Sanjeev Pahwa

A visionary and strategic global business leader with over three decades of experience, consistently driving business growth and transformation across global, regional, and multicultural environments, even in times of rapid change. Currently serving as the principal consultant for Business Development at IHCL (Taj Hotels, Palaces, Resorts & Safari) since June 2020.

Proven expertise in P&L management, strategic business planning & execution, global sales & marketing, new business development, contract acquisition & management, brand building, and operational excellence. Strong ability to develop and nurture high-impact partnerships, optimize organizational efficiency, and drive stakeholder engagement to deliver sustainable growth.

Possesses a deep understanding of industry dynamics, emerging business models, and market expansion strategies, with a track record of translating vision into reality. Adept at building businesses from the ground up, leading large-scale projects, and fostering win-win relationships with key clients, investors, and business partners.

Highly skilled in designing and implementing innovative business strategies, optimizing systems and processes, and enhancing workforce effectiveness to maximize quality, resource utilization, and cost efficiency. A commercially astute leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong commitment to corporate sustainability, and a passion for creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and professional excellence.

• Delivered consistent improvement on all business parameters, surpassing budgets on top line & profitability, market share, guest experience management, quality management and human resources engagement
• Successfully established clear, compelling positioning for Carlson Rezidor brands in India
• Proven track record of building strong owner relationships with balanced assertiveness to align their aspirations with the goals of Carlson Rezidor
• Demonstrated ability to enhance stakeholder value by driving financial success, promoting quality driven by operational excellence
• Ensured adherence to brand mandated standards for new and existing hotels and provided technical and pre-opening support to the managed hotels
• Customized an American brand to proliferate in the Indian market
• Started the Corporate office of CDMS as the first & only employee in 1999, growing a strong team with zero attrition
• Conceptualized Country Inn & Suites by Carlson as first upper mid-tier, full service hotel to enter India & expanded growth aggressively

• Skal International Club
• Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI)

• Best Hotelier of the Year Award, Mr. Sanjeev Pahwa, VP, CDMS
• Best Luxury Hotel in Delhi NCR, Radisson Blu, Greater Noida
• Corporate Boutique Hotel of the Year, CIS Sector 29, Gurgaon
• Best New Hotel in Goa, CIS Candolim, Goa
• Best Boutique Hotel in Delhi City, Country Inn by Carlson, Saket
• Fastest Growing upscale brand in South Asia, CDMS
• Rising STAR of the Year 2012 Franchised Hotels Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel, Taj East Gate Road, Agra, GM Conference in Wuxi, China
• India Country Inns & Suites Hotel of the Year 2012 Asia Pacific, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Jalandhar, GM Conference in Wuxi, China
• Times Food and Nightlife Award for Best Chinese Restaurant of the town, CIS Jaipur - Dragon House, 2011, 2012
• CIS Hotel of the year, CIS Ahmedabad, Carlson Asia Pacific Conference 2011
• Fastest growing Hotel Management Company in India, CDMS, 27th IATO Convention 2011
• New Emerging Luxury Hotel in NCR, Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida, 27th IATO Convention 2011
• Country Inn & Suites the International Chain in Unchartered Areas, CDMS, SATTE 2009
• President Award for outstanding achievement, CIS Jaipur, Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific 2007

• Hotel Investment Conference - South Asia (HICSA)
• Hospitality Industry - Architecture, Interior Design, Management (HI AIM)
• HOSI (Hotel Operations Summit India)