Mukta Khanna: The People-First Leader Transforming Holiday Inn Gurgaon NH8

Honoured Among the Top 20 General Managers in the People’s Choice Awards 2025

In the fast-evolving world of hospitality, true leadership is measured not just by numbers, but by the culture a leader creates. Mukta Khanna, General Manager of Holiday Inn Gurgaon NH8, embodies this belief wholeheartedly — and her recent recognition among the Top 20 General Managers in the People’s Choice Awards 2025 reflects the impact she’s making on people, performance, and purpose-driven hospitality.

A Remarkable Beginning: From Pre-Opening to Top 5 on TripAdvisor

When Holiday Inn Gurgaon NH8 opened its doors in November 2024, Mukta stepped in with a clear vision: to build a hotel that balances heart with high performance. Her approach paid off faster than anyone expected.
Within just three months, the hotel not only secured a Top 5 ranking on TripAdvisor but also achieved a positive GOP from day one — a milestone many consider nearly impossible for a brand-new property. It’s a testament to her strategic planning, operational clarity, and deep understanding of guest expectations.

A People-First Philosophy at the Core

What truly defines Mukta’s leadership is her unwavering belief that hospitality begins with taking care of your own people. She leads with empathy, humility, and an open-door mindset.

• Every team member has a Personal Development Plan

• Mukta conducts weekly open sessions to mentor, guide, and empower

• Celebrations — be it birthdays, festivals, or achievements — are part of the hotel’s culture

• 40% of the team joined through internal growth opportunities

• First-time managers have evolved into confident, capable leaders under her guidance

Her leadership proves that when a team feels seen, supported, and valued, excellence naturally follows.

Championing Sustainability & Community Impact

Beyond operations, Mukta has made sustainability a pillar of Holiday Inn Gurgaon NH8’s identity. Under her leadership, the hotel has:

• Earned Green Building Certification

• Eliminated single-use plastics

• Introduced eco-friendly wooden amenities in guest rooms

• Hosted blood donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and donation initiatives

• Partnered with local vendors to support livelihoods and reduce environmental impact

Her actions ensure the hotel is more than a place to stay — it is a responsible contributor to the community and the environment.

Her True Legacy: A Workplace Culture Built on Trust & Growth

While profitability and operational achievements are impressive, Mukta’s greatest success lies in the culture she has nurtured. She has built an environment where inclusivity, learning, and resilience thrive. Her colleagues speak of her not just as a leader, but as a mentor who inspires them to grow both personally and professionally.

Her ability to turn potential into performance, especially for first-time managers, ensures her impact will be felt long beyond financial sheets — it lives on in the team she continues to shape.

A Well-Deserved Honour

Mukta Khanna’s recognition as one of the Top 20 General Managers in the People’s Choice Awards 2025 reflects her blend of operational excellence, people-centric leadership, and strong commitment to sustainable hospitality. She stands as a shining example of what modern hospitality leadership should be — purposeful, empathetic, and future-ready.