Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the appointment of Vikas Chawla as President – India & Southwest Asia

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the appointment of Vikas Chawla as President – India & Southwest Asia, effective April 1, 2026. This newly created leadership role underscores Hyatt’s commitment to India as a key growth market and signals the company’s next phase of brand-led expansion in the region.

Hyatt has introduced the role of President – India & Southwest Asia to reflect the scale of opportunity in the region. Chawla will report directly to David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific, and will be responsible for driving Hyatt’s portfolio expansion, strengthening brand positioning, and enhancing consumer engagement across India and Southwest Asia.

  • Strong Pipeline: Hyatt continues to expand across major urban and leisure destinations in India.

  • Market Commitment: India has been a focus market for Hyatt for over four decades, and this appointment reinforces its long-term investment.

  • Brand-Led Expansion: The company aims to accelerate growth by leveraging its diverse portfolio and tailoring experiences to evolving consumer preferences.

With over 30 years of global leadership experience in food & beverage and consulting, Chawla brings entrepreneurial expertise and a track record of building brands and scaling businesses. He is known for developing high-performing teams and delivering industry-leading growth.

His vision for Hyatt in India includes:

  • Positioning Hyatt as the most preferred hospitality brand among travelers.

  • Making Hyatt the best hospitality brand to work for in India.

  • Establishing India as a pillar of growth within Hyatt’s global portfolio.

Leadership Perspectives

  • David Udell, Group President – Asia Pacific:
    “The creation of this new senior leadership role reflects both the scale of opportunity we see in India and our commitment to this market. Vikas’ deep understanding of the Indian consumer will be pivotal to drive our strategic growth.”

  • Vikas Chawla, President – India & Southwest Asia:
    “Hyatt’s strong brand portfolio, exceptional talent, and commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences create tremendous opportunity. My ambition is to further develop Hyatt’s portfolio, making it the most preferred hospitality brand in India.”

Chawla’s appointment comes at a time when India’s hospitality sector is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in luxury and lifestyle segments. His focus on talent development and consumer-centric strategies is expected to set new benchmarks for hospitality careers and guest experiences in the region.