Gaurav Shandilya, GM of Lemon Tree Premier Patna, Nominated for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2026

Gaurav Shandilya, General Manager of Lemon Tree Premier Patna in Bihar, has been nominated for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2026, recognising his leadership in hotel operations, financial performance and team management, according to details released during the nomination process in April 2026.

Nomination Announcement and Current Role

The nomination acknowledges Shandilya’s role as General Manager at Lemon Tree Premier Patna, where he has been serving since April 17, 2023. The property is a 5-star classified business hotel by the Ministry of Tourism, located in the city centre with 105 rooms, restaurants and banquet facilities.

According to the company, he is responsible for overseeing all operational departments, ensuring daily hotel operations run efficiently while maintaining compliance with brand standards and safety protocols.

Operational Leadership and Responsibilities

Shandilya manages budgeting, forecasting and profit and loss performance, while implementing strategies for revenue growth and cost control. His responsibilities include leading departmental heads, conducting daily briefings and ensuring consistent service delivery across all functions.

The company said he also oversees recruitment, staff training and development, while maintaining guest satisfaction through regular monitoring of feedback and service standards.

Performance and Achievements

According to available records, Lemon Tree Premier Patna achieved a 5-star deluxe classification in 2024 during his tenure. The hotel recorded 99% employee satisfaction scores in consecutive years and achieved over 85% in brand audits, the highest since its opening.

He was awarded the “Man of Excellence Award 2024” by the Indian Achievers’ Forum for professional achievement and contribution to the industry.

Career Background and Industry Experience

Shandilya has over 23 years of experience in the hospitality sector, with expertise across hotel operations, food and beverage, rooms division and business management. Prior to his current role, he served as General Manager at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Meerut from March 2020 to August 2022.

He also worked as General Manager at The Ummed Jodhpur and held senior leadership roles including Hotel Manager at Ramada Resort Kumbhalgarh and Front Office Manager at Aamby Valley City, Lonavala.

Earlier Roles and Professional Development

Earlier in his career, he held positions with Country Inn & Suites Meerut, Sarovar Portico Lucknow, Taj Residency Vadodara and Holiday Inn Ahmedabad, progressing through front office and operational leadership roles.

He holds a diploma in hotel management from NSHM Academy, Durgapur, and has experience in pre-opening projects, renovations and brand repositioning initiatives across multiple hospitality properties.

The India’s 50 Best General Managers 2026, organised by Hospitality Career Profile, is currently in the nomination phase, with candidates being evaluated based on operational performance, leadership and industry contribution. The process is ongoing.