Nakul Anand: Great Hospitality Icon, Bids Farewell to ITC After 45 Years of Distinguished Leadership

Nakul Anand, a dynamic figure in India’s hotel and travel industry, marked the end of his illustrious career at ITC as he retired from his role as Executive Director.

His remarkable journey with ITC Hotels began in 1978 as a management trainee.

Over 45 years, Anand ascended to the company’s highest ranks, significantly shaping ITC’s hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.

A graduate in economics honors from Delhi University and holder of an AMP Degree from Bond University, Australia, Anand notably served as ITC Hotels’ MD from 2003 to 2005. He joined the ITC board as a wholetime director in 2011.

Celebrated for his vision and leadership, Anand was the longest-serving board member at ITC, highly regarded for his influential role beyond just the hospitality industry.

An emotional farewell was held for Anand at the ITC Green Centre in Gurgaon, where he was honoured by his team and colleagues in a moving ceremony. 

Known as the architect of ‘Responsible Luxury,’ Anand has been a vocal advocate for sustainable hoteliering and played a vital role in promoting Indian hospitality and tourism on various platforms, including travel trade bodies and the tourism ministry.

His leadership was instrumental in shaping the G20 Summit experiences hosted by ITC Hotels in New Delhi.

Beyond his tenure at ITC, Anand has significantly contributed to the broader industry. He has been the head of the
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH),  and the CII National Tourism Committee.  

He served on the National Tourism Advisory Council, the Executive Committee of the Hotel Association of India, and the Senior Advisory Council of the Sustainability Hospitality Alliance.

Among the many accolades he received, he was awarded the prestigious Today’s Traveller Awards as Lifetime Champion for Responsible Hoteliering and as a Leader in Green Tourism. Nakul Anand shared with Today’s Traveller,  “Our efforts to save the planet ultimately equals saving ourselves,” while delivering a Special Address at Today’s Traveller 26th Anniversary Celebrations and Awards.

This commitment has won global recognition for ITC Hotels as the largest chain of hotels in the world having the maximum number of LEED Platinum certified properties.

As Nakul Anand steps into retirement, his legacy as a mentor and visionary will continue to shape India’s hospitality and tourism industry. His departure from ITC doesn’t just signify the end of an era; it also underscores the lasting influence he will have as a guiding force and mentor in the field.

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