Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the appointment of Vikas Chawla as President – India & Southwest Asia, a newly created leadership role aimed at driving the next phase of growth in the region. The appointment, effective April 1, 2026, comes as Hyatt sharpens its focus on India as a key strategic market.
Chawla will report to David Udell and lead overall strategy, growth and performance across India and Southwest Asia. A seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of global experience in food & beverage and consulting, he brings a strong track record in scaling businesses and building brands. Udell said the move reflects Hyatt’s “commitment to accelerating expansion” in India, where the company has built a strong presence over four decades.
Hyatt’s growth momentum remains robust, with deals signed in 2025 adding nearly 5,000 rooms to its pipeline in India and Southwest Asia. The company currently operates 55 hotels across nine brands and is set to debut Hari Bagh Jaipur in 2026, marking the entry of the Destination by Hyatt brand in Asia Pacific. Expansion plans include key metros such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Hyderabad, along with leisure and tier-two and tier-three markets.
Chawla said he aims to strengthen Hyatt’s portfolio and position it as a preferred hospitality brand among discerning travellers while enhancing workplace excellence.
In Kolkata, the eastern metro is witnessing steady growth in premium travel demand, supported by rising corporate activity, tourism inflow and improved connectivity. Industry observers note that Hyatt’s expansion strategy aligns well with Kolkata’s evolving hospitality landscape, where demand for luxury and lifestyle offerings is on the rise, making it a promising market for future development.
