The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts welcomes leadership development programme grads as newest hires

The latest group of 27 management trainees is set to begin their roles as Assistant Managers, with 52% being women. 

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts celebrated the graduation of the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP) Class of 2024 at The Leela Palace New Delhi on 5 August (Monday).  

Launched in May 2022, the LLDP is a management training initiative developed in collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) and Les Roches, and is designed to identify and nurture top talent in the hospitality industry with the aim to shape them into the leaders of tomorrow. 

The 27 management trainees of the Class of 2024 completed a 15-month programme featuring a world-class curriculum tailored to the hospitality industry's needs and luxury consumer expectations. This included functional training, skill development, and on-the-job training with global hospitality competencies. 

To qualify for the LLDP, candidates are required to attain a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, a year of luxury hotel experience, excellent communication skills, and leadership potential.  

Upon graduation, students are fast-tracked into managerial roles, with a pathway to senior positions such as General Managers within 12-13 years. 

"LLDP is not merely a training programme; it is a strategic initiative aimed at identifying and grooming the best talent in the industry to become the luxury leaders of tomorrow," Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President & Head – Human Resources, said.

This initiative, she noted, "aligns perfectly" with the organisation's broader employee acquisition and retention strategy.

"By investing in our employees' development, we ensure that we not only attract top talent from the industry but also retain it by providing clear, progressive career paths," she added. 

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, commented: "We are extremely proud of the Class of 2024 graduates. This milestone is a celebration to their journey, hard work and dedication, embodying the essence of Indian hospitality.  

“These young leaders now join us as Assistant Managers, ready to contribute significantly as they carry forward our rich legacy guided by our ethos – Atithi Devo Bhava.”  

The event was attended by dignitaries including Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa India, who gave the keynote address, as well as Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Icons of India by The Leela, other industry leaders, and the graduates' parents. 

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Lead image / Provided