Hyatt Advances Next Phase of Growth in India: Appoints Vikas Chawla as President, India and Southwest Asia

Hyatt has announced a major leadership move to accelerate its growth in India and Southwest Asia: Vikas Chawla has been appointed President – India & Southwest Asia, effective April 1, 2026.

New senior role:
This is a newly created position, reflecting Hyatt’s commitment to India as one of its most strategically important growth markets.

Growth momentum:
In 2025 alone, Hyatt added nearly 5,000 rooms to its pipeline in India and Southwest Asia, underscoring strong expansion.

Leadership profile:
Chawla is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of global experience in food & beverage and consulting. He has a proven track record of building brands, scaling businesses, and driving strategic expansion.

Strategic focus:
He will lead Hyatt’s overall strategy, growth, and performance in the region, reporting to David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific.

Future plans:
Hyatt is set to debut its first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia Pacific—Hari Bagh Jaipur—in 2026, marking its third hotel in Jaipur. The company also plans to strengthen its presence in gateway cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, while expanding into leisure destinations, spiritual hubs, and tier-two and tier-three cities.

This appointment signals Hyatt’s intent to make India not just a growth market but a pillar of its global portfolio, aligning with rising demand for premium travel, luxury experiences, and differentiated dining.