Managing The ‘West End'

Parveen Chander Kumar, area director – West India and general manager, Taj Lands End, Mumbai, on the evolving luxury hospitality market, rise of the millennial consumers, and creating iconic F&B brands

You have been associated with the brand Taj Group of Hotels for long. What has been your experience like?

Taj is like family for me. I started my career with this company and achieved all my milestones here. If I were to use one word for this journey, I would use ‘monumental’, because that’s the kind of opportunities the company gave me — from managing food & beverage at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi; running the luxurious Taj Lake Palace Udaipur; our flagship - The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai to my current hotel, Taj Lands End – the most sought after address in north Mumbai, to doubling up as area director for western India.

The one thing that has kept me associated with the company are continuous opportunities to learn and grow over the past 27 years of my association with IHCL, which is a purpose-driven organization. Its value-based system has enabled me to actualize my professional potential while giving me a deep sense of belonging. I feel proud and privileged to be associated with the group.

As a luxury hospitality brand, how do you see the market evolving?

The market for luxury brands is becoming more competitive, with newer domestic and international brands getting added on to the landscape. In order to drive footfalls, it is becoming imperative that every brand differentiates its product and services through unique value propositions. This market maturation has created a bouquet of unique products and experiences for the customer, from redefining brands, creating experiences, driving unique and innovative concepts — we are all re-inventing ourselves every day and that is a healthy sign.

What are the challenges and opportunities that the West India market presents?