IHCL Partners with ESSEC Academy to Strengthen Leadership Development
Acknowledging the shifting dynamics of the global hospitality sector, the company has co-created a five-day immersive learning experience with ESSEC Academy, Singapore.
By SOH Edit Team
In line with its People First culture and commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has entered into a strategic partnership with ESSEC Academy, Singapore, to launch a tailored leadership development initiative.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, stated, “Aligned with our strategic growth roadmap Accelerate 2030, IHCL places a strong emphasis on developing leadership capabilities across managerial levels. As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to nurturing our talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Through curated international programmes, such as this partnership with ESSEC Academy, we aim to create talent pools for the future to build on our century-old legacy of innovation and business excellence.”
The General Managers Studio – ‘Persona Meets Purpose
As part of this collaboration, IHCL has curated a five-day immersive leadership programme titled The General Managers Studio – Persona Meets Purpose, in partnership with ESSEC Academy, Singapore. This initiative reinforces IHCL’s focus on building a robust leadership pipeline and enhancing managerial excellence.
The programme is designed to strengthen future leadership capabilities by focusing on:
- Managing emotional intelligence and global traits in a disruptive environment
- Responding to evolving stakeholder expectations
- Scaling the growth mindset
- Leveraging innovation and sustainability
Participants will engage in expert-led lectures, peer-to-peer learning, collaborative group projects, reflective exercises, and hands-on experiential modules, ensuring a holistic and impactful learning experience.
Deepening a Multi-Faceted Partnership
ESSEC is globally ranked among the top business schools and is renowned for its excellence in hospitality management education.
Vincenzo Vinzi, Dean and President, ESSEC Business School, remarked, “This is a significant milestone in the growing India-France collaboration in education, leadership and innovation. With dedicated pathways for talent through scholarships, executive education, and industry-academic collaboration, IHCL’s legacy of excellence naturally complements ESSEC’s mission to deliver world-class training. Together, we are committed to developing responsible, future-fit leaders who are culturally aware and visionary.”
This collaboration builds on IHCL’s longstanding relationship with ESSEC. Over the past five years, both institutions have offered 100% scholarships for the MSc in Hospitality Management to young talent. Starting this year, ESSEC has introduced a one-year track for experienced professionals. Additionally, IHCL and ESSEC have jointly designed a Management & Leadership module for IHCL’s flagship Campus to Corporate – Hotelier Development Program, integrating global leadership frameworks and hospitality-focused learning experiences.