Deutsche Hospitality CEO Puneet Chhatwal leaves at the end of 2017 to become managing director and CEO at the Tata group’s Indian Hotels Co. Ltd., which manages the Taj brand, following the May resignation of Rakesh Sarna.
The 53-year-old Chhatwal, who has been CEO at Deutsche (formerly Steigenberger Hotels AG) since 2012 and oversaw its rebrand last year, is a Delhi University graduate who has worked in hospitality for over 30 years, including a long stint as development chief at Rezidor Hotel Group.
“Mr Chhatwal’s extensive experience in the global hospitality sector including his ability to drive performance, turn around assets and build great teams will be very valuable for IHCL as it looks to strengthen and expand its position in the market,” said IHCL Chairman Mr. N Chandrasekaran.
“IHCL has some of the most iconic hotel properties in India and at key gateway locations across the world, and I look forward to working with the talented teams in IHCL and under Mr. Chandrasekaran’s leadership of the Tata Group to take this iconic company forward,” said Chhatwal.
Sarna, who is reportedly leaving his post at the end of September, is stepping down for personal reasons. He joined IHCL in September 2014 as a high-profile appointment of then Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry. When Mistry left there was speculation that Sarna would follow.
A successor for Chhatwal has not yet been chosen, according to a statement from Deutsche.