The Leela Palace Bengaluru has appointed Gaurav Ganapathy K as its new Director of Sales & Marketing, adding an experienced hospitality professional to the luxury hotel’s commercial leadership team. With more than 15 years of experience across leading luxury and premium hospitality brands, Gaurav brings extensive expertise in sales, marketing, business development, and revenue generation to the role.
In his new position, Gaurav will spearhead the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, with a focus on driving revenue growth, developing strategic partnerships, expanding business opportunities, and strengthening The Leela Palace Bengaluru’s presence across key domestic and international markets.
A Seasoned Commercial Leader
Gaurav joins The Leela Palace Bengaluru from The Leela Palace Chennai, where he most recently served as Director of Sales & Marketing. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the property’s commercial strategy across corporate business, RFPs, catering, weddings, and events.
His relationship-driven approach helped strengthen connections with key accounts and strategic partners while supporting sustained business growth. His career has been marked by a strong focus on market development, revenue generation, and building long-term commercial relationships within the hospitality industry.
A Career Spanning Leading Global Hospitality Brands
Over the course of his career, Gaurav has held senior commercial positions with some of the world’s leading hospitality companies, including Marriott International, Accor, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
His previous leadership roles include Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, as well as Director of Sales at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road and Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park.
Gaurav began his hospitality career with Park Hyatt Chennai, where he developed a strong foundation in hotel sales and commercial operations. Over the years, he has built extensive expertise across corporate sales, MICE, luxury travel, weddings, key account management, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial strategy.
Leadership Welcomes Gaurav to The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Welcoming Gaurav to the Bengaluru property, Nishant Agarwal, General Manager of The Leela Palace Bengaluru, highlighted his extensive industry experience and understanding of changing market dynamics.
“We are delighted to welcome Gaurav to The Leela Palace Bengaluru. His extensive experience across luxury hospitality and his strong understanding of evolving markets make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We look forward to him building on the Palace’s legacy through meaningful partnerships and a strong commercial vision.”
Gaurav Ganapathy K Shares His Vision
Speaking about his new role, Gaurav Ganapathy K expressed his enthusiasm about joining one of Bengaluru’s distinguished luxury hospitality destinations.
“I am delighted to join The Leela Palace Bengaluru and be part of a property with such a distinctive legacy and enduring connection with the city. I look forward to working closely with the team and our partners to deepen meaningful relationships and create new opportunities as we continue to evolve with the aspirations of today’s discerning traveller.”
Strengthening The Leela Palace Bengaluru’s Commercial Vision
Gaurav’s appointment comes at an important time for The Leela Palace Bengaluru as the hotel continues to build on its reputation for refined Indian luxury and exceptional hospitality.
With his extensive experience across corporate travel, MICE, weddings, events, luxury hospitality, and strategic sales, Gaurav is well positioned to support the hotel’s commercial ambitions and identify new opportunities across evolving travel segments.
His relationship-first leadership style, combined with a strong understanding of revenue and market development, is expected to further strengthen the Palace’s connections with guests, businesses, travel partners, and other stakeholders.
The appointment ultimately reinforces The Leela Palace Bengaluru’s commitment to commercial excellence, meaningful partnerships, and the continued evolution of its signature expression of Indian luxury. As Bengaluru continues to grow as a major business and leisure destination, Gaurav’s experience will add further depth to the hotel’s efforts to connect with the aspirations of today’s discerning travellers.
