"Leading an all women-managed hotel has been transformative!"

Mandeep Kaur, General Manager, Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai, South Asia’s first luxury residence managed entirely by women, discusses the many advantages of this pioneering endeavour.

- By Vinodini Rao

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 16 years of enriching experience with IHCL, Mandeep Kaur brings a wealth of expertise in operations, guest experience and leadership. She has recently taken the helm as General Manager of Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai, South Asia’s first luxury service residence managed exclusively by women. Here, she leads an all-women team across key functions, reaffirming the group’s commitment to diversity and excellence in hospitality.

A graduate of the Delhi Institute of Hotel Management, Kaur has also completed the High Performing Leaders Program and the Women’s Leadership Program by Harappa Education.

Tell us more about the all women-led team at Taj Wellington Mews. What is the percentage of the hotel run by women?

Taj Wellington Mews in Chennai stands as South Asia’s first luxury residence managed entirely by women. This pioneering initiative by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) underscores the company’s commitment to fostering gender diversity and empowering women in the hospitality industry.

The residence boasts 112 luxurious units, catering to a wide range of clientele from all segments like corporate, events and conferences, and leisure. The operational team comprises over 72% women, encompassing all departments and functions within the establishment.

This endeavour not only provides growth opportunities for women within IHCL but also generates local employment, reinforcing the company’s dedication to creating an equitable workplace and ecosystem.