Sanjay Sharma, general manager for two Westin properties in New Delhi/NCR, tells Punam Mohandas he encourages his team to come out of their comfort zones.
What do your main responsibilities entail?
In my current role I am the complex general manager for two hotels -The Westin New Delhi, Gurgaon (pre-opening), scheduled to soft open in March, and The Westin Sohna Gurgaon Resort & Spa. My primary responsibilities are to take the Westin brand forward within the company’s vision and guidelines, and get the desired positioning for the brand in India.
Secondly, to successfully open The Westin New Delhi, Gurgaon, which will be the flagship property for Starwood in the Asia Pacific division. Alongside, I will be working towards positioning The Westin Sohna as the most sought after wellness destination in the country.
What are your plans for the hotel?
My plan is to become a talent magnet and acquire the best talent in the market, and to create a wow factor in every guest experience. The core values of the Westin brand are Personal, Instinctive, and Renewal, and our service will reflect these values and redefine the hospitality experience at both our hotels.
What was your job profile before this? How will it change in this role?
In my last role, I was looking after one hotel – Le Meridien, Cochin. During my tenure the brand was revitalised and the entire hotel was revamped as per the new guidelines. In my present role I am looking after two hotels of completely different natures; this will give me an opportunity to enhance my skills in handling both a city business hotel and a wellness resort.
What has been the most unusual experience of your career so far?
I cannot recall any specific incident, however, in hospitality each day is exciting and interesting as you interact with so many different people across cultures.
What qualities do you think you have that make you the right choice for this role?
I am a strong team player and a strong driver. I dedicate my skills to bringing out the best in people and help them reach their full potential. I have clarity of thought and vision for purpose, I welcome change and encourage my team members not to resist coming out of their comfort zones. I am enthusiastic and passionate about my work and committed to excellence.
The Sohna property is different from the other Westins, in that, this is a resort, while those are business hotels. How do you plan to drive home this distinction to your customers to avoid chances of any confusion?
There is no confusion as both the hotels are completely different. The Sohna Resort is a wellness destination as well an ideal place for MICE due to its unique location and attributes. The resort brings a fresh approach to doing business and meetings, where you wake up in the morning to lush green gardens and fresh air.
The chirping of birds that migrate from the nearby Damdama Lake adds a completely different dimension to the surroundings. The sound of cascading waters, tranquility of nature, and the overall environment, brings out the best in our guests to do business.
What do you see as the USP of your hotel, and how do you plan to capitalise on this?
The Westin Sohna Gurgaon Resort & Spa was the first Westin in India and is already setting benchmarks with its range of signature services. It has 97 guest rooms and standalone suites set amidst lush landscaped gardens.
The tranquil surroundings offer a restful, rejuvenating guest experience; the resort is just a 90-minute drive from the New Delhi International Airport and 60-minutes from Gurgaon, which also makes it an ideal weekend getaway. Further, the resort is home to the first Heavenly Spa by Westin which is beautifully and peacefully nestled amidst lush green gardens.
The rich natural surroundings, design and décor, engage our guests and acts as an enhancement for inspiration for spiritual healing and sensory pleasure. There is no other resort in north India offering the kind of environment and facilities that we have. Our resort is the only internationally branded spa in the region and our MICE facilities have floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking lush landscaped garden.
We have a loyal customer base and we communicate with them even when they are not physically at our resort. We also promote rural tourism in our area.
Where in the world would you like to work the most, and why?
I was born in Delhi and have come back to the city after 20 years. I think this is just a beginning for me, and being at home could be the most satisfying experience of my career.
Away from your work, what do you do to relax?
I play golf and spend time with my family. The biggest relaxation for me, as a father, is to play with my son.
What’s your mantra for success?
I believe in the philosophy that the spot for number One is always vacant. No matter whatever you do and whatever position you hold, you should be known as the best in that position.
