Tamara Leisure Experiences has announced the appointment of Samir MC as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Shruti Shibulal, who will transition into the role of Executive Vice Chair of the board
Samir MC is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience in leading global hotel brands and driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across diverse markets in Asia.
He last worked with ITC Hotels Ltd., serving as the Managing Director of Fortune Park Hotels Ltd, where he oversaw the strategic direction, brand development, and operational performance of over 110 properties (operational and in pipeline) under the Fortune Hotels and Welcomheritage brands.
Samir has led the team at Fortune Park Hotels Ltd. to become a reputed brand in the mid to upscale hospitality segment across India and Nepal, managing 57 operational hotels and overseeing the franchise business with 35 leisure properties under the WelcomHeritage brand. His leadership focus set the platform for sustainable and profitable growth, scaling operations within the asset-light model.
Prior to joining ITC Hotels, Samir spent over two decades with IHG Hotels & Resorts holding senior roles including Director of Operations for South West Asia and Director of Operations Support for South East Asia & Korea. He was an instrumental member of the leadership team in expanding IHG’s footprint from 10 to 25 hotels in South West Asia, and led performance, guest experience, and franchise relations across nine countries and 58 hotels in Southeast Asia.
Samir’s early career also saw him growing through operational and functional leadership roles in key IHG properties in Singapore, Thailand, and India, honing his leadership skills and delivering strong results in each role.
Samir holds a Master of Business Administration and a Postgraduate Certificate in Management from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from SP Jain School of Global Management.
Samir is recognized for his entrepreneurial and inclusive leadership, strategic foresight, and passion for guest experience.
While not at work, Samir loves travelling with family and friends, as well as pursuing his love for motorbike rides, badminton or reading a good book on leadership.
Shruti Shibulal strives to create thoughtful business models that harmonise people, planet and profit. Under her value-driven leadership, Tamara Leisure Experiences has grown to become synonymous with responsible tourism.
Tamara’s ecosystem of sustainable initiatives closely integrate climate resilient policies including green building practices, wildlife preservation, and optimised use of resources among other factors. Tamara’s culture and operations also combine to address three key arenas that stand especially close to Shruti’s personal vision: gender parity, human capital building and meaningful job creation to uplift local economies.
Tamara Leisure Experiences is a growing organisation, with many additional properties in the immediate pipeline. Whether a nature resort, a business hotel, a mid-segment property, or an Ayurvedic hospital, the essential unifying factor in all our hospitality endeavours is the attention to responsibility and sustainability.
Shruti serves as a Trustee for all Foundations of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives, which provide educational opportunities and healthcare assistance to underprivileged sections of society. Shruti is a Trustee of ATREE – Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment.
In 2019, Shruti launched SAATHIYA – a hospitality skilling program which enables young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to become employable within the restaurant and hotel industries.
Focusing on industry-relevant skilling, building careers, and creating a community, SAATHIYA has already shown positive results in improving the lives and prospects of its graduates.
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