- Hyatt named Chawla president, India and Southwest Asia.
- He leads strategy, growth, and performance in the region.
- Chawla led the India arm of Compass Group.
VIKAS CHAWLA IS president for India and Southwest Asia at Hyatt Hotels Corp. He leads strategy, growth and performance in the region and reports to David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific.
The appointment, effective April 1, follows expansion of Hyatt’s portfolio and pipeline in India, the company said in a statement. Chawla, who led the India arm of U.K.-based Compass Group, will focus on growth, owner partnerships and market leadership.
“The creation of this senior leadership role reflects the opportunity we see in India and our commitment to the market,” said Udell. “Over four decades, Hyatt has built a foundation in India. As we enter our next phase of growth, Vikas’ experience and leadership will bring the skills required at the top of our organization in India. His understanding of the Indian consumer will help drive growth as we expand our brands and pursue new opportunities.”
Prior to Compass, Chawla founded Raskik, which was acquired by Reliance. He spent nearly two decades at The Coca-Cola Company in leadership roles across India and Southeast Europe, including as managing director for Southeast Europe, according to Business Standard.
Chawla said he is pleased to join Hyatt as it expands in India.
“Hyatt’s brand portfolio, talent and focus on guest experience create opportunity,” he said. “My ambition is to develop Hyatt’s portfolio, make it the preferred brand among travelers in India, the best place to work in the sector and a driver of growth for Hyatt’s global portfolio.”
Dynamic market
India is a growth market for Hyatt in Asia Pacific, the statement said. Demand for travel and dining aligns with Hyatt’s offerings, driving growth. Deals signed in 2025 added nearly 5,000 rooms to its India and Southwest Asia pipeline.
With 55 hotels across nine brands in India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt will debut its first Destination by Hyatt property in Asia Pacific, Hari Bagh Jaipur, in 2026. The brand is a collection of independent hotels, resorts, and residences. Its arrival will mark Hyatt’s second collection brand in India and its third hotel in Jaipur.
Hyatt plans to strengthen its presence in Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Hyderabad and expand into leisure markets, spiritual hubs and tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India and Southwest Asia, driven by domestic travel demand.
Hyatt recently contracted Golden Buildcon to develop the 140-key Hyatt Place Ahmedabad Nikol in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, expanding its presence in the city.
