Hot Seat

Turning fortunes around

Recognised as one of the major contributors in building a mid-market brand, Mandeep Singh Lamba has left an indelible mark in the Indian hospitality industry with his stunning performance. Bhavika Jhaveri takes a peek into his remarkable career so far and his new venture with Dawnay, Day Hotels.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering, New Delhi, Mandeep Singh Lamba had planned to take up medicine after Class XII, but fate had other plans for him. An illustrious career spanning more than two decades, Mandeep has come a long way since his graduation in 1982. He further went on to hone his skills and completed his Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA) from the American Hotel Association (AHA).

The journey

Following a philosophy of working hard and playing even harder and leaving the rest to God, Mandeep doesn't regret his decision to make a career in the hospitality industry. "In hind sight, I shudder to think what it would have been in any other career that I may have chosen," says Lamba. During his career so far, Mandeep has worked with leading hotel brands including Holiday Inn, Radisson and Choice Hotels in general management positions. But his most challenging task so far has been his stint with Fortune Park Hotels, a fully owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, the US $three billion Indian conglomerate and owner of India's premier hotel chain - ITC Welcomgroup, where he was the president and CEO for over four years. Positioned as the mid-market brand, Fortune Park is one of the fastest growing hotel chains in the first-class full service category in India. "Fortune Park is one amongst my most challenging and rewarding assignments having grown the chain from five to 23 hotels and assuming market leadership position from almost non-existent," explains Mandeep. This major transformation in Fortune Park brand could be merely credited to his determination and dedication to make his mark in the industry and be recognised as a leader. Speaking about his achievement, Mandeep says, "To get noticed as a successful professional engaged in the mid-scale sector in an industry that largely recognises only the luxury sector for being of any significance is the greatest highlight of my journey so far."

Future plans

Having stamped his authority in an industry where competition by the bat of a lid, Mandeep recently took over another new venture of heading the newly formed hospitality arm of London-based Dawnay, Day Group. The group plans to invest over US $200 million in India over the next few years to build four-star hotels. "We are expecting to cash in on the growing tourism industry and increase in corporate travel that has pushed the demand for hotel rooms to an all-time high. We believe there is tremendous potential for growth in the business segment, and we expect to mark a substantial presence in this market by offering corporate executives and foreign tourists a superior product," explains Mandeep.

Embarking on a new project, Mandeep intends to make Dawnay, Day Hotels the market leader in the mid-scale sector within the next five years and plans to have over 30 hotels in the next 10 years. "We are committed to providing the best customer experience in the mid-scale sector. Our brand identity will be launched in October 2006 along with the commencement of construction of our three hotels," remarks Mandeep.

The industry has matured as the country has moved from a under-developed to a developing economy over the last two decades. With new hotel chains vying the mid-market segment, Mandeep reckons that there will a marked enhancement of the customer experience in each sector from where it is today. "A lot of realigning and rethinking will take place in the luxury and mid scale sector in order to have a distinct identity and differentiation between the two. Many new concepts and creative designs for hotels, much different from today, will emerge. Technology will be a very important component. The Indian hospitality industry is at the take off stage and will witness its fastest and largest growth since Independent India in the coming years," avers Mandeep.

On a lighter note

An avid traveller and a cricket enthusiast, Mandeep enjoys travelling to various places and spending free time with friends and family. Mandeep is also a gifted singer having recorded an album with a music company. When asked if singing would be an alternate career option, Mandeep is quick to respond, "Singing is just a passion. There is far too much talent going around to even consider that option." He has also been an active member of several prestigious hospitality, tourism and industry trade bodies having also held positions in many of them.

Summing up his journey till date, "Thornbeds and Roses: Bouquets and Brickbats; Laughter and Tears; Highs and lows. What a truly wonderful journey it has been and continues to be with never a dull moment," concludes Mandeep.