Shaariq Akhtar is a seasoned hospitality leader with over two decades of experience, currently serving as the General Manager of ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, an iconic 600-room hotel renowned for its spacious luxury, culinary excellence, unparalleled banqueting, and commitment to sustainability and guest warmth.
His journey began as a management trainee, progressing through diverse roles across food and beverage and hospitality operations within the organization. Shaariq’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to operational excellence, team building, and cultural stewardship. At ITC Grand Chola, he has steered multi-departmental teams through complex challenges, including guiding the hotel successfully through the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and adaptive leadership.
Known for his visionary mindset, Shaariq has been instrumental in launching innovative food and beverage brands like Yura, India’s first 5 star gelato, and was an integral part of the launch team behind the multi-award winning Avartana in Chennai, widely considered as one of Asia’s best restaurants. His strategic approach balances luxury with sustainability, championing planet-positive initiatives such as LEED Zero Carbon and Zero Water certifications that underscore ITC Hotels’ Responsible Luxury ethos.
Before his current role, Shaariq led ITC Kohenur in Hyderabad, elevating it to a market-leading position through vibrant food and beverage offerings and strong team development. His leadership style centers on mentorship, camaraderie, and community, illustrated through initiatives like Project Nur, a pioneering diversity, equity, and inclusion program, and Chola Cares, focusing on environmental, social, and governance responsibilities.
Shaariq’s distinguished career is also marked by multiple accolades, including General Manager of the Year awards at various prestigious platforms, recognizing his impact on luxury hospitality in South India.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shaariq is a passionate traveler and cultural enthusiast whose energy and creativity inspire his teams daily to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences for every guest.
Shaariq Akhtar embodies the essence of leadership in luxury hospitality: combining operational mastery, innovative thinking, and heartfelt people engagement to redefine the guest experience and set new industry standards.