About Us
LTH is run by a group of experienced hotel professionals who have worked with leading luxury hotel brands and across industries including Consulting, FMCG, Banking and Insurance, Telecom, Automobiles and offshore business processing.
Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani
Chairman & Managing DirectorPatanjali (Patu) is a B. Tech. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi and holds a Post Graduate Diploma Degree in Management from IIM Kolkata. He was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award by IIT Delhi in 2011 and by IIM Kolkata in 2012. Prior to promoting Lemon Tree Hotels, he has worked with Tata Administrative Services, Taj Hotels and A.T. Kearney Limited. Patu is considered not just a pioneer in the midscale hospitality space in India, but also a leader in fostering diversity and inclusion in the industry, by spearheading Lemon Tree’s robust D&I initiatives, including hiring of Persons With Disability. He has been the founding Chairman of the Skill Council for Persons with Disability and a founding member of the Sector Skill Council for the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism industry.
Kapil Sharma
Executive Vice President Chief Finance OfficerKapil is a qualified Chartered Accountant with B.Com (H) degree from Hans Raj College, University of Delhi. His diverse experience spans across businesses from Investment Banking, Financial services, Logistics services, Manufacturing to Hospitality Industry. He joined Lemon Tree from Leroy Somer & Controls India Private Limited where he worked for several years as Head-Finance and Accounts. Kapil has more than 25 years of experience in the finance and commercial functions covering mergers & acquisitions, private equity, debt instruments, project financing, joint venture and capital market listing etc. He has previously worked with Onida Finance Limited and AFL Limited.
Davander Singh Tomar
Executive Vice President – Corporate AffairsDavander is a B. Com, M.A. and an L.L.B. from University of Delhi. He has 18 years of experience with Taj Hotels where he worked as the Area Security Manager of Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi. He has over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Jagdish Kumar Chawla
Executive Vice President – Projects & Engineering ServicesJagdish holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Pusa Polytechnic, Delhi and has more than 45 years of experience in engineering, construction and operations. Prior to joining Lemon Tree Hotels in 2002, he has worked at Taj Hotels and The National Thermal Power Corporation, Bharti Electric Steel Company Limited and Mother Dairy. His efforts have ensured that Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. received the “Green Champion Award” from the Indian Green Building Council in 2018 for the construction of several gold-certified hotel buildings.
Mr. Vilas Pawar
CEO – Managed & Franchise BusinessVilas is a hotel management graduate of IHM, Mumbai, and has worked for over 35 years with marquee brands including Taj Hotels, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotels, Edenpark Hotels and TGI Fridays. In his last assignment, as Director and Chief Executive Officer, he was responsible for establishing the operations and franchise business for Choice Hotels International in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Sumant Jaidka
Senior Vice President – OperationsSumant is a graduate of the Salzburg School of Hotel Management, Austria. He has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He started his career with the Hyatt Regency New Delhi in the F&B department, before moving to the Intercontinental Hotel and later Taj Palace, New Delhi. After a short tenure with Crowne Plaza, he joined the Lemon Tree Hotels. He has been with the company for over 15 years and has played an instrumental role in its growth.
Harleen Mehta
Senior Vice President – SalesHarleen is an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune and holds a degree in Hotel Management from IHM, Gwalior. She has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has played a wide range of leadership roles in Sales and Marketing at unit, regional and corporate levels across multiple brands within India. Prior to joining Lemon Tree Hotels, Harleen has been associated with Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Taj Hotels and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, where her last role was as Vice President – Sales Operations, India.
Aradhana Lal
Senior Vice President – Sustainability & ESGAradhana is a TedX speaker and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad with 29 years of experience in Sales, Marketing, Corporate Communications and ESG/Sustainability at Hindustan Unilever, Taj Group and Lemon Tree Hotels. Today, Aradhana leads ESG/Sustainability which includes Planet/Environment (renewal energy, water recycling and reuse, etc.) and People/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (hiring Employees With Disabilities – deaf, low vision, Acid Survivor, Down Syndrome, Autism and Economically & Socially Marginalized – transgender, school dropouts, orphans, widows/divorcees). Aradhana was awarded the Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for Persons With Disabilities by NCPEDP in 2018.
Ritu Ranjan
Senior Vice President & Chief Design OfficerRitu, a graduate from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, has been working with Lemon Tree Hotels for over 10 years. She works closely with the Interior designers, Architects and the Chairman’s office to develop and execute the design vision of the group across its brands. She leads the design conceptualization and implementation for new hotels and also works on the upgradation of the older hotels in the group.
Sareena Kochar
Senior Vice President – HousekeepingA Post Graduate in Hotel Management from All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Sareena has three decades of experience in the industry. An expert in hotel openings, she has launched several brands for Lemon Tree Hotels and hotels for the Lalit Group.. She has previously worked with VLCC, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. She has launched eco-friendly practises in the company. A certified mentor from XLRI Jamshedpur, she has nurtured talent in the organisation. A key member of the ‘Swachya Bharat Swasthya Bharat’ campaign, she also trains Speech and Hearing Impaired (SHIs) team members in Housekeeping.
Rajesh Kumar
Senior Vice President – Human ResourcesRajesh is a Post Graduate of Personnel Management and Industrial Relations as well as Public Administration from Himachal Pradesh University. In a career spanning over 20 years, Rajesh has been associated with Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Select Holiday Resorts and Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, where he experimented with and implemented new HR initiatives. He joined Lemon Tree Hotels over 15 years ago, and has been awarded the Margdarshak Award from FOSTIIMA Business School for his initiatives at the company.
Chef Rajeev Janveja
Senior Vice President & Corporate ChefChef Rajeev started his culinary journey with Taj Hotels after completing his studies from IHM Lucknow. Over the years, he has honed his skills at various Taj Hotels across the country as well as with some other leading retail food businesses. As the Senior Vice President & Corporate Chef of Lemon Tree Hotels, Chef Rajeev is directly responsible for F&B (Production) and F&B (Service) across all brands and hotels in the company. He also researches and plans menus for new, upcoming hotels and develops new and innovative food concepts for the company’s F&B brands.
Rajiv Tyagi
Vice President – FinanceRajiv is a commerce graduate from the University of Delhi. During a career spanning over 25 years, he has worked with ITC Hotels and Taj Hotels, prior to joining Lemon Tree Hotels. He was previously the Assistant Vice President - Finance, of Lemon Tree Hotels.
Geeta Jetley
Vice President – OperationsGeeta Jetley is an alumna of the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development and has spent over 25 years working in the hotel business in India and overseas. Before joining Lemon Tree Hotels in a leadership role at Carnation Hotels (the management subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels), Geeta headed operations for Wyndham Hotels in India. She has been associated with Oberoi Hotels and Resorts as well as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and has extensive experience in hotel openings and re-brands. As a part of Carnation Hotels, Geeta has driven the asset light growth strategy of the company.
Naresh Chander Malhotra
Vice President – Projects & Engineering ServicesNaresh is a mechanical engineer, a graduate from University of Delhi and holds a part ‘A' AMIE certification. His last assignment was as Chief Engineer, Batra Hospital. His vast industry experience also encompasses Taj Hotels, Clarks Hotels, Santa Cruz International Airport and the Indraprastha Power Station.
Shivali Verma
Vice President - Commercial & Franchise ServicesShivali is an alumnus of IHM Pusa Delhi and FORE School of ManagementWith an experience of over 25 years in the field of hospitality, she has worked with brands including Radisson Hotels, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. She was previously heading sales, marketing and brand management for Choice Hotels India as Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and was responsible for franchise services and business development for the organisation
Rajinder Kapur
Vice President – Finance & Legal (Franchise Business)Rajinder is Master of Commerce, MBA in Finance and Bachelor of Law. He comes with a diverse experience of nearly 35 years and has worked with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Edenpark Hotels and Choice Hotels, prior to joining Lemon Tree Hotels. In his previous role as Vice President – Finance & Legal, Choice Hotels India, he was responsible for the company’s finance and legal departments, along with business development.
Ajai Kumar
Chief Information OfficerAn MCA from Madan Mohan Malviya Engineering College, Gorakhpur & MBA (Information Systems) from Sikkim Manipal University, Ajai has over 30 years of experience in IT Strategy, Digital Enablement, Technology Management and Operations. He has worked in Senior IT Management roles with BAX Global India Pvt Ltd, Gati Ltd, Central Cottage Industries Corp of India Ltd, Anand Automotive Systems Ltd and Blue Dart Express Ltd. At Lemon Tree Hotels, he leads the evaluation, priority setting, deployment and management of current and future technology products, services and systems for the company.
Mayank Sharma
Assistant Vice President - FinanceMayank is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Delhi University. He has been associated with Lemon Tree Hotels since 2012 and is a key member of finance team with excellent analytical skills and results driven attitude. Prior to joining Lemon Tree Hotels, he was working with the assurance arm of Ernst & Young.
Devinder Kumar
Vice President – Revenue Management & DistributionDevinder has a B.Sc. and a Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM, Shimla. He has studied Revenue Management and Dynamic Pricing at IIM, Ahmedabad. With more than 20 years of experience, Devinder came on board Lemon Tree Hotels in 2010 and has contributed to the Revenue Management and Distribution Team ever since. He has also handled diverse responsibilities in Operations & Sales across hotel brands like ITC Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Marriott and The Grand, New Delhi.
Naresh Kumar
Assistant Vice President – MaterialsNaresh is a postgraduate in Commerce from the University of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. During a career spanning more than 25 years, he has worked with Grand Hyatt, Park Royal, Imperial Hotel and Shangri-la Hotel. He has worked with Lemon Tree Hotels since 2007 in the Purchase Department. His last assignment was Assistance Purchase Manager at Shangri-la Hotel.
Pooch Policy - Canines (K9)
We love dogs, which is why we have adopted a street dog across almost all of our 100+ hotels. We name the dog, inoculate it and feed it well. Watch the video for a typical day in the life of a K9 at Lemon Tree Hotels. Enjoy!
Youtube Video
Artificer Polytechnus Keswani aka Street Arthur
Assistant Manager, Chairman’s Office Lemon Tree Hotels
Artificer, who was earlier serving as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairdog, has been elevated to the position of Assistant Manager, Chairman’s Office with immediate effect, on account of the sad demise of Sparky Keswani (who was also our Company Mascot) on 1st August, 2017. Artificer, will be personally inducted into his new role by the Chairman himself, as he steps into the illustrious paw-th of his predecessor.
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Knotty aka Not-Yet-A-Tree
Associate, K9 squadKnotty, a honey blonde Indian dog, thrives at the Lemon Tree Hotel, Ahmedabad. The alcohol-free, mostly vegetarian environment of the city appears to suit his spiritual nature, demonstrated by his deep desire to meditate for prolonged periods, in absolute silence. Curious guests may however spot him vociferously loitering just outside the coffee shop kitchen at lunch time only (1 pm to 2 pm, daily).
Potty aka Pot Tree
Training AssociatePot Tree, a male dog, resides at the Lemon Tree Hotel, Aurangabad. His aimless (to the ignorant) scampering fueled by his incredibly high metabolism has led to a prophetic nickname. Due to his swift intake, speedy throughput and copious output, Potty represents our core value of "Excellence".
S'Paw
Spouse of PottyS'Paw, a female dog, cohabits with Potty in the sylvan surrounds of the Lemon Tree Hotel, Aurangabad. A confident and affectionate dog, s'Paw can normally be found gamboling in the front lawns of the hotel or hanging about near the greenhouse in the backyard.
Ouch
Associate, K9 SquadOuch, a white Indian dog of male persuasion, lives in the Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh. With his charming yet playful nature and propensity to jump in and out of nearby bushes, he has already acquired a female fan following in the neighborhood.
S'leepee
Canine Resource Associate, K9 squadS'leepee, a multi-hued Indian dog, resides at the south east corner of the Lemon Tree Hotel, Chennai. An ascetic by inclination, S'leepee prefers a simple meal of curd rice or on Sundays, idli and coconut chutney.
Byte
Associate, K9 SquadByte, a silky tan and white female dog lives in the basement of the Lemon Tree Hotel, Electronics City, Bengaluru. Her focus on 3 principles: eat, love and play symbolizes Lemon Tree Hotels yearning for simplicity.
Nip'n'run aka Nipper
Accounts Associate, K9 squadNipper a brainy blonde male dog, resides at the south west corner of Lemon Tree Hotel, Indore, adjoining the staff entrance gate. Nipper would embody our core value of "Inquisitiveness", had we such a value.
Lottery aka Lot Tree
Associate, K9 squadLot Tree, a black and white female dog of indeterminate origin, frisks around the Lemon Tree Hotel, UdyogVihar, Gurgaon. As far as we can tell, her skill set indicates a marked preference for games-of-chance and somnolence. Lottery embodies our core value of 'Fun'.
Snippy aka Snippet-Of-A-Tree
Associate, K9 squadSnippy, a richly bewhiskered chocolate brown dog presently frolics at the Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort, Alleppey, Kerala. Snippy may symbolize our core value of 'Integrity' as she never shirks any of her self-assigned duties, no matter how inscrutable these may appear to be.
Tommy aka Tom Tree
Top Dog, Guest Protection Services, Pune RegionTom Tree, a male tan and white Indian dog, is located at the Lemon Tree Hotel, Hinjawadi, Pune. Tom Tree embodies our core value of "Respect and Concern for others" and is responsible for guarding. Update: Subsequent to his confirmation and assurance of a steady job at the hotel, Tommy has started a family. Lemon Tree is delighted to introduce these three new additions to the group: Tic, Tac and Toe.
Lemo
Deputy AssociateIn keeping with our mantra to reduce bureaucracy, Lemo has been hired as Deputy Assistant Associate to the Assistant Deputy Manager reporting to the Executive Assistant to the Chairman. His purview is to make management lean.
Blotch
Horticulture AssociateBlotch, a white, tan and brown Indian dog lives in the Rock Garden of the Lemon Tree Premier, HITEC City, Hyderabad. In spite of the natural camouflage offered by his coat, he may occasionally be glimpsed from guest rooms facing the South West.
Foxy
Foxy, a black and beige pup resides in Red Fox Hotel, East Delhi and can often be spotted at the perimeter of the hotel slightly recumbent. Having acquired a gourmet’s taste for bread, she now enjoys a position among the ranks (and hearts) of the neighborhood bakers.
Pixy
Pixy is an angelic white dog with gentle eyes who lives in Red Fox Hotel, Jaipur. Playful by nature, she is frequently seen bouncing outdoors with sudden bursts of inexplicable intensity.
Roxy
Training AssociateRoxy is the cutest kid on the block. This cuddly beige ball of joy is often seen basking in the sun and rolling around in the lush green grass of Red Fox Hotel, Hyderabad’s Heritage Garden. With the classiest bowtie around, this bonny hound is the apple of everyone’s eye.
Snuggles aka Eat Tree
K9 SquadSnuggles, a black and white Indian dog resides in the Lemon Tree Premier at St. Johns road, Bengaluru. Snuggles seems to like snuggling and cuddling.
Pointy
Assistant Administrative OfficerPointy, a beige Indian dog of female gender resides all over the Lemon Tree Hotel, Shimona, Chennai. Her name is derived from her ability to always face North, no matter what the temptation to turn elsewhere.
Geek
Customer Analytics SpecialistGeek, a yellow Labrador Retriever typically lounges within a 14.35 meter radius of the coffee shop kitchen. His ability to collect, analyse and review customer behaviour helps the hotel to anticipate the changing needs of customers and deliver guest delight.
Battery a.k.a Bat Tree
K9 security squadBattery a.k.a Bat Tree is an Indian male dog who generally resides in the North West quadrant of the Lemon Tree Hotel, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. His nocturnal habit of stealthy patrolling is greatly aided by his pitch black color.
Queen Mala aka Ma’ lady
Wellness AssociateAll dressed in charcoal grey and white, Queen Mala is as exquisite as her name. Perfectly sculptured and with deep pristine eyes, this charmer with a slightly husky bark, can be found engaging with the hotel staff as if to check on every ones well-being and health.