He wanted to be an Air Force pilot but ended up becoming a 'Hospitality pilot'. Not just on Indian soil, but also on a global level. Meet Rajeev Menon, the man who's steering the growth of Marriott International in Asia Pacific (excluding China). Marriott International, incidentally, is the largest hotel chain in the world.
Hotelier India caught up with the dynamic leader for an exclusive, and a very delightful and insightful interview. From what triggered his desire for hospitality to what makes him a successful hotelier, we present Menon in a never-seen-before avatar.
An absolute people person, totally passionate about what he does and a man unafraid to take risks and explore into the unknown, 'The Marriott Raj', as Hotelier India fondly calls him, is all this and more... Read on...
My first question to you is the very obvious: Where did it all start from? What triggered your interest in the hospitality industry?
I actually wanted to become an Air Force pilot but my eyes let me down. I then naturally drifted towards the hotel business, because we had some family in hotels, and as a young boy, we would travel a fair bit. And as you know, the hotel business is very glamorous, so there was this instant pull. Honestly, I've been blessed - since pretty much the day I joined the industry till today, I've never had to work a day because I just love what I do! So yeah, it's been a good run.
So you worked consciously towards being a hotelier? Or you worked towards being a pilot as well?
I did my schooling from Naval Public School in Delhi. I had the option of joining the army or navy, but I pursued to be a pilot. I even got through the exams but was let down by my eyesight.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Western Couples Are Choosing India For Their Big Day?
Decoding the reason, and how to cater to them...
A Match Made in India
Director General of Tourism Mugdha Sinha's grand vision for wedding tourism...
Tee Off in Style
Hoteliers are giving golfing facilities a boost even as they offer putting greens that make the sport popular.
Bespoke Getaways: What Makes Them Desirable?
Boutique hotels are increasingly becoming the first choice among discerning guests as they provide meaningful breaks.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
The balance of honouring tradition while adding a dash of modern flair is what keeps the culinary scene fresh and exciting...
DON'T THINK, OUTSIDE THE BOX
The oft-quoted maxim, \"Think out of the box!\" does little to encourage creativity or innovation and often is their enemy.
Putting the Wow into Weddings
As hotels become the preferred venue choices for weddings, the industry is certainly shaking things up.
Innovation Is Not an Option but a Necessity
Emphasizing the need for the Indian hospitality sector to innovate and disrupt itself in the current transformative period.
Why Marriott built its GCC in India?
Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue & Technology Officer of Marriott International, tells Hotelier India all about finding the best talent in India...
FROM POTENTIAL TO POWERHOUSE
In an exclusive and candid interview with Hotelier India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India's Minister of Culture and Tourism, speaks about how tourism and hospitality will power India's economy by 2047.
