Puneet Dhawan Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia Puneet Dhawan started in Hong Kong, and is now leading 55 properties in India. Dhawan has been a part of Accor for an extensive time, in which period he has been crucial to its growth in the Indian subcontinent. Dhawan says about luxury, “Money can’t buy experience!” and its apparent that his time in different cities and around the world has made him appreciate the energy that each one has. So, when asked for his favorite cities he says, “Sydney, as it touches home and within an hour you can be amidst the best of beaches, vineyards, and mountains; Kyoto for its amazing food and serenity; Rome, for its celebrated history and amazing people, Santorini for its blue and white magic, and New York City for its vibrancy and energy.” On the work front, Dhawan has been presiding over the launch of Raffles in India, with its Udaipur opening, while Mumbai was the setting for the 20th Ibis in the country. With more developments in the pipeline, Dhawan is in for a busy 2023. “I start my day with the thought – ‘Let’s go out and change the world, one step at a time.” Samyukta Nair Co- Founder & CEO, LSL Capital Food entrepreneur Samyukta Nair first obtained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with Psychology from The City University, London, UK, before undertaking an M.Sc. in International Business from The University of Nottingham, UK. Samyukta’s discerning eye for aesthetics, teamed with an Executive MBA degree from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Switzerland, enabled her to start out as a Design and Operations Associate at The Leela Palaces, and in 2015, she launched her entrepreneurial career with Dandelion, bespoke luxury sleepwear, and lifestyle label. Exploring her love for hospitality, design & the culinary arts, she went on to open doors to her first restaurant Jamavar London, a Michelin-starred fine dining destination on Mayfair’s Mount Street in 2016. Thereafter came the hip Bombay Bustle (2017), inspired by the bustling metropolis and scrumptious comforts of Mumbai. The newly formed LSL Capital saw her open MiMi Mei Fair last year, an intimate dining experience that journeys through Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China. Recently added to her portfolio is KOYN, a contemporary izakaya “It’s important to live in the now and take each day as it comes.” inspired by the nature-spirited roots and duality of Mount Fuji, situated in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Street. Nair believes that beginning her day with a workout makes her feel great and also sets a positive mindset for the rest of the day. Reflecting on work life balance she said, “Making space for me-time is essential and that translates into spending quality time with friends and family or even something quite as simple as reading a book, going on a walk, listening to music or taking a nap.” But above all Samyukta considers her family home in Mumbai to be a true oasis. 70 | | 71
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