People · Professional & Local Services

Hyatt appoints Vikas Chawla as president for India region

By Startup Enthusiast · 1 April 2026

What they do

Hyatt Hotels is a global hospitality brand operating hotels across multiple countries and cities

The company appointed Vikas Chawla as President of India and Southwest Asia effective April 1, 2026

Chawla brings over thirty years of experience in food and beverage consulting to lead regional growth

Hyatt Hotels has named Vikas Chawla as its new President for the India and Southwest Asia region.
This leadership appointment becomes effective on April 1, 2026, marking a strategic shift in regional management.
Chawla will report directly to David Udell, establishing a clear reporting line for the expanded role.
The move supports Hyatt's ongoing expansion efforts in key Indian metropolitan and leisure markets.
Chawla’s background includes more than 30 years of global experience in food and beverage sectors.
His expertise in consulting aims to drive operational excellence across Hyatt’s growing portfolio in the region.
The appointment coincides with significant pipeline growth adding nearly 5,000 rooms in 2025.
Hyatt currently operates 55 hotels across nine distinct brands within the designated geographic territory.

Hyatt is expanding its footprint into smaller cities and spiritual hubs beyond major metros.
The first Destination by Hyatt property at Hari Bagh Jaipur is scheduled for launch in 2026.
Target cities include Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad to capture diverse traveler segments.

Hyatt operates 55 hotels across nine different brands in India and Southwest Asia.
The company added nearly 5,000 rooms to its pipeline through deals closed in 2025.
Expansion targets include major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Hyatt is also targeting leisure destinations and spiritual hubs for future property development.
The brand plans to enter smaller cities to broaden its market reach significantly.
The Destination by Hyatt concept launches with the Hari Bagh Jaipur property in 2026.
Operations cover both business and leisure travelers across the specified geographic regions.
The company leverages its global brand recognition to attract international and domestic guests.
Growth strategy focuses on adding rooms through new partnerships and development projects.