K. Rajashankar: A Trailblazer in Guest Excellence & Hotel Growth – HCP F&B Leader Award 2025 Nominee

Meet Raja Shankar – F&B Manager at The Residency Towers Puducherry with Over 15 Years of Transformational Leadership

K. Rajashankar, known for his strategic brilliance and operational depth, currently serves as the Food and Beverage Manager at The Residency Towers, Puducherry. With more than 15 years of service excellence, Raja’s nomination for the People’s Choice – HCP F&B Leader Award 2025 is a reflection of his extraordinary contributions to India’s hospitality industry—especially in managing top-tier guests, government events, and delivering consistent revenue growth.

Raja’s leadership is credited with:

• Hosting India’s Honorable President and foreign delegates during the G20 Summit in 2024

• Offering personalized butler services to the Honorable Vice President of India during a state visit in 2025

• Managing high-level hospitality for the Finance Minister of India during key conferences

• Leading the Residency Towers’ F&B division to become a 5-Star Deluxe Certified Hotel

One of his crowning achievements is the pre-opening and successful operation of ABOV, a rooftop Pan-Asian fine dining restaurant. Raja led the project from concept and SOP development to procurement and digital marketing. Under his leadership, the hotel’s Pavilion restaurant earned accolades from Swiggy (Best Breakfast) and TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice 2024.

Raja has consistently grown revenue year after year—reporting a 12% growth in the last fiscal. He also plays an active role in social media promotions, F&B marketing strategy, and OTA reputation management.

Career Highlights Include:

• Deputy F&B Manager at Lemon Tree Shimona Chennai

  • Improved TripAdvisor rank from #49 to #17

  • Led major promotional campaigns and associate engagement

• Restaurant Manager at The Residency Towers Chennai (2014–2018)

  • Played a key role in launching food festivals, increasing café revenue by 20%

  • Led external events like the Leather Fair at Chennai Trade Center

• F&B Executive at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai

  • Awarded Best Executive of the Month for Cost Control

  • Coordinated hospitality for the 100th South Indian Film Festival

Raja also held supervisory and captaincy roles at Radisson Blu Chennai, Sheba Hotel in Yemen, and Radisson GRT, where he served VIP dignitaries including the President and Prime Minister of Yemen.

He holds a Bachelor's in Hotel & Catering Management, an Executive MBA in HR, and a Diploma in F&B Service, in addition to certifications in fire safety, first aid, and French.

Known for his composure under pressure and ability to motivate teams across cultures and locations, Raja Shankar stands as a symbol of hospitality excellence—making his nomination well-deserved.