IHCL and ESSEC Academy launch leadership development program for hospitality professionals, ETTravelWorld

Indian Hotels Corporation (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced a strategic partnership with ESSEC Academy, Singapore, to launch a leadership development initiative designed to nurture the next generation of global hospitality leaders. This collaboration is aligned with IHCL’s Accelerate 2030 roadmap, and reflects its ongoing commitment to a people-first culture that prioritizes learning and development across all management levels.

Under this initiative, IHCL and ESSEC Academy developed General Managers Studio – Personality Meets Purpose, a five-day immersive program aimed at enhancing leadership capabilities among senior executives at IHCL. The curriculum integrates emotional intelligence, adaptive thinking, innovation and sustainability, enabling leaders to navigate the evolving global hospitality landscape with agility and purpose. Participants will engage in a combination of expert-led lectures, collaborative group work, peer learning, reflective exercises, and hands-on projects designed to promote inclusive leadership growth.

“In line with our strategic growth roadmap ‘Accelerate 2030’, IHCL has a keen focus on developing leadership capabilities across management 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,” said Punit Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL. “Excellence.”

Founded in 1907, ESSEC Business School is recognized globally for its excellence in business and hospitality education. Speaking about the partnership, Vincenzo Finzi, Dean and Head, ESSEC Business School said, “The signing of this strategic partnership between ESSEC Business School and the Indian Hotels Corporation Limited (IHCL) at the French Embassy is a significant milestone in the growing Indo-French collaboration in education, leadership and innovation. With dedicated talent pathways through scholarships for advanced studies, executive education programs and industry-academic collaborations, IHCL’s legacy of excellence naturally complements ESSEC’s mission of providing world-class training, we are committed to Together we develop responsible leaders who are fit for the future and make an impact, with cultural awareness and vision.

The new initiative expands IHCL’s long-standing collaboration with ESSEC. For the past five years, IHCL and ESSEC have collaborated to offer 100% scholarships to young professionals pursuing a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management. This year, ESSEC introduced a one-year track for experienced professionals, enhancing executive learning opportunities. In addition, both organizations co-created the Management and Leadership Unit for IHCL’s flagship Campus-to-Corporate Hotel Development programme, integrating global frameworks with hospitality-focused applications to enhance the growth journey of IHCL’s management trainees. Through this partnership, IHCL continues to enhance its reputation as a talent-driven organization dedicated to building future leaders who embody innovation, compassion and excellence in global hospitality.

Join a 2M+ community of industry professionals.

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest insights and analysis in your inbox.

Everything about the ETTravelWorld industry directly on your smartphone!