Rajani Nair Deb: Award-Winning GM Transforming DoubleTree by Hilton Agra with People-First Leadership

Rajani Nair Deb: The Heart Behind DoubleTree by Hilton Agra’s Global Excellence

In the world of hospitality, where service is measured not just by comfort but by connection, Rajani Nair Deb, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Agra, stands out as a leader who inspires both her team and the industry. Recently honoured as a Winner in the Top 20 General Managers | People’s Choice Awards 2025, Rajani’s leadership is a masterclass in how the 3Ps — People, Process, and Profit — can transform a hotel into a thriving ecosystem of excellence.

Leading with Heart: Where People Come First

Rajani’s leadership begins where true hospitality begins — with people. She believes every team member is more than their job title, and she creates space for honest conversations through her initiative, “Coffee with GM.” This open-door culture has shaped one of Hilton India’s strongest and most motivated workforces.

Her ability to combine empathy with operational discipline has led to remarkable results, including the lowest attrition rate of just 17.14%, proving that when people feel valued, they naturally perform at their best.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

One of Rajani’s greatest strengths is her commitment to building a workplace where everyone belongs. Under her leadership:

• Differently-abled individuals,

• LGBTQ employees,

• And talents from diverse cultural and social backgrounds

all work together in an environment rooted in dignity and respect.

Hotel leaders are even trained in Indian Sign Language, ensuring seamless communication and inclusive collaboration. Her dedication to empowerment is evident — two of her team members were recently promoted to Head of Department roles at other Hilton properties, a testament to the culture of growth she nurtures.

A Global Benchmark in Guest Experience

Rajani’s vision has propelled DoubleTree by Hilton Agra to unprecedented heights. The hotel achieved a record-breaking milestone by moving from Rank 3670 to No. 1 out of 11,206 Hilton hotels worldwide on KIPSU, Hilton’s global guest engagement platform. This extraordinary achievement speaks volumes about Rajani’s focus on guest satisfaction and service excellence.

Impact Beyond the Hotel Walls

For Rajani, hospitality doesn’t stop at the lobby — it extends into the community. Her initiatives include:

• Mentoring 65 girls through Room to Read

• Conducting donation drives at Ikthara School and St. Alphonsa School

• Leading motivational sessions at the International School of Agra

These efforts demonstrate her belief that great leadership is not just operational — it is transformational.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Rajani’s forward-thinking approach also reflects in her sustainability initiatives. She has championed:

• Reduction of single-use plastics

• Energy conservation practices

• Responsible operational strategies

Her focus on environmental stewardship ensures that DoubleTree by Hilton Agra continues to grow responsibly while contributing positively to the planet.

A Truly Deserving Winner

Rajani Nair Deb’s journey is a powerful example of what modern hospitality leadership should look like — human-centered, inclusive, community-focused, and commercially strong. Her achievements make her a standout hotelier and a truly deserving Winner of the Top 20 General Managers Awards 2025.

With leaders like Rajani at the forefront, the future of hospitality shines brighter, more compassionate, and more connected than ever.