Adgully has consistently celebrated and acknowledged the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs and leaders in various sectors. One of our notable initiatives, , focuses on highlighting extraordinary women achievers in the Media & Entertainment, Advertising, Marketing, PR, and Communications industry. In this updated series, we aim to explore how women leaders adeptly manage their teams and overcome challenges in the dynamic landscape of their respective industries.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, highlights to lead South Asia’s hospitality landscape with 168 properties across 17 brands, ensuring a balance of legacy and modernity. Its marketing strategies, including high-impact campaigns like Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Bonvoy x Ed Sheeran, redefine guest engagement. Sustainability is at the core, with initiatives like solar projects, EV charging stations, and eco-conscious guest experiences. As a leader, Marriott champions diversity, inclusion, and purpose-driven marketing, crafting meaningful travel experiences while expanding into new markets. Exciting brand launches and immersive campaigns are on the horizon, promising continued innovation in hospitality.

Leading with a heritage of innovation, personalisation, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, the brand Marriott stands out as a global symbol for exceptional hospitality. In South Asia, this legacy continues to shine as we shape the region’s hospitality landscape with a diverse portfolio of 168 properties across 17 brands, catering to a broad spectrum of travellers through our luxury, premium and select stay offerings. 

Beyond exceptional stays, Marriott Bonvoy, our globally acclaimed loyalty program with over 200 million members, elevates our leadership in hospitality. From exclusive access to marquee events like the Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour to immersive culinary showcases under the Masters of Marriott Bonvoy IP, we continue to redefine what it means to engage and delight our guests. With over 26 years of presence in India and a robust portfolio of 150+ properties, we offer travelers a wealth of experiences that connect them deeply with their destinations.

Moxy, our 17^th brand and latest introduction to the India market is a bold, playful, and stylish brand designed for the next generation of travelers. The brand resonates with travelers who prioritize authenticity, energy, and efficiency while seeking stays that align with their dynamic and youthful mindset. In India’s fast-evolving travel landscape, MOXY positions itself as the go-to choice for those who want more than just a place to stay—they want a destination where they can express themselves, connect, and feel inspired. We currently have two properties in Bengaluru and Mumbai respectively, with a robust pipeline of more to follow over the next three to five years.

With new projects in the pipeline, we are also focusing on secondary and tertiary cities such as Jaipur, Surat, Shimla, Jalandhar, and Coorg to unlock new avenues for travel for our guests across the country. As we look to the future, our focus is clear: to craft deeply personalized and meaningful experiences that transcend traditional hospitality. From every touchpoint to every destination, we remain committed to delivering enriching and unforgettable journeys that reflect our brand promise and redefine the art of travel.

As the largest hospitality group in the world, we strive to be wherever our customers are globally.  Driven to deliver exceptionally memorable experiences for a myriad of travellers, we offer a wide range of stays across various traveller needs and price points. Each of our brands is thoughtfully designed to offer a unique experience – catering to different traveller preferences while upholding our global ethos of exceptional hospitality. The Ritz-Carlton’s timeless elegance, the modern luxury of St. Regis, the expansive wellness offerings of Westin, the vibrant energy of our newest addition in India, Moxy, and the smart convenience of Courtyard and Fairfield—perfect for budget-conscious travellers on the go. Our diverse portfolio seamlessly blends innovative design, curated cultural experiences, and exceptional service to cater to every kind of traveller – ensuring that every guest encounter reflects Marriott’s global standards while embracing local guest preferences and influences.

Over the years, Marriott International has developed a robust marketing strategy in India that leverages partnerships, localized campaigns, and a mix of digital and experiential marketing to strengthen its brand presence. The approach combines global standards with local nuances to appeal to Indian consumers, particularly in the luxury and premium segments. With Bollywood and Cricket being the two highest impact platforms of visibility, we have devised several marketing strategies anchored on these verticals over the years.

Spotlighting some of our key campaigns:

The local brand for weddings - Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy launched in 2017 has given Marriott a leader board status in the segment of weddings. We have had several high impact events that featured prominent Bollywood luminaries.  In 2023 hosted a musical night under the brand IP that was anchored by Bollywood A-lister Karan Johar featuring one of Bollywood’s biggest dance maestro Shiamak Daver and newcomer Tiger Shroff. India’s thriving wedding market is valued at over $50 billion and these high decibel events have given us a huge platform of prominence in the wedding space. By positioning Marriott properties as ideal wedding destinations and featuring iconic Bollywood celebrities, the campaign aligned with the aspirational nature of Indian weddings, which often prioritizes luxury and memorable experiences. 

Marriott International's loyalty partnership with global music sensation Ed Sheeran brought a unique proposition to the Indian market by offering Marriott Bonvoy members exclusive access to his Mumbai concert, meet-and-greets with supporting artists, and curated experiences. In a country with a burgeoning young population that avidly follows international music, this campaign effectively enhanced Marriott's Bonvoy’s appeal to millennial and Gen Z consumers. The integration of loyalty rewards with culturally relevant experiences helped Marriott strengthen its engagement with a younger, experience-driven audience, fostering brand loyalty and increasing membership sign-ups.

We launched our second Moxy in Mumbai in August – 2024 (first one was in Bengaluru) with millennial star Ananya Pandey. The lunch campaign also saw 6 Moxy branded Range Rovers with key influencers on a scavenger hunt all over Mumbai giving the hotel visibility in key locations as well as integrating KOLs via this innovative gaming idea to create content and garner social media mileage.

At Marriott International, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion are deeply ingrained in our global operations, guiding our vision to create meaningful and responsible travel experiences. As conscious travel gains momentum, we remain committed to innovating and curating experiences that allow our guests to immerse themselves in culturally rich and environmentally responsible journeys.

Our efforts are aligned with the global goal of achieving net zero by 2050, exemplified by initiatives such as the "40 Hotels / 4000 kW On-Site Solar" project—one of South Asia's largest solar initiatives. By the end of 2026, 25% of our hotels in South Asia will feature on-site solar installations, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 5.2 tons of CO2 annually. Additionally, we’ve established 45 water bottling plants and 73 EV charging stations – with more to come across our hotels in India, advancing our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Closer to home, we have examples of the below hotels smartly integrating sustainability into daily operations, with the aim to drive awareness, engagement and conversations across diverse travel cohorts and Marriott’s own employees as well.

In India, at the JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, guests receive sustainable keepsakes to take home such as the Jaali Scarf and Mayur Pocket Square, inspired by Mughal and Bengali art, crafted from eco-friendly Modal satin. Additionally, in room amenities sourced from The Bamboo Bae, made from natural bamboo, emphasize the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, allowing guests to take home a piece of India’s rich heritage while also supporting environmental conservation.

The Eco-Chic Sustainability Package at JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity is tailored for environmentally conscious travellers, offering an upgrade to the next room category and eco-friendly amenities that reflect the hotel's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. A highlight of the package is the sustainable dining experience, where guests can pick fresh ingredients from the JW Garden for a farm-to-table meal, emphasizing the connection between luxury and eco-friendly living.

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa offers a culinary journey that honors the region's heritage with Garhwali and Kumaoni Meals, featuring farm-to-table dishes crafted from locally sourced Himalayan ingredients. Guests can explore the lush farm where these ingredients are grown, allowing them to connect deeply with nature and sustainable farming practices. This farm-to-table experience is designed to nurture the senses and celebrate Mussoorie's rich culinary traditions, providing an enriching and restorative dining experience.

Additionally, guests at the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa can join the hotel’s in-house environmental horticulturist in a 3-hour interactive family-friendly activity to give back to the local Himalayan community by planting a sapling that aids at conservation efforts of the greenery of the Himalayan belt.

Our commitment to sustainability is complemented by a strong focus on inclusivity and employee well-being. Two flagship programs, the ‘Life on Time’ initiative and Project Pranita, highlight our dedication to fostering diversity, empowering women, and improving work-life balance. While Project Pranita emphasizes empowering women and promoting inclusivity, ‘Life on Time’ ensures a supportive and balanced work environment for all associates, setting new standards in the hospitality industry.

Together, these initiatives embody Marriott’s holistic approach to tackling critical challenges, driving transformative change in hospitality while staying true to our core values of innovation, responsibility, and inclusion.

Today’s travellers seek more than just opulence; they value authenticity, personalised service, and most importantly, sustainable practices. In fact, with 83% of global travellers considering sustainable travel important and 76% actively seeking greener options, today’s travellers are pushing the pedal on the sustainability movement like never before.

At Marriott, we are committed to leading this shift. Through efforts like Serve 360, we collaborate with credible local partners and NGOs to address critical sustainability challenges — whether by investing in local communities, conserving natural resources, or supporting resilience initiatives. As conscious travel evolves, we continue to stay ahead of the curve by integrating sustainability into every touchpoint of the guest experience to make conscious traveller journeys more enriching and fulfilling.

Over the past two decades, my journey in hospitality marketing has been steep, intense, yet incredibly rewarding. Coming from a background in finance and PR, meant I had to learn on the job – but it also empowered me to look at things with both a strategic mindset and a fresh perspective.

Being a part of the Marriott journey in India, has given me the opportunity to work on campaigns that not only resonate with audiences but also redefine the hospitality narrative in the region. From crafting culturally nuanced experiences through initiatives like Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy and Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, to smart and high value driven collaborations for Mariott Bonvoy ( our loyalty programme ) with marquee events like the Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour concert, I’ve seen how creativity, agility, and innovation come together to deliver moments that leave a lasting impression.

It has been incredibly exciting to work on some of the most innovative and resonant hospitality campaigns that have shaped India’s hospitality landscape. Right from experiences tailored to Indian audiences with IP’s like Shaadi By Marriott Bonvoy and Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, to pop culture collaborations like Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour, I have witnessed firsthand how investing in agility and innovation can create magical moments that truly connect and leave a lasting impact – all aspects that continue to shape my strategic approach even today.

These experiences have reaffirmed my belief in the power of storytelling, personalization, and purpose-driven marketing. As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, I see myself leveraging these principles to craft strategies that connect meaningfully with audiences and drive the next chapter of Marriott’s success in South Asia.

Women leaders are known to bring a unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to the table, qualities that are invaluable in the dynamic hospitality and marketing sectors. Having started my journey from the ground up, I deeply understand the importance of perseverance and the ability to navigate challenges with a learning mindset. I also have a fairly young team of high-potential individuals - staying connected with this younger generations—their perspectives, values, and aspirations—has also helped me remain open-minded and adaptable.

At Marriott, I strive to translate these experiences into a leadership style rooted in empathy and empowerment. My focus is on fostering a culture where teams feel valued, encouraged to take ownership, and confident in pushing creative and strategic boundaries. By nurturing an environment that celebrates innovation and embraces calculated risks, I aim to inspire my teams to rethink and redefine what exceptional hospitality and impactful marketing can achieve.

No two journeys are ever the same, and achieving balance is about making work align with your unique priorities—something that looks different for everyone. My own path from finance to marketing was far from linear, but resilience has been my constant. The ability to adapt, push forward, and stay committed in the face of challenges has been instrumental in shaping my career.

As a working mother and professional, there have been moments when I’ve had to navigate competing priorities, such as managing critical work commitments while being present for personal milestones. These experiences have taught me the importance of setting clear boundaries, knowing my priorities, and making thoughtful decisions about where my attention is most needed. To aspiring women leaders, my advice is simple: own your journey unapologetically, trust in perseverance, be open and adaptable to change, and believe that consistency and clarity will help you overcome challenges, both personally and professionally.

The year ahead is brimming with opportunities and exciting initiatives across our diverse portfolio of brands and proprietary IPs. We are committed to delivering innovative campaigns that resonate deeply with our audiences, continuing to set benchmarks in hospitality marketing. While I can’t reveal too much at this stage, I can assure you that our focus remains on creating meaningful and immersive experiences that elevate the guest journey. With several projects in the pipeline, there’s a lot to look forward to—so stay tuned.