Lakshmi Sridhar: Celebrated Among Top 20 General Managers in India | Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

Lakshmi Sridhar: The Visionary Behind Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach’s Rise to National Acclaim

In a country where hospitality is both an art and a legacy, few leaders manage to stand out with the grace, grit, and warmth that define true service excellence. Lakshmi Sridhar, the General Manager of Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, has earned her place among the Top 20 General Managers in the People’s Choice Awards 2025—a recognition that reflects not just her achievements, but the heartfelt leadership she embodies every day.

With over 22 years of experience across India’s dynamic hospitality landscape, Lakshmi represents the new wave of women leaders shaping the industry with purpose, precision, and empathy. Her career blends operational mastery with a deeply people-first leadership style, making her a role model for many aspiring hoteliers.

A Transformational Leader on India’s East Coast

Under Lakshmi’s guidance, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach has transformed into one of the most celebrated hotels along the eastern coastline. Her strategic direction led the property to record an impressive Gross Operating Profit (GOP) of 51% on a topline of ₹83 crores in 2022, along with an ARR increase from ₹6,100 to ₹7,125. These numbers reflect not just smart business decisions, but a deep understanding of market behavior and guest expectations.

Her leadership has also propelled the hotel to win several prestigious awards, including:

• Best Coastal Hotel – Haute Grandeur

• Best MICE Hotel – Andhra Pradesh Tourism

• Best 5-Star Hotel – Today’s Traveller

Each accolade reinforces the hotel’s position as a benchmark of luxury, comfort, and unforgettable coastal experiences in Visakhapatnam.

Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Empowerment

What truly sets Lakshmi apart is her commitment to nurturing people. She has championed gender balance, local talent development, and mentorship programs that have enabled many team members to rise into senior roles within Accor. Fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, she effortlessly connects with diverse teams, inspiring trust and cultivating a strong sense of belonging.

Her leadership style is often described as decisive yet approachable—a rare balance that empowers teams while driving excellence. Colleagues admire her for her clarity of vision and her genuine belief in the potential of people.

Sustainability at the Heart of Every Decision

Lakshmi’s role extends beyond hotel operations. Her commitment to sustainability and community upliftment has shaped Novotel Visakhapatnam into a responsible, future-focused destination. Under her leadership, the property earned the prestigious Green Key Certification, a global benchmark for environmental responsibility.

From renewable energy adoption and water recycling to plastic-free operations and local sourcing, her initiatives reflect a conscious effort to protect nature while delivering world-class hospitality.

Her team’s partnership with the DEF Badminton Championship for the Deaf further highlights her belief that the true spirit of hospitality reaches far beyond guests—it touches communities, empowers individuals, and creates lasting impact.

Redefining Modern Indian Hospitality

Lakshmi Sridhar’s recognition as one of the Top 20 General Managers is more than an award—it is a celebration of inclusive leadership, operational brilliance, and heartfelt hospitality. Her journey continues to inspire not just her team, but the hospitality industry at large, proving that great leaders don’t just manage hotels—they elevate people, communities, and experiences.