Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Somusundaram S

Somusundaram S

Transformation & Turnaround Leader | Hospitality Business Head | Multi-Unit Operations & Revenue Strategist
Mumbai,MH

Summary

Strategic hospitality leader with almost 30 years of experience driving business transformation, revenue acceleration, and operational excellence across luxury hotels and international cruise operations. Excelling in pre-opening execution and revenue optimization. Recognized for transforming underperforming assets into profitable ventures through strategic cost engineering and high-performance team leadership. Expertise in P&L ownership and fostering stakeholder alignment to drive sustainable growth.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Transformation Director

Self-employeed
02.2025 - Current

A results-driven hospitality leader specializing in pre-opening execution and business transformation, with proven experience across remote locations and standalone hotel properties.

Expertise in setting up hotel operations from the ground up, including SOP development, strategic hiring, and operational structuring to ensure a strong and sustainable launch.

Demonstrated ability to streamline revenue channels, optimize costs, and implement performance-driven strategies that maximize ROI. Skilled in building market presence through brand tie-ups, corporate alliances, and business partnerships to ensure consistent revenue flow and long-term stability.

Adept at stabilizing high-attrition environments, aligning ownership expectations with operational realities, and creating scalable systems that transform underperforming assets into profitable, guest-focused businesses.

Cluster General Manager /Head of Business Development

Starlit Suites India Pvt Ltd
07.2019 - 02.2025
  • Tirupati | Kochi | Bengaluru | Chennai | Hyderabad
    Flagship: Tirupati (144 Rooms – Largest Inventory in Market)
    Spearheaded pre-opening and launch of Tirupati’s largest premium hotel asset
    Introduced first-of-its-kind rooftop swimming pool, enhancing positioning and ADR
    Leveraged direct access to Andhra Pradesh’s largest convention centre, unlocking large-scale MICE and banquet revenue
  • Business & Financial Impact
    Delivered 30% revenue growth in Year 1
    Achieved 20% increase in guest satisfaction & 15% growth in repeat business
    Reduced operating costs by 18% through procurement optimization and lean staffing
    Strengthened EBITDA performance through F&B and banquet monetization strategies
    Improved GOP margins through cost discipline and revenue mix optimization
  • Strategic Leadership
    Built complete operational ecosystem:
    SOPs
    Brand standards
    Revenue frameworks
    Guest experience architecture
    Introduced cluster-level governance systems:
    Cost control dashboards
    Revenue tracking mechanisms
    Performance benchmarking
    Led multi-city operations with centralized strategy across:
    Sales
    Procurement
    F&B
    Operational Excellence
    Implemented sustainability initiatives reducing energy consumption by 30%
    Standardized operations across cluster, improving consistency and efficiency
  • Maximized profitability with revenue management techniques such as forecasting demand patterns and adjusting pricing accordingly.
  • Improved employee morale and reduced turnover by fostering a positive work environment through open communication channels and recognition programs.
  • Established successful partnerships with local businesses to generate additional revenue streams and increase brand awareness.
  • Assured compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies throughout the properties under management.
  • Introduced first-of-its-kind rooftop swimming pool, enhancing positioning and ADR
  • Leveraged direct access to Andhra Pradesh’s largest convention centre, unlocking large-scale MICE and banquet revenue
    Business & Financial Impact
    Delivered 30% revenue growth in Year 1
    Achieved 20% increase in guest satisfaction & 15% growth in repeat business
    Reduced operating costs by 18% through procurement optimization and lean staffing
    Strengthened EBITDA performance through F&B and banquet monetization strategies
    Improved GOP margins through cost discipline and revenue mix optimization

General Manager / Business Head

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, ROHL Group
12.2016 - 07.2019
  • Led end-to-end pre-opening lifecycle and stabilized operations post-launch
  • Positioned property as market leader in MICE and events
  • Key Achievements:
    Developed 3000+ capacity event infrastructure
    Improved guest satisfaction by 30%
    Reduced attrition by 30% through culture transformation
    Increased room revenue by 25% via pricing and OTA optimization
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.

General Manager, Administration

Lemon Tree Hotel & Suites
05.2015 - 10.2016
  • Delivered 180% revenue growth
  • Maintained GOP margins exceeding 55% consistently
  • Drove business growth through targeted marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness within target markets.
  • Established clear performance metrics, monitoring progress towards organizational goals regularly.
  • Championed process improvements through regular reviews, identifying areas for optimization or redesign as needed.
  • Collaborated closely with all department heads to ensure seamless coordination of projects across the organization.
  • Innovated new approaches to problem-solving which resulted in greater overall efficiency within the workplace.

Resident Manager / F&B Head

Royal Palms Resort & Spa
01.2014 - 05.2015
  • Managed 600+ keys and 30 banquet venues
  • Achieved ₹2 Cr monthly revenue benchmark
  • Led marquee events:
    MasterChef Australia Tour
    IPL Launch
    LIC Diamond Club
  • Provided for peaceful and safe tenant relations through complaint management and conflict resolution.
  • Adapted marketing strategies to target demographics, effectively filling vacancies with suitable residents.
  • Organized and supervised staff, ensuring high levels of cleanliness and maintenance were consistently achieved.
  • Increased satisfaction scores by promptly addressing maintenance requests and resolving issues in a timely manner.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure cost-effective services for property maintenance and improvements.

Bar Utility - Head of Operations

MSC Cruises / Celebrity Cruises
04.2005 - 01.2014
  • Progressed to Head Bartender & Guest Relations Leader
  • Managed beverage operations across 25+ outlets
  • Delivered strong onboard revenue performance and guest satisfaction
  • Ensured compliance with USPH & international standards
  • Increased Guest satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and ensuring timely resolutions.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for staff, enhancing team performance and skill sets.
  • Implemented risk assessment procedures to minimize potential disruptions across all areas of operation.

Trainee

Taj Mahal Hotel
06.2001 - 05.2005
  • Core team member in flagship restaurant launch
  • Strong grounding in fine dining and SOP discipline
  • Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
  • Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
  • Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
  • Supported departmental tasks to increase understanding of industry processes.
  • Promoted positive collaboration among trainees, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.
  • Interacted with customers under supervision to support operational objectives.
  • Enhanced trainee experience by developing comprehensive orientation programs and hands-on training sessions.
  • Assisted in conducting market research, providing valuable data for strategy development.

Chef Trainee

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
05.1999 - 06.2001
  • Part of the opening Team at Frangipani
  • Culinary foundation with focus on luxury standards and hygiene excellence
  • Maintained safety standards by adhering to proper food handling procedures and cleanliness guidelines.
  • Streamlined plating process with proper portion control, reducing food waste and increasing profits.
  • Shadowed head chef on inventory management tasks, gaining valuable knowledge about ordering supplies and minimizing costs.
  • Developed expertise in multiple stations within the kitchen, increasing versatility as a chef trainee and supporting team cohesion during busy shifts.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and delicious dishes.
  • Increased kitchen efficiency by assisting in food preparation and maintaining a clean work environment.

Education

MBA - Marketing Management And Research

Institute of Technology & Management Studies
Mumbai, India
04.2001 -

Post Graduate Diploma - Tourism And Hotel Management

Institute of Technology & Management Studies
Mumbai, India
04.2001 -

Craft Course in Food Production - Food Production & Patisserie

Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology
Mumbai, India
04.2001 -

Skills

Scaling multi-property portfolios

Leading large-format pre-openings and asset builds

Delivering sustained EBITDA growth and GOP optimization

Structuring high-performance teams across geographies

Recognized for converting underperforming assets into high-yield, profit-driven businesses through disciplined execution, strong financial acumen, guest-centric innovation, and intelligent cost engineering

P&L Ownership EBITDA & GOP Optimization

Multi-Unit & Cluster Operations Leadership

Pre-Opening, Asset Development & Market Positioning

F&B Revenue Strategy & Banquet Monetization

Owner & Stakeholder Alignment

SOP Implementation & Brand Standardization

Cost Engineering, Procurement & Lean Operations

Revenue Channel Optimization & Dynamic Pricing

Large-Scale Team Leadership (500 Workforce)Sustainability & Operational Efficiency

Timeline

Transformation Director

Self-employeed
02.2025 - Current

Cluster General Manager /Head of Business Development

Starlit Suites India Pvt Ltd
07.2019 - 02.2025

General Manager / Business Head

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, ROHL Group
12.2016 - 07.2019

General Manager, Administration

Lemon Tree Hotel & Suites
05.2015 - 10.2016

Resident Manager / F&B Head

Royal Palms Resort & Spa
01.2014 - 05.2015

Bar Utility - Head of Operations

MSC Cruises / Celebrity Cruises
04.2005 - 01.2014

Trainee

Taj Mahal Hotel
06.2001 - 05.2005

MBA - Marketing Management And Research

Institute of Technology & Management Studies
04.2001 -

Post Graduate Diploma - Tourism And Hotel Management

Institute of Technology & Management Studies
04.2001 -

Craft Course in Food Production - Food Production & Patisserie

Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology
04.2001 -

Chef Trainee

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
05.1999 - 06.2001
Somusundaram STransformation & Turnaround Leader | Hospitality Business Head | Multi-Unit Operations & Revenue Strategist