"Never lose sight of what makes hospitality so special: The power to touch lives, including your own!"

In conversation with Pankaj Saxena, Area General Manager, West India, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, & General Manager, Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi.

- By Vinodini Rao

“From security to engineering, we have worked towards building confidence and equipping our team with the necessary skills to excel in every department.”

With an illustrious career of 27 years in the hospitality industry, Pankaj Saxena has consistently showcased outstanding leadership across both operational and strategic domains. In his new role as Area General Manager, he will harness his extensive expertise and passion for hospitality to spearhead Radisson Hotel Group’s growth and expansion in West India. Under Pankaj’s stewardship, Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi has thrived, featuring 141 uniquely designed rooms and suites, a luxury spa, multiple dining venues, and expansive spaces for meetings and events.

Excerpts from the interview:

You've spent 27 years in the hospitality industry. What drew you to this field, and how has your perspective evolved over the years?

Hospitality is more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in creating heartfelt connections. My journey began with the simple desire to serve and craft memorable experiences, and over 27 years, that purpose has only deepened.

In the early days, it was the vibrant pulse of the hotel world that captivated me—the elegance, energy, ever-changing rhythm of people and possibilities. But as the years unfolded, so did my vision. Today, I see hospitality as a canvas for inspiration, a stage where culture is shaped, communities are uplifted, and service becomes a transformative art form.