The Leela Unveils Centre of Excellence to Train 3,000 Hospitality Professionals
The Leela Centre of Excellence is a strategic initiative, developed with Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University, which aims to train over 3,000 associates.
By SOH Edit Team
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of the Leela Centre of Excellence (LCoE), a strategic initiative focused on building a future-ready hospitality workforce. The move comes as the luxury hospitality brand prepares to expand from 15 to 24 hotels over the next three years. The Centre is expected to support the induction, training and development of more than 3,000 associates across The Leela ecosystem.
Industry and Academic Collaboration
Developed in collaboration with Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University, the LCoE integrates academic learning with operational hospitality training. The Centre is housed within the GD Goenka School of Hospitality & Culinary Management and spans approximately 9,600 sq. ft. of dedicated infrastructure, including classrooms, training kitchens, an auditorium, and residential facilities.
The programme will offer structured academic pathways, including a BBA in Hospitality aligned with NEP 2020, alongside dual certifications from Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University, creating globally benchmarked learning opportunities.
Focus on Leadership and Service Excellence
The Leela Centre of Excellence will serve as the umbrella platform for several existing learning initiatives, including the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), The Leela Palace Services Programme (TLPS), LEAD (Leela Executive Accelerated Development Programme), and Chefs at The Leela. The initiative also includes specialised training in butler services, culinary excellence, leadership development and soft skills.
The company plans to annually invest in capability-building initiatives impacting over 650 associates and managers. This includes leadership and functional development for more than 250 managers, operational training for over 220 associates, and advanced culinary training for 30 professionals each year.
Leadership Perspective
Commenting on the launch, Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said the initiative reflects the brand’s long-term commitment to strengthening its people, culture and service standards as it enters a new phase of growth.
Nipun Goenka, MD, GD Goenka Group and Pro-Chancellor, GD Goenka University, highlighted the partnership’s shared vision of building future-ready hospitality talent grounded in values, capability and purpose.
Prof. Rajiv Gulshan, Dean of Le Cordon Bleu and Centre Director of the Leela Centre of Excellence, added that the collaboration aims to create professionals equipped with technical expertise, service excellence and global hospitality standards.
