The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Rajesh Namby as the new General Manager of The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, the brand’s first forest sanctuary
With over three decades of experience across luxury hotels, destination resorts, food & beverage and hotel operations, Rajesh brings a distinguished career and a deep association with The Leela to this new role.
Set amidst the verdant landscapes of the Western Ghats, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary is envisioned as an immersive retreat that brings together the natural beauty of Coorg with The Leela’s distinctive expression of true Indian luxury. Surrounded by 76 acres of forest, the sanctuary will offer guests a deeply immersive experience shaped by nature, wellness, culinary discovery and personalised hospitality, while drawing inspiration from the region’s rich landscape, culture and character.
As The Leela marks 40 years of its journey in Indian luxury hospitality, Rajesh’s appointment marks another significant chapter for the brand as it brings its philosophy of Indian hospitality to a new setting in Coorg.
A long-standing member of The Leela family, Rajesh began his journey with the brand at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, progressing through banquet and Food & Beverage leadership roles. He subsequently moved to The Leela Palace New Delhi, where he took on senior F&B and operational responsibilities, before becoming General Manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur.
During his tenure at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Rajesh was at the helm of a property that received some of the hospitality industry’s most celebrated recognitions, including being named the World’s Best Hotel, Asia’s Best Resort and India’s Best Hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2019. He also led the hotel to the No. 1 position on TripAdvisor in India in 2017, reflecting a strong focus on guest experience, service excellence and destination-led luxury.
Over the course of his career, Rajesh Namby has also held leadership positions at Raffles Udaipur and The Lodhi, New Delhi, before taking up his current assignment with The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary. His career has also included leadership roles with Hyatt Regency Kolkata and Hilton Golden Palms Resort & Spa Bengaluru, among other leading hospitality institutions. His early association with The Leela also included the pre-opening of celebrated dining destinations such as Le Cirque and MEGU at The Leela Palace New Delhi.
In his new role, Rajesh Namby will lead the team at The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, with a focus on creating a seamless guest journey while establishing the property as a distinctive expression of The Leela’s Indian luxury. The sanctuary will draw inspiration from its natural surroundings and the character of Coorg, with wellness, culinary experiences, nature and personalised service woven into the guest experience.
Speaking on his appointment, Rajesh Namby said, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with this important chapter in The Leela’s journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary and to bring to life a vision that is deeply rooted in the destination, while reflecting the warmth, grace and distinctive hospitality of The Leela. I look forward to working with the team to create experiences that feel deeply personal, meaningful and true to the spirit of Coorg and the values of the brand.”
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