KASHIF AZIZ
Summary
Experienced hospitality executive with 21 years in hotel operations, pre-opening projects, revenue management, and guest satisfaction. Managed multiple hotel portfolios in key Indian markets, emphasizing profitability, team development, and operational excellence. Skilled in leading large teams, overseeing major MICE venues, and driving consistent business growth. Successfully managed one of Delhi-NCR's largest convention centers, achieving 20% year-on-year revenue growth. Demonstrated ability to establish brand alignment, execute business strategies, and surpass guest expectations in high-volume hospitality settings.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Director, Haryana
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2024 - Current
- Managing a portfolio of 26 hotels with over 2400 rooms across Haryana and adjacent markets.
- Driving revenue strategy, performance metrics, and financial oversight across all properties.
- Accountable for full P&L oversight, achieving EBITDA exceeding 50% by stringent expense management and operational efficiencies.
- Implementing brand-wide service excellence programs to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Led the cluster to an improved RGI index by 12% from FY 23-24 to 24-25.
- Managed one of Delhi-NCR's largest integrated hotel and convention centers (25,000+ sq.). ft).
- Delivered 20% YoY revenue growth at one of Delhi-NCR's largest integrated hotel-convention venues (85,000+ sq. ft).
- Coordinating with corporate and regional teams for operational alignment, and strategic planning.
- Rolled out brand-wide guest service excellence and talent development programs.
- Monitored regional performance metrics, providing timely feedback and implementing corrective actions when necessary to ensure goals were achieved consistently across all locations.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the company while safeguarding its reputation in the market.
Area General Manager - Gurgaon
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Directed operations for 6 high-performing hotels with 550 rooms in a competitive market.
- Enhanced profitability through cost control, upselling strategies, and efficiency drives.
- Introduced cluster-level marketing campaigns that boosted direct bookings by 15%.
- Built and retained corporate business relationships with Fortune 500 clients.
- Monitored service quality through audit systems, driving consistent guest ratings above 4.5/5.
- Exceeded revenue targets by effectively managing budgets, resources, and financial performance metrics.
- Implemented effective cost control measures that led to significant reductions in operational expenses while maintaining high-quality service standards.
- Conducted thorough analysis of competitors'' strategies allowing us to stay ahead of market trends resulting in competitive advantage.
Regional General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
09.2019 - 03.2023
- Led a cluster of Lemon Tree Premier and Red Fox (500 keys total) in a prime location.
- Improved TripAdvisor rankings and guest sentiment scores by implementing real-time feedback loops.
- Mentored over 20 department heads across hotels, many of whom moved into leadership roles.
Regional General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Oversaw 4 boutique and midscale properties with a combined 271 rooms.
- Standardized SOPs and ensured compliance across diverse teams and operations.
- Improved operational KPIs through focused cost control and yield management.
Regional General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed three upscale business hotels with 350 rooms, and large banquet offerings.
- Launched corporate MICE initiatives and multi-property group bookings.
- Drove 90%+ occupancy during peak periods through strategic segment mix management.
Pre-Opening General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2016 - 03.2017
- Successfully opened a 250-room hotel cluster on schedule and under budget.
- Introduced a groundbreaking inclusive workforce model with 50% specially-abled employees.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and maintained a clean environment to minimize risk of accidents or violations.
- Maximized profit margins by negotiating vendor contracts, controlling inventory levels, and optimizing pricing strategies.
- Developed a strong team culture through effective communication, motivation, and performance evaluations.
- Collaborated with civic bodies and HR consultants for infrastructure and inclusive hiring.
General Manager Roles
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2013 - 03.2016
- Managed high-volume city hotels ranging from 81-207 rooms.
- Drove RevPAR improvements and enhanced service scores through personalized guest programs.
- Led training initiatives on behavioral and complaint resolution.
Resident Manager & EAM
Lemon Tree Premier
10.2010 - 03.2013
- Played a key role in opening and stabilizing Lemon Tree Premier in Bangalore.
- Oversaw F&B, front office, and engineering; coordinated with corporate office for audits and branding.
- Introduced green initiatives including water recycling and energy optimization.
Sales Manager
Lemon Tree Hotel Electronic City
11.2008 - 09.2010
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
- Successfully captured key accounts and converted them into regular business pipelines.
- Conducted aggressive market blitz campaigns in Banglore and other cities like Indore, Chennai, Gurgaon and East Delhi as a part of task force.
Earlier Roles
Lemon Tree Hotels & Country Inns & Suites
01.2004 - 11.2008
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Served in multiple operational departments including Sales, F&B, and Training.
- Completed Management Trainee Program, graduating into operational leadership roles.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Hotel Management and Catering Technology
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management
Senior Secondary - CBSE
Delhi Public School
Skills
- MS Office Suite
- PMS & MIS Reporting Tools
- Hotel Management Software
- Organizational strategy development
- Budget oversight
- Team leadership training
Accomplishments
- Led the successful pre-opening and operations of 5 hotels across India, ensuring timely launches and strong market positioning.
- Awarded 'General Manager of the Year' by BW Hotelier Award in the Economy Segment for exceptional leadership and performance.
- Managed one of Delhi-NCR's largest convention centres and achieved 10% annual growth in convention revenues.
- Spearheaded a diversity initiative by recruiting and integrating 50% specially-abled team members in a flagship property.
Languages
English
Hindi
Timeline
Area Director, Haryana
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2024 - Current
Area General Manager - Gurgaon
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2023 - 03.2024
Regional General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
09.2019 - 03.2023
Regional General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
08.2018 - 08.2019
Regional General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2017 - 07.2018
Pre-Opening General Manager
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2016 - 03.2017
General Manager Roles
Lemon Tree Hotels
04.2013 - 03.2016
Resident Manager & EAM
Lemon Tree Premier
10.2010 - 03.2013
Sales Manager
Lemon Tree Hotel Electronic City
11.2008 - 09.2010
Earlier Roles
Lemon Tree Hotels & Country Inns & Suites
01.2004 - 11.2008
Senior Secondary - CBSE
Delhi Public School
Bachelor's Degree - Hotel Management and Catering Technology
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management
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