The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts proudly announces the commencement of the Class of 2026 for the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), the brand’s flagship initiative to shape the future leaders of luxury hospitality.

Following an overwhelming response, The Leela Leadership Development Programme received over 1,400 applications from across the country. After a rigorous multi-stage selection process, we have chosen 36 exceptional young professionals to embark on a transformative 15-month journey that combines immersive real-world experiences with world-class academic learning.

The programme, designed in collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) and Les Roches, offers a unique platform for participants to accelerate their careers in luxury hospitality through a dynamic blend of on-the-job training, functional immersion and global classroom modules.

Speaking at the launch of the new cohort, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said: “At The Leela, we put our guests at the centre of everything we do, and it is our people who make us who we are. The Leela Leadership Development Programme is our commitment to investing in future-ready talent who will carry forward our legacy of Indian luxury. We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2026 and proud to partner with ISH and Les Roches in shaping tomorrow’s hospitality leaders.”

The commencement ceremony for the new batch was held at The Leela Palace New Delhi and unfolded as a memorable evening filled with warmth, inspiration, and celebration. The evening featured an exceptional Ganesh Vandana performance by the talented girls of the Sarvam Shakti NGO, impactful sessions from senior leadership, and heartfelt stories from programme alums. A key highlight was a lively, rapid-fire session with the new participants, which offered a glimpse into their aspirations, motivations, and passion for The Leela’s way of hospitality.

Also in attendance were Dilip Puri, Founder and CEO of the Indian School of Hospitality, who shared his vision for the programme, and Joy Dev Chatterjee, Programme Director of LLDP, who led a fun and engaging interaction with the incoming class.

The Leela Leadership Development Programme is available to both internal and external candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and at least one year of experience in a luxury hotel. The programme aims to fast-track their growth into managerial roles and ultimately into future general managers within The Leela.

As The Leela continues to expand its presence across India, The Leela Leadership Development Programme stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to developing talent, building leadership, and delivering experiences that elevate Indian luxury on the global stage.

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