The Leela invites future leaders of Indian luxury hospitality to apply for the ‘Leela Leadership Development Programme – Class of 2027’

A 15-month flagship programme that blends global academic excellence with The Leela’s cultural ethos to fast-track future General Managers and senior leaders. 

Part of The Leela’s people-first strategy, LLDP strengthens the leadership pipeline, drives retention, and reinforces the brand’s commitment to exceptional hospitality.

India, 27th October 2025: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has opened applications for the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP) - Class of 2027, reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of luxury hospitality leaders.

Launched in 2022, in partnership with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) in alliance with Les Roches, the Leela Leadership Development Programme is a 15-month immersive learning journey designed to develop high-potential talent through a unique blend of academic excellence, global exposure, and hands-on experience across The Leela’s award-winning hotels.

In an industry defined by service excellence, The Leela believes that exceptional hospitality begins with exceptional people. LLDP is a structured management training programme designed to blend functional expertise with leadership, behavioural and life skills. It aims to identify, nurture, and fast-track high-potential talent to lead The Leela’s growth journey as it is poised to grow from 13 to 22 hotels in the next few years.

Since its inception, the programme has drawn exceptional talent from across India, offering them a platform to learn, grow, and lead within one of the country’s most admired luxury hospitality brands. The programme is anchored in The Leela’s guiding philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava - Guest is God’ and reflects the brand’s belief that true leadership is built on grace, empathy, and excellence.

Speaking on this, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said: “At The Leela, we see leadership not as a position, but as a responsibility, to uphold a legacy of excellence while shaping the future of Indian luxury hospitality. The Leela Leadership Development Programme is our investment in that future and reflects our belief that exceptional hospitality begins with exceptional people. As we step into an exciting phase of growth, LLDP is a strategic initiative to nurture future-ready leaders who will carry forward The Leela’s culture of grace, precision, and purpose, while continuing to set new benchmarks for Indian luxury.”

LLDP is open to both internal and external candidates with a three- or four-year hotel management degree and at least one year of operational experience with The Leela or an equivalent luxury brand. Participants will undergo a rigorous selection process, including technical and logical assessments, psychometric tests, and multiple panel interviews with senior leadership. Once selected, they embark on a holistic 15-month journey that includes classroom learning, online modules, on-the-job training across two Leela hotels, and immersive bootcamps designed to build operational, business, and people skills. The programme culminates with a capstone project and certification from ISH in alliance with Les Roches.

What sets LLDP apart is its focus on developing not only functional skills but also emotional intelligence, communication, cultural awareness, and leadership agility qualities that are essential to leading in today’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. The Leela believes that by investing in its people early and aligning them with its values, it can build a leadership pipeline that embodies both service excellence and innovation.

Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President and Head – Human Resources at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, added, “LLDP is a critical pillar of our people strategy and a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent from within. The programme offers aspiring leaders a clear, structured career pathway, anchored in mentorship, growth, and the unique culture of The Leela. It reflects our belief that when employees see a future with us, they stay inspired, motivated, and deeply aligned with our purpose.”

Since its launch in May 2022, LLDP has successfully trained three batches of future-ready talent for the hospitality industry and with the launch of the LLDP Class of 2027, The Leela aims to attract some of the best young talent in the industry those who aspire to build meaningful, long-term careers in luxury hospitality.

For more information on the Leela Leadership Development Programme and to apply for the Class of 2027, please visit www.theleela.com/leela-leadership-development-programme.

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is India’s only institutionally owned and managed pure-play luxury hospitality company. The Leela owns, operates, manages and develops luxury hotels and resorts under, “The Leela” brand which was ranked as #1 among the world’s best hospitality brands in 2020 and 2021, and among the world’s top three hospitality brands in 2023 and 2024, by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Surveys. The company operates thirteen properties across key Indian business and leisure destinations, celebrating each hotel through its location, art, culture, and cuisine with bespoke services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences. Promoted by private equity funds managed and/or advised by affiliates of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., The Leela is committed to providing guests luxury experiences with premier accommodation, exclusivity and personalized service, inspired by the ethos of Indian hospitality.

For more information, please visit our website www.theleela.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contacts: 

Anjali Mehra 
+918800466085
anjali.mehra@theleela.com