The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts has appointed Roger Wright as the new general manager of the group’s property in Gurgaon, a fast-rising satellite of New Delhi. The five-star Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (N.C.R.) opened last July and has been running close to 100 percent occupancy ever since.

A seasoned hotelier with more than three decades of international experience in Asia and the Pacific, Wright has held senior management positions with some of the world’s leading hospitality brands including Hyatt International, Starwood and Swissôtel.

Wright joins The Leela group from the award-winning luxury resort, Hayman Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia where he served as general manager. A native New Zealander, Wright is no stranger to India having served as general manager at the Hyatt Regency in Mumbai. His varied assignments and managerial roles at five-star properties have taken him to iconic resorts, award-winning business hotels and multi-use properties in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan.

Wright brings a broad range of operational and marketing talents to his new post, along with a personal commitment to further develop an environment where the Leela’s guests are able to

experience firsthand the attributes of India: the natural warmth of its people, its deep spirituality and the country’s rich culture.
Speaking on Wright’s appointment, Rajiv Kaul, President, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “In a short span, The Leela Gurgaon has firmly positioned itself as a leading luxury hotel in the NCR region. Under Roger’s dynamic leadership and passion for excellence, we are certain that Leela Gurgaon shall attain even higher levels of success.”

Commenting on being part of the senior management team of The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Wright said,’’ I am delighted to be back in India and to join a highly-respected hotel group with ambitious expansion plans and a clear vision for the future. I am committed to leading an already successful team to achieving further milestones and even greater recognition for innovation and outstanding quality, service and performance.”

Wright received a degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Canterbury, Christ Church, New Zealand.