The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts hosted a grand graduation ceremony at The Leela Palace New Delhi for the Class of 2025 of its Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP). The event marked the culmination of a 15-month intensive journey for 40 management trainees, now appointed as Assistant Managers across the brand’s properties.
The evening saw distinguished guests in attendance, including Amitabh Kant, Ex-Sherpa G20 and Former CEO, NITI Aayog; celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra; Dipak Deva, Managing Director, Travel Corporation India Ltd.; Mukesh Butani, Co-founder, BMR Legal & Independent Director, The Leela; and international fashion designer Louise Kennedy. Family members of the graduates joined senior leaders and industry stalwarts to celebrate the milestone.
Launched in May 2022 in partnership with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) in alliance with Les Roches, LLDP is a management training initiative designed to fast-track high-potential talent into senior leadership roles in luxury hospitality. The programme combines classroom learning, cross-functional exposure, and on-the-job training anchored in The Leela’s ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava – Guest is God.
“At The Leela, people are our greatest asset. This career-defining journey blends global best practices with the soul of Indian hospitality, creating a diverse and future-ready leadership pipeline,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
The 2025 batch brings together leaders from Rooms, Food & Beverage, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Culinary, with over 40% being women — underlining the programme’s diversity focus.
“LLDP is a strategic talent initiative that ensures we have the right people in the right roles at the right time, while creating clear and accelerated career pathways,” added Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President & Head – Human Resources, The Leela.
Recognised as one of the most coveted management training programmes in Indian hospitality, LLDP graduates are on a defined trajectory towards General Manager and senior leadership roles within 12–13 years.
Applications for the Class of 2027 will open soon for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, at least one year’s luxury hotel experience, strong communication skills, and demonstrated leadership potential.
For more details, visit: www.theleela.com/careers
