Applied to:
This award is designed to honor an exceptional manager of a luxury property who has made a significant impact on their profession. The winner will be selected based on their outstanding managerial skills, demonstrated through the successful business performance of their property, as well as their ability to maintain a high level of guest recognition and service quality. Additionally, the winner must have a proven track record in talent management and have received professional recognition by their peers. Finally, the winner should have a strong commitment to the associative life, demonstrating their involvement in various industry associations and organizations.
The project:
Shilpa Rameja is the General Manager of Taj Wellington Mews Chennai, South Asia's first luxury hotel managed entirely by women. Since joining IHCL in 2010, she has built an impressive career in sales, marketing, and hotel management, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth. She assumed her current role in 2021, leading the 112-room luxury property to new heights.
Under Shilpa’s leadership, Taj Wellington Mews Chennai has achieved remarkable financial and operational milestones. Revenue grew from INR 27.78 crore in 2022 to INR 47.04 crore in 2023, with EBITDA doubling from 17% to 34%. The hotel also boasts a significant rise in RevPAR, reaching INR 6,728 in 2023, outperforming its previous metrics.
Shilpa has also championed people-centric initiatives, reducing employee attrition from 50% to 16%. She implemented an employee engagement framework focusing on communication, recognition, career growth, and work-life balance. Her initiatives include performance appraisals, continuous conversations, and rewards programs such as STAR Awards and Employee of the Month. Training programs under her guidance emphasize skill certification, leadership development, and fostering a culture of excellence.
Taj Wellington Mews Chennai has earned prestigious accolades, including the IGBC Gold Certification for sustainability, the Traveller’s Choice Award 2023 by TripAdvisor, and a top rating from MakeMyTrip. Shilpa’s efforts have solidified the hotel’s position as a benchmark for luxury and sustainability in the region.
Shilpa’s leadership style blends operational excellence with a deep commitment to her team’s growth and well-being. Her achievements reflect a modern hospitality leader who not only drives business success but also fosters an inclusive and empowering workplace culture. Her work continues to inspire and set new standards in the luxury hospitality sector.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
