The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School has appointed Rocky Kalra as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing more than three decades of experience in hospitality, leadership, people development, psychology, counselling and wellness to the role.

A senior professional with a long association with The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, Kalra has worked across several leading hospitality brands in India. His diverse experience will support the School’s focus on developing skilled hospitality professionals who are prepared for the changing demands of the global hospitality industry.

Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, ““Rocky Kalra’s appointment is an important step in strengthening the vision of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School. His experience in hospitality leadership, along with his understanding of psychology, wellness and people development, brings a well-rounded perspective to hospitality education. We are confident that under his leadership, the School will nurture skilled, empathetic and future-ready hospitality professionals.”

Kalra said, “I am honoured to take on the responsibility of leading The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School at a time when the hospitality industry is evolving rapidly. I believe education must go beyond imparting technical knowledge—it must nurture empathy, emotional intelligence, resilience and a genuine understanding of people. My endeavour will be to create an environment where aspiring hospitality professionals are empowered to grow not only as skilled professionals, but as confident, compassionate and future-ready leaders,” said Rocky Kalra, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School.

Shaping the Future of Hospitality Education

As CEO, Kalra will lead the strategic direction of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School, with priorities including strengthening academic programmes, developing industry partnerships and preparing students for careers in a rapidly changing hospitality sector.

His approach places equal importance on technical knowledge and the human skills that are essential in hospitality. Empathy, emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to build genuine connections are central to his vision for hospitality education.

With the hospitality industry becoming increasingly focused on personalised service and people-led experiences, Kalra’s experience offers a perspective that extends beyond hotel operations and management.

Three Decades of Hospitality Experience

Kalra’s career includes senior leadership positions with Bharat Hotels, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, ITC Hotels, Costa Coffee and The Park. During his senior operations roles with The LaLiT, he worked across a diverse portfolio of hotels and multicultural teams. His responsibilities included operations, service standards, business growth, team development and guest experience.

This extensive operational background has given him an understanding of the skills hospitality professionals need on the ground, from delivering high service standards to managing teams and responding to the expectations of today’s travellers.

Bringing Psychology and Wellness Into Leadership

A distinctive aspect of Kalra’s professional journey is his work in counselling and personal development alongside his hospitality career. For more than two decades, he has supported individuals dealing with personal and interpersonal challenges, helping them develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships.

Kalra is also a trained psychologist and certified Yoga teacher. His work incorporates positive psychology, mindfulness, meditation, deep listening, empathy and compassionate communication. For him, personal wellbeing and professional success are closely connected. He believes healthier individuals and stronger teams can create more meaningful and sustainable professional environments.

A People Focused Approach to Hospitality Careers

This philosophy will form an important part of Kalra’s vision for The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School. He believes future hospitality leaders need more than operational expertise and business knowledge.

The industry also needs professionals who can understand people, manage emotions, build trust and remain resilient in demanding environments. His approach aims to prepare students not only for successful hospitality careers, but also for leadership roles that require awareness, compassion and strong interpersonal skills.

Academically, Kalra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Delhi, a qualification in Business Administration and Management from Cornell University, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from École Supérieure Robert de Sorbon.

With experience spanning hospitality operations, leadership, psychology, counselling and wellness, Rocky Kalra’s appointment brings a broad perspective to hospitality education and supports The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School’s goal of preparing the next generation of capable, confident and people-focused hospitality leaders.

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