Sayaji Hotels Elevates Sumera Dhanani to Corporate Head – Business Development

National, May 2025: Sayaji Hotels, a trailblazer in Indian hospitality known for its signature “Yours Truly” service, is proud to announce the elevation of Ms. Sumera Dhanani to the role of Corporate Head – Business Development. This appointment is a testament to the Group’s ongoing commitment to recognizing dynamic leadership and empowering individuals who exemplify excellence, strategic foresight, and deep alignment with Sayaji’s vision of exceptional guest experiences.

In her new capacity as Corporate Head - Business Development, her mandate includes identifying new business opportunities, strengthening the brand’s footprint across emerging markets, and cultivating high-impact partnerships that align with Sayaji’s ethos of heartfelt, personalized hospitality. With her proven drive and visionary leadership, Sumera is uniquely positioned to unlock new value streams and steer Sayaji Hotels into its next transformative phase of growth and innovation.

Upon her appointment, Sumera expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am thrilled and privileged to embark on this exciting journey at Sayaji Hotels. In my new role, I look forward to cultivating influential partnerships across the hotel industry, seamlessly integrating them into the Sayaji Hotel brand, and leading a transformative Sales and Marketing strategy to elevate the group's market position. 

Raoof Dhanani, Managing Director, said, “Sumera’s elevation within the Sayaji Group reflects our belief in nurturing talent that drives tangible business outcomes. We’re confident that her forward-thinking approach will play a critical role in accelerating our growth trajectory and unlocking new opportunities for the brand”.

Sumera’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Sayaji Hotels' journey of growth and innovation. As the Group continues to expand its presence and redefine hospitality standards, the addition of visionary leaders like Sumera ensures that Sayaji remains at the forefront of delivering unparalleled experiences to its guests. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Sayaji Hotels is poised to script an inspiring new chapter under her strategic leadership.

Sayaji Hotels strengthens leadership with the elevation of Ajay Kanojia as Associate GM – Operations

National, April 2025 : Sayaji Hotels, a leading name in Indian hospitality and known for its signature “Yours Truly” service, is reinforcing its leadership team with the elevation of Ajay Kanojia to the position of Associate General Manager – Operations at the Sayaji Hotels.

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Ajay brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of operational excellence. His redesignation comes as part of Sayaji Hotels’ continued commitment to nurturing strong leadership that drives performance, guest satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Throughout his career he has showcased exemplary leadership, having held key positions at renowned hotel chains including Hotel Park Plaza, Hotel Jaypee Residency, and Lemon Tree Hotels.

In his expanded role, Ajay  will be responsible for providing strategic direction, driving year-on-year growth, strengthening staff engagement, and leading key operational oversight across the Group. While his primary focus will be on maintaining the highest standards of service and enhancing guest experiences, he will also take charge of curating initiatives aligned with Sayaji’s ‘guest-first’ philosophy.

 Expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter, Mr. Ajay Kanojia said,“I’m truly honoured to take on this expanded role at the Sayaji Group, a brand that embodies heartfelt hospitality and excellence. This new chapter presents an exciting opportunity to work closely with our talented teams to further, streamline operations, and implement innovative strategies that align with our core values. As we move forward, my focus will remain on driving service excellence, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration, and ensuring that every guest interaction reflects our ‘Yours Truly’ philosophy.”

Saba Dhanani Corporate Head of Marketing & Communications “We are thrilled to have Ajay Kanojia take on the role of Associate GM – Operations. His expertise, and leadership have been invaluable to the organization, and we are confident that under his guidance, our properties will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks in the hospitality industry.”

Sayaji Hotels continues to invest in leadership that mirrors its vision of offering heartfelt hospitality and delivering memorable experiences to every guest.

Sayaji Hotels appoints Jamaluddin Khilji as General Manager Corporate Head HR

February, 2025:  Founded in 1982 by Sajid Dhanani, Sayaji Group of Hotels has grown from a single property into a distinguished name in Indian hospitality. Sayaji Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamaluddin Khilji as General Manager Corporate Head HR. This strategic move aims to further enhance the company’s leadership team and strengthen its framework to drive organizational growth and employee engagement. In his new role, Jamaluddin will spearhead HR strategies across Sayaji Hotels, focusing on talent acquisition, management processes, leadership development and workforce planning to align with the company’s overall business objectives.

Raoof Dhanani, Managing Director, Sayaji Hotels, shared,“We wholeheartedly welcome Jamaluddin to the Sayaji Hotels family. His extensive experience and deep understanding of HR dynamics in the hospitality sector will play a crucial role in nurturing our people, strengthening our organizational culture, and driving sustainable growth. We look forward to his leadership in shaping a thriving and empowered workforce.”

Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Jamaluddin Khilji, General Manager Corporate Head HR, Sayaji Hotels, stated, “I’m excited to be part of Sayaji Hotels and I look forward to contributing to its vision of excellence in hospitality. My goal is to cultivate a dynamic, performance-driven work culture that not only reflects Sayaji’s core values but also empowers people, nurtures talent, and encourages innovation. Together, we will create an environment where employees thrive, reinforcing Sayaji as a top choice for talent in the industry.”

With 24 years of experience in Human Resource Management, Jamaluddin has worked with leading hospitality brands such as Kempinski, Marriott, Accor, and Rosetta Hospitality. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science and an MBA in Human Resources from IMS Indore. Beyond his professional expertise, he is a passionate cricket enthusiast, an avid reader of non-fiction, and follows current affairs closely.

About Sayaji 

Sayaji Hotels is one of India’s most recognized hospitality brands, known for its "Yours Truly" service, thoughtfully designed properties, and a commitment to excellence. With a strong presence across the country, Sayaji blends luxury with warmth, offering memorable experiences for business and leisure travelers alike.