Rakesh Kunwar
Hospitality Leader with 23 Years of Progressive Experience
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About
A passionate, customer-centric and sales-focused hospitality leader with 23 years of progressive experience across luxury hotels, resorts, business hotels, convention properties and pre-opening projects. Proven expertise in cluster operations, hotel performance management, owner relations, revenue growth, profitability, guest experience, service excellence, asset management and multi-cultural team leadership. Experienced in senior leadership roles across India, Bangladesh, UAE and Africa, with exposure to diverse cultures, customs and socio-economic environments.
Demonstrated track record of improving top-line revenue, GOP, guest satisfaction, brand standards, operational efficiency and product enhancement. Skilled in leading large teams, managing complex operations, driving service culture and supporting new hotel projects from greenfield stage to successful operational launch. Fluent in English, Hindi and Bengali.
Willing and agile to travel.
Experience
Vice President - Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre Karjat & Radisson Collection Navi Mumbai International Airport - Mumbai, India
(2026-04)
Currently leading senior operational and strategic responsibilities for 227 Keys - Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre Karjat while overseeing the new 350 Keys - Radisson Collection Navi Mumbai International Airport from greenfield stage.
General Manager - Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre Karjat - Mumbai, India
(2023-12 - 2026-03)
Property: 227 Keys 5-Star Deluxe Luxury Resort near Mumbai, India
- Overseeing the complete project development and operational planning of the 350 Keys - Radisson Collection Navi Mumbai International Airport from greenfield stage.
- Leading overall resort operations with a top line of INR 144 Cr. and 51% GOP.
- Developing and executing strategies to improve financial results. Current H1 YTD trends are as (110 - RGI , 118 – ARI , 112.8 - MPI).
- Revenue Growth YoY : 26% from 2023 to 2024 & 28% from 2024 to 2025
- GOP Growth YoY : 42% to 46 % from 2023 to 2024 & 46% to 50.2% from 2024 to 2025.
- Achieved Employee Engagement Scores of 100% for 2024 & 2025.
- Achieved RHG QPR Audit Scores : 2024 – 95%, 2025-97.2%, 2026 – 98.1%
- 2nd Highest Revenue Generator & Profit Contributor in entire RHG South Asia portfolio.
- Successfully led the Hotel's re-classification from 5 Star to 5 Star Deluxe Category
- Driving key customer relationships through active personal involvement in the sales process.
- Overseeing annual operating budgets, capital expenditures and ROI-focused initiatives.
- Maximizing profitability through cost control, revenue optimization and operational discipline.
- Encouraging innovation, process improvement and value creation across departments.
- Maintaining strong control over payroll, equipment, supplies, wastage and other operating costs.
General Manager - DuSai Resort & Spa - Bangladesh
(2022-01 - 2023-12)
Property: Internationally acclaimed 5-Star Villa Resort & Spa
General Manager - Zabeer Hotel International - Jashore, Bangladesh
(2018-04 - 2021-12)
Property: 80 Keys first and only 5-Star Business Hotel in Southern Bangladesh. Successfully led pre-opening and operational setup for The ZABEER Jashore from project stage to operations stage. Also involved in The ZABEER Dhaka from project stage.
Hotel Manager - Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat - Mumbai, India
(2017-02 - 2018-04)
Property: 192 Keys 5-Star Luxury Resort
Rooms Division Manager - Radisson Blu Hotel - Indore, India
(2014-03 - 2017-01)
Property: 200 Keys 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Rooms Division Manager - The Pride Hotel - Ahmedabad, India
(2012-06 - 2014-02)
Property: 164 Keys 5-Star Luxury Hotel
Front Office Manager - The Park - Navi Mumbai, India
(2010-01 - 2012-12)
Front Office Manager - Speke Resort & Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort - Uganda
(2008-01 - 2010-12)
Assistant Front Office Manager / Duty Manager - Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
(2006-01 - 2008-12)
Front Office Assistant - Shift In-Charge - Trident Hilton Jaipur & Trident Hilton Agra – Oberoi Group - Jaipur & Agra, India
(2003-01 - 2006-12)
Education
B.Sc. - Hospitality & Hotel Administration - IHMCTAN Kolkata, affiliated to NCHMCT and IGNOU
Intermediate - K.M.S.S. School, Kolkata
Matriculation - K.M.S.S. School, Kolkata
