Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Vikas Chawla as President – India & Southwest Asia, marking a key leadership move as the company accelerates expansion in one of its fastest-growing markets. The newly created role, effective April 1, 2026, signals Hyatt’s intent to deepen its footprint across India and the broader region. Chawla will report to David Udell and will oversee strategy, growth and performance. With over 30 years of global experience, he is expected to drive Hyatt’s brand-led expansion and strengthen its position among premium travellers. “The scale of opportunity in India is immense,” Udell said, highlighting the need for strong leadership to steer the next growth phase.
The appointment comes as Hyatt records strong momentum, with nearly 5,000 rooms added to its India and Southwest Asia pipeline in 2025. The company currently operates 55 hotels across nine brands and plans to expand further in major gateway cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Hyderabad, alongside tier-two and tier-three destinations.
Chawla said his focus will be on making Hyatt the preferred hospitality brand for travellers and employees in India while contributing significantly to its global portfolio. In Kolkata, the city is emerging as a key hospitality hub in eastern India, driven by rising business travel, cultural tourism and improved connectivity. Industry experts believe Hyatt’s expansion strategy could tap into this growing demand, positioning Kolkata as a strategic gateway for both domestic and international travellers.