The Architects of Chalet

Sanjay Sethi and his core team reveal how a distinct DNA of excellence continues to define Chalet’s evolution - and now, Athiva.

- By Vinodini Rao

At a time when India's hospitality industry is making a strong comeback, Chalet Hotels Limited serves as an example of smart growth.

Part of India's leading real estate development group - K Raheja Corp, the $2.4 billion company, which created one of the country's most respected portfolios, featuring over 3,300 hotel rooms and 2.4 million square feet of commercial real estate along with luxury residential projects, saw its strongest year in FY25 with revenue crossing Rs 15 billion for the first time in the company's history.

It also achieved industry recognition for its employee and sustainability initiatives. Ranking 6th in the Hotels, Resorts and Cruise Line category of the 2024 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Chalet Hotels became the first hospitality brand in India to fully transition its fleet to 100% electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure across all properties, completing this ahead of its 2025 target. Recognised as one of India's Great Midsize Workplaces for the sixth consecutive year, one of its properties (Westin Hyderabad Hitec City) is operated entirely by an all-women team (a path-breaking move in Indian hospitality).

However, what truly sets it apart is its leadership journey. A story of vision, discipline and ambition - one that also led to the launch of Chalet's own homegrown hospitality brand, Athiva, marking the company's next leap forward.

Chalet Champions – Charting the Course Ahead

Although Athiva was introduced to the world mid of last month, we had the privilege of chatting up Chalet's key leaders - Sanjay Sethi (MD & CEO), Shwetank Singh (CEO-designate), Gaurav Singh (COO), and Nitin Khanna (CFO) - just days before the launch.