In Brief: Vikas Chawla has been named the new President for Hyatt’s operations in India and Southwest Asia, marking a significant change in the company’s regional leadership.
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Vikas Chawla – Image Credit Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Vikas Chawla as President – India & Southwest Asia, effective April 1, 2026, as the company advances its growth strategy in the region.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Vikas Chawla to the newly created role of President – India & Southwest Asia, effective April 1, 2026. Chawla will lead Hyatt’s business operations and strategy in India and Southwest Asia, reporting to David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific.
The appointment comes as Hyatt continues to expand in India and Southwest Asia, with deals signed in 2025 adding nearly 5,000 rooms to its regional pipeline. Hyatt currently operates 55 hotels across nine brands in India and Southwest Asia.
Chawla, an entrepreneur with over 30 years of global leadership experience in food and beverage and consulting, will oversee Hyatt’s overall strategy, growth, and performance in the region.
The first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia Pacific, Hari Bagh Jaipur, is scheduled to open in 2026. This will be the third Hyatt hotel in Jaipur and the second collection brand for Hyatt in India.
Hyatt plans to strengthen its brand presence in key gateway markets such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, and to expand into leisure markets, spiritual hubs, and select tier-two and tier-three cities across India and Southwest Asia.
