The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts celebrated the graduation of the Leela Leadership Development Programme’s (LLDP) class of 2024 with a grand ceremony at The Leela Palace, New Delhi. This gathering was attended by notable dignitaries, including Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa India, who delivered the keynote address; Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Icons of India by The Leela; and other industry stalwarts; as well as the parents of the graduates.
Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP) is a tailored management training programme developed in partnership with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) in alliance with Les Roches. Launched in May 2022, the programme has been designed to identify and groom the finest talent in the hospitality industry, shaping them into the luxury leaders of tomorrow.
“One of the core strengths of any successful hospitality brand lies in its people. At The Leela, we recognise that nurturing talent and leadership is pivotal to maintaining our position at the forefront of luxury hospitality,” stated Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. “We are extremely proud of the Class of 2024 graduates. This milestone is a celebration of 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 Class of 2024, consisting of 27 management trainees, completed a rigorous 15-month programme featuring a world-class curriculum tailored to the hospitality industry’s needs and luxury consumer expectations. This curriculum included functional training, knowledge acquisition, skill development, and behavioural aspects through a blend of classroom sessions and on-the-job training with global hospitality competencies.
“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. This initiative aligns perfectly with our broader employee acquisition and retention strategy,” remarked Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources. “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.”
To qualify for the LLDP, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, a year of experience in a luxury hotel, excellent communication skills, and demonstrable leadership potential. Upon completion, they are fast-tracked into managerial roles, with a clear pathway to becoming General Managers or other senior positions within 12–13 years.
Applications for the next batch, the LLDP Class of 2026, are now open. This programme is available to both internal and external candidates who meet the criteria.
