud was awarded the title of the best leader for 2022 by Go.MMT. Furthermore, under his tenure, The Leela Mumbai secured the top position and received CNBC's prestigious title of Best Hotel for Business Travelers in the Asia Pacific.

Beyond his responsibilities as a General Manager, Sameer's passion for hospitality extends to giving back to the industry. He has been actively mentoring, nurturing, and guiding numerous fresh talents. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, he initiated and created the 'Help Hospitality Hopeful' group on LinkedIn, supporting those who lost their jobs during those difficult times. The group, now with 9000 active members, has made a significant impact in helping hospitality professionals.

Additionally, Sameer Sud serves on the Board of Directors panel for various esteemed hospitality management colleges, including SVKM's NMIMS School of Hospitality Management, Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management, Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai (Dadar Catering College), and D Y Patil Deemed to be University School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies.

Sameer Sud has earned his rightful place among the Best 30 Most Popular General Managers in India for 2023 through his exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to the hospitality industry. His passion for the industry, continuous support for colleagues, and active involvement in nurturing young talents make him an invaluable asset to The Leela Mumbai and the wider hospitality community.