News

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of the Leela Centre of Excellence (LCoE), a strategic initiative designed to build a future-ready talent pipeline.

As the company plans to expand from 15 to 24 hotels over the next three years, the initiative is expected to play a key role in inducting, training, and developing more than 3,000 associates across The Leela’s luxury ecosystem. The LCoE will focus on strengthening leadership capabilities, operational excellence, and service standards to support the brand’s long-term growth strategy.

Partnership and Infrastructure

Developed in association with Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University, part of the GD Goenka Group operating over 150+ K12 schools across the country, the LCoE strengthens The Leela’s learning ecosystem during a key phase of the brand’s expansion.

Spread across approximately 9,600 sq. ft. of infrastructure within the 50,000 sq. ft. GD Goenka School of Hospitality & Culinary Management, the Centre includes classrooms, an auditorium, specialised training kitchens, and integrated residential and recreational facilities.

Guided by faculty and industry practitioners, the Centre combines academic learning with hospitality training and introduces academic pathways such as a BBA in Hospitality aligned with NEP 2020, along with dual certifications through Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University.

Talent Development and Training

As The Leela expands its hospitality portfolio, the LCoE is also positioned as a long-term investment in hospitality talent development. The company will annually invest in structured learning and capability-building initiatives impacting over 650 associates and managers.

This includes leadership and functional development programmes for more than 250 managers through its Leela Executive Accelerated Development (LEAD) programme, along with academic and operational training for associates across The Leela Palace Services (TLPS), Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), and Butler Development programmes.

The initiative will also include soft skills training for over 200 associates annually and culinary capability-building under Shefs at The Leela for 30 culinary professionals each year.

Official Statements

Speaking on the occasion, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said: “As we celebrate four decades of True Indian Luxury, the launch of the Leela Centre of Excellence (LCoE) marks an important step in strengthening the foundation of our growth. As we expand, it is critical that our people, culture and service standards evolve with consistency. The LCoE brings together global partnerships and operational depth to build a strong pipeline of talent aligned with our values. It is an investment in people, culture and capability that will support our next phase of growth.”

Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka Group and Pro-Chancellor of GD Goenka University, said: “Our association with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts for the Leela Centre of Excellence reflects a shared commitment to building future-ready talent for the hospitality industry. The Leela stands at the epitome of true Indian luxury, and it is a privilege to partner with a brand that has consistently set benchmarks in service, culture and excellence.”

Prof Rajiv Gulshan, Dean of Le Cordon Bleu and Centre Director, Leela Centre of Excellence, said: “The collaboration between Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Le Cordon Bleu along with GD Goenka University is designed to develop talent equipped with both technical mastery and a deep understanding of service, culture and international standards.”

Existing Programmes Under LCoE

The Leela Centre of Excellence will serve as the central hub for The Leela’s learning ecosystem, bringing together programmes including the Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), The Leela Palace Services Programme (TLPS), Leela Executive Accelerated Development Programme (LEAD), and Shefs at The Leela.