The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a major hospitality group with some of the most iconic hotel properties across India, has appointed Puneet Chhatwal as its new chief executive officer and managing director to drive performance and oversee the next phase of expansion of the hotels group.

The IHCL and its subsidiaries, collectively known as Taj Group, is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels. Incorporated by the group's founder, Jamsetji Tata, the company opened its first property, the Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, completed its centenary year in 2003.

Chhatwal is currently CEO and member of the executive board of Steigenberger Hotels AG – Deutsche Hospitality, a leading European hotel chain, said a statement from IHCL.

He is a global professional with over three decades of leadership experience in the hospitality sector, having worked for some leading hotel groups in Europe and North America after starting his career in India.

Welcoming the appointment, N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of IHCL, said: "Chhatwal’s extensive experience in the global hospitality sector including his ability to drive performance, turn around assets and build great teams will be very valuable for IHCL as it looks to strengthen and expand its position in the market."

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 98 hotels in 61 locations across the globe, including presence in India, North America, United Kingdom, Africa, Middle East, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.

From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.

On his new role, Chhatwal said: "IHCL has some of the most iconic hotel properties in India and at key gateway locations across the world. I look forward to working with the talented teams in IHCL and under Chandrasekaran’s leadership of the Tata Group to take this iconic company forward."

Chhatwal is a graduate of both Delhi University and Institute of Hotel Management, Delhi. He has completed an MBA in hospitality from ESSEC, Paris and an Advanced Management Program from Insead.-TradeArabia News Service