Professional Summary
Ritu Chawla Mathur comes with a diverse range of practical Hospitality operations experience. In a career spanning over 20 years as a top-performing Hospitality professional, she has spent most years in the field of hard core Hotel (Operations) Management, and has made steady contribution in various capacities, with brands like the Taj Group & Marriott International across the Luxury, Leisure & Business Hotel landscape. Prior to Prognosis, her role in Operations was that of the pre-opening General Manager, for the Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Chakan.
As a second generation Hotelier, Ritu's inherent passion for the hotel business coupled with her unwavering determination to bring world-class service to customers and her leadership skills earned her the position of one of the youngest General Managers at the Taj Group of Hotels in 2008. As a General Manager she steered financial management, operational efficiencies, employee development and strategic sales and marketing initiatives for hotels and resort properties to deliver business excellence goals and owner objectives.
Ritu holds an Executive MBA (SPJIMR, Mumbai) with specialization in Marketing & Strategy, a Bachelor’s in Hotel Management from Indian Institute Hotel Management, Aurangabad (A Taj Group of Hotels Affiliation).
Work Experience
Prognosis Global Consulting -Managing Partner
August 2016 - Present
Prognosis Global Consulting is a full service Consulting, Asset Management and Advisory services firm focused on Hospitality, Leisure and Food Services industry in South Asia Region.
Responsible for the overall strategy, business development & client services delivery of the organization.
Prognosis Global Consulting -Managing Partner
August 2016 - Present
Lead various Strategic Advisory Engagements, Feasibility and Market Studies, Branding and Management Contract evaluations and Operations Advisory services for major Hotel Brands, homegrown Hotel Brands and Individual Owners across various cities in the country.
Marriott International – General Manager - Courtyard by Marriott, Pune,
Chakan India Aug 2012 - Jan 2014
Pre-opening General Manager with responsibilities like developing the Business Plan, Budget planning, Sales & Marketing strategies with emphasis on defining the distribution and sales channels and positioning strategies, recruitment of the entire team and setting the systems and process for a strong operations foundation in years to come.
Taj Group of Hotels – Deputy General Manager – Taj Krishna,
Hyderabad Jan 2010 – Jul 2012
As the Hotel Manager the primary job responsibilities included the overall smooth operation of the luxury Hotel with emphasis on Customer satisfaction, systems and processes and quality control across functions. Played a major role in Cost Management initiatives, repositioning of the Specialty Restaurants and driving Banquet business to deliver highest GOPs.
Taj Group of Hotels – General Manager – Taj Fisherman’s Cove,
Chennai Nov 2007 – Jan 2010
Responsible for the overall running of the hotel, hiring and management of the hotel management team, management of the hotel staff; Finance and budgets; Marketing and sales, Renovation of rooms and restaurants, Maintenance & new Projects and Public relations/dealing with the media. Pre-opening team of the new block of 64 rooms, Gym and Banquet facilities. Repositioned the Bayview Restaurant to be awarded the Times Food Guide for the Best Restaurant in the City in 2008. Played an important role in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Responsible for the re-classification of the hotel to a 5 Star Deluxe.
Taj Group of Hotels – Executive Asst. Manager – Taj West End,
Bangalore May 2005 – Nov 2007
Overlooked the smooth functioning of the Rooms Division that includes Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Butler Operations, Horticulture, Security, Engineering & Maintenance, and the Health Club (functions). Played a key role in Customer Relationship Management and implementation of Customer Retention Programs and helped reposition the hotel to become a market leader in its competitive set. Was also instrumental in converting an external union body to an internal employee Union while maintaining a congenial and productive work environment.
Taj Group of Hotels – Executive Asst. Manager – Fort Aguada Beach Resort,
Goa May 2001 – May 2005
Overlooked the smooth functioning of the Rooms Division of the luxury Resort that included Front Office, Housekeeping, Horticulture, Security, Engineering & Maintenance and the Jiva Spa. Drafted and implemented repositioning strategies for Fort Aguada Beach Resort. Actively participated in Renovation of the Lobby and the Front Office Back areas. Was instrumental in introducing the 24X7 Service Centre concept.
Taj Group of Hotels – Asst. Front Office Manager –Taj Mahal Palace & Towers,
Mumbai 1997 - 2001
In charge of front office operations under the sections: Telephones, Taj Club and Cashiers of the large Front Office department of a 583 Rooms Flagship Luxury Property of the Taj Group of Hotels. Joined the hotel as a Duty Manager handling the Lobby operations, promoted in two years to set- up the then new Taj Club – Business floors of the hotel prior to becoming the AFOM.
