Going Global, Staying Grounded

From scrubbing dishes in America to spearheading a multinational hospitality empire, CEO of CG Hospitality, Rahul Chaudhary's journey is a tale woven with legacy, tenacity, and unyielding ambition.

- By Vinodini Rao

A Legacy That Inspires Leadership

Rahul Chaudhary, CEO of CG Hospitality, is part of the fourth generation of Nepal's illustrious Chaudhary Group. This 140-year-old conglomerate has carved out a place as one of South Asia's most powerful industrial players. Yet for Rahul, that legacy is far more than just history - it's the bedrock of his leadership style.

“We ventured into hospitality nearly 27 years ago,” he reflects. “My personal journey kicked off in 2006 while I was still at university. I was washing dishes and scrubbing floors, attending classes in America, and on weekends, I'd hit the road searching for investment opportunities.”

That initial hustle marked the start of his remarkable transformation. What began as an investment in five hotels blossomed into an impressive portfolio of 195 hotels across 12 countries. “Here we are today with 195 hotels and 12,000 keys. Not too bad for just 25 years, right?” he chuckles.

Learning the Hard Way in New York

Rahul's first significant international deal was in New York back in 2006 - a true trial by fire. “Everything that could possibly go wrong with the deal went wrong,” he recalls. “The night before we were set to close, the price surged by 10-15%. My father even hung up on me while he was on vacation in the Maldives. But we managed to seal the deal the very next morning.”

That deal proved to be a pivotal moment - an expensive lesson that paved the way for CG Hospitality's global growth. It also solidified his belief in following his instincts, a trait he clearly shares with his father, the legendary Binod Chaudhary.

“A Small Man From a Small Country, With Big Dreams”