Sakthitharan R: From Sommelier to Executive Leader – HCP F&B Leader Award 2025 Nominee

Meet Sakthitharan R – Executive Assistant Manager at The Tamara Coorg, Leading with Purpose and Precision

Sakthitharan R, currently serving as the Executive Assistant Manager at The Tamara Coorg, is an accomplished hospitality leader and a proud nominee for the People’s Choice – HCP F&B Leader Award 2025. With a stellar career that spans nearly two decades and includes award-winning work with brands like Taj Hotels, Sakthitharan represents a rare blend of operational mastery and guest-centric innovation.

His journey began with academic brilliance, securing a silver medal (2nd rank) during his B.Sc. in Hotel Management at SRM IHM, Chennai. A certified sommelier (WSET Level 3) and an AHLEI-certified trainer, Sakthitharan’s technical depth is matched by his on-ground expertise. He recently completed an Executive General Management Program from IIM-Trichy, further cementing his position as a strategic thinker in hospitality.

At The Tamara Coorg, Sakthitharan oversees full-spectrum resort operations, sustainability initiatives, government liaison, and curated guest experiences. Previously, he led the F&B teams at O by Tamara Coimbatore and The Tamara Kodai, managing large pre-openings and luxury operations seamlessly.

Before joining Tamara, Sakthitharan spent over eight years with Taj Hotels, where he played key leadership roles at Taj Bekal, Taj MG Road Bengaluru, and Vivanta Chennai. His standout performance at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa saw 15% revenue growth year-on-year and exceptional guest satisfaction scores across TripAdvisor and internal KPIs. He also made his mark as a sommelier and restaurant manager at Taj MG Road, earning industry awards for his leadership and beverage programs.

His international exposure includes a successful stint at Omar Shariff Indian Restaurant in Singapore, where he managed profitability, manpower, wine list curation, and service standards for a premium dining venue.

With a solid foundation in training, strategy, and sustainability, Sakthitharan continues to elevate hospitality standards. His accolades include “Best Hospitality Personality” by IIHM Bangalore and multiple recognitions within Taj for business excellence.

Fluent in English, Tamil, and Hindi, Sakthitharan brings warmth, precision, and professionalism to every role. His nomination for the HCP F&B Leader Award 2025 honors a legacy defined by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to people.