Hem Singh Rathore, GM of Kutani Bagh Sariska, Nominated for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2026

Hem Singh Rathore, General Manager of Kutani Bagh Sariska, has been nominated for India’s 50 Best General Managers 2026, recognising his role in managing operations at the wildlife property in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, as part of the ongoing 2026 nomination process, according to information released by the organisers.

Nomination and Current Role

The nomination acknowledges Rathore’s current position as General Manager at Kutani Bagh Sariska, where he has been serving since August 2024. The property operates as a boutique wildlife hotel located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve region in Rajasthan.

According to available information, he is responsible for overseeing daily hotel operations, ensuring service delivery standards and coordinating departmental functions across the property.

Operational Responsibilities and Scope

Rathore manages core operational areas including guest services, food and beverage operations, inventory control and overall supervision of service teams. His role includes handling reservations, guest feedback systems and ensuring coordination between departments.

He is also involved in sales-related activities, including package creation, itinerary planning and coordination of transport and accommodation services, the company said.

Career Progression and Industry Experience

Rathore has nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with roles across hotels, travel operations and event services. Prior to his current role, he worked with Aramness in Sasan Gir National Park, Gujarat, as Senior Executive – Food and Beverage Service (HOD) from November 2023 to July 2024.

He also worked with Brij Hotels at Brij Jawai from November 2021 to October 2023, where he handled food and beverage operations and guest service experiences at the wildlife property.

Previous Roles and Functional Expertise

Earlier in his career, Rathore held positions including Outlet Manager at The City Palace Museum Jaipur under Durga Diya Hospitality Management, and Operations Head at The Traveler Holidays. He has also worked with Fiestro India Group and Up2date Holidays in operational and customer service roles.

His hospitality career includes long-term experience with hotel brands such as The Lalit Jaipur and Clarks Amer Jaipur, where he worked in food and beverage service and was part of pre-opening teams.

Awards and Industry Recognition

According to available records, Rathore was ranked 20 in the People’s Choice category of India’s 50 Best General Managers 2025 by Hospitality Career Profile Magazine. He has also received the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 for contributions to hospitality.

Additional recognitions include a service excellence award at the Forest and Livelihood Conclave 2024 and the John Wakefield Memorial Award in the Rising Star category in 2024 under property leadership.

The India’s 50 Best General Managers 2026 recognition, organised by Hospitality Career Profile and powered by Nulsha Bookyati Pvt. Ltd., is currently in the nomination stage, with candidates under evaluation based on operational performance and leadership roles.