Management Team

Mr Samir M C, Managing Director

With full responsibility for the leadership and development of Fortune Hotels, Samir plays a key role in meeting the company’s aggressive growth goals as well as building on the brand’s outstanding reputation for providing efficient service to the customers as well as to the promoters. He brings with him incredibly strong knowledge and experience, which will be vital as the brand continues to increase its presence in India.

As Managing Director of FPHL, Samir would also oversee the functioning of the WelcomHeritage brand.

A Masters of Business Administration degree from University of Southern Queensland, Australia and Diploma in Hotel Management from IHMCTAN, Ahmedabad, he has rich and valuable Operational & Sales experience of over two decades across Asia.

Prior to joining Fortune Hotels, he worked with InterContinental Hotels Group for 22 years in operational and leadership roles at various locations in India, Southeast Asia and Korea.

Mr. Arindam Kunar, Vice President - Operations

Mandated with overall operations and performance of all hotels in the portfolio to enhance stakeholder value, Arindam is responsible for optimum operational performance, compelling guest experiences, people and process development and ownership engagement.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, PUSA, New Delhi, Arindam’s career spans over 27 years with organizations like Choice Hotels, Hyatt, Taj Hotels and IHG. Awarded as the General Manager of the Year Award 2014 for Crowne Plaza brand across Asia Middle East and Africa, Arindam specialized in rooms division after which, he honed his skills in Revenue Management and Marketing. He has held multiple leadership roles in the capacity of General Manager & Area General Manager and also sharpened his asset management skills with brief roles at DLF and Emaar Entertainment, Dubai. Arindam has deep insights in driving operational efficiencies, improving guest delight, people engagement practices and enhancing returns for shareholders.

Arindam continued to advance his expertise and knowledge with a various general management programmes at IIM–Bangalore, IIM-Ahmedabad, TATA Management Development Centre, Centre for Creative Leadership & a CHBA certification from HSMAI.

Mr. Dhananjay Saliankar, Head – Sales & Marketing

Dhananjay is a key member of the Fortune Executive Leadership team and drives the chain’s Sales and Distribution, Marketing and Revenue strategy. With over twenty five years in the hospitality industry, Dhananjay provides strategic insights to drive the top line business of the chain. Dhanajay would also oversee the Sales & Marketing function of the WelcomHeritage brand. Throughout his career as a Sales and Marketing professional, Dhananjay has worked for some of the most sought-after brands in the industry in a diverse range of regional and corporate roles where he successfully led the sales and marketing strategy and managed global teams. Prior to this role, he was Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, South Asia at the erstwhile Starwood Hotels & Resorts. 

Mr. Jugal K Batra, Vice President - Finance

Mr. Jugal Batra, a Chartered Accountant by profession, has been with the ITC group for over 20 years. He has held positions in the Company’s various Divisions, including Paperboards & Specialty Paper, Lifestyle Retailing and Hotels.

Mr Kovid Sharma, Head – Human Resources

Kovid manages the Human Resources function and is responsible for People Strategy, Services, Policies and Programs for the company.

He has an extensive background in Human Resources and brings with him 16 years of experience out of which 10 years have been in Leadership roles across geographies and cultures. He holds a Masters degree in Industrial Relations and HR from The University of Sydney. He carries a solid track record of HR transformations and digitization and has worked in various industries - Travel, Financial Services, Business Process Outsourcing and Information Technology.