The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts on May 12 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.
Spread across approximately 9,600 sq. ft. of purpose-built infrastructure, part of the 50,000 sq. ft. GD Goenka School of Hospitality & Culinary Management, the Centre has been conceived as a fully immersive learning environment, with dedicated classrooms, an auditorium, specialised training kitchens, and integrated residential and recreational facilities. Guided by experienced faculty and industry practitioners, it seamlessly combines academic rigour with real-world hospitality exposure to shape future-ready professionals aligned with The Leela’s standards of excellence.
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 at a defining moment in the brand’s growth journey.
As The Leela accelerates its growth as India’s leading pure-play luxury hospitality brand, the LCoE also represents a long-term investment in elevating hospitality talent at scale. Designed to nurture individuals across every level of the organisation, The Leela will annually invest in structured learning and capability-building initiatives impacting over 650 associates and managers across the organisation. This includes leadership and functional development programmes for over 250 managers through its Leela Executive Accelerated Development (LEAD) program, specialised bootcamps, conclaves and industry conferences, alongside academic and operational training for over 220 associates across The Leela Palace Services (TLPS), Leela Leadership Development Program (LLDP) and Butler Development programmes. The initiative will also strengthen service and cultural excellence through dedicated soft skills training for over 200 associates annually, while advanced culinary capability-building under Shefs at The Leela will train 30 culinary professionals each year.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. 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.”
Mr. Nipun Goenka Managing Director G D 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. By combining academic depth with industry relevance, we aim to shape professionals who are grounded in values, capability and purpose”
The Leela Centre of Excellence serves as the strategic hub for The Leela’s learning ecosystem, bringing together and strengthening existing programmes including Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), The Leela Palace Services Programme (TLPS), Leela Executive Accelerated Development Programme (LEAD) and Shefs at The Leela.
These initiatives sit under the LCoE umbrella, creating a structured platform to continuously develop, up skill and elevate talent across the organisation, alongside functional certifications including Butler and Sommelier programmes.
Prof. Rajiv Gulshan, Dean of Le Cordon Bleu and Centre Director Leela Centre of Excellence said: “LCoE will bring about much-needed transformation in hospitality education by creating future-ready professionals grounded in excellence, innovation, and gracious hospitality.”
