GMA LeaderTalks with Ranjit Phillipose

GMA LeaderTalks with Mr Ranjit Phillipose: A Journey Through Hospitality, Leadership, and Goa’s Future

The Goa Management Association (GMA) hosted yet another insightful session of its prestigious LeaderTalks series on 19 February 2025, at the International Centre Goa. The evening featured Mr Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – IHCL, as the distinguished guest, with the session being expertly moderated by Mr Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, Editor of Business Goa and Past Chairman of GMA. The event explored the theme, Globetrotters, Gastronomy, and Goa, tracing Mr Phillipose’s remarkable journey in the hospitality industry while shedding light on Goa’s evolving tourism landscape.

A Journey Through the World of Hospitality

Mr Phillipose shared his inspiring career trajectory, which began in 1993 when he joined Taj Hotels as a Front Office Executive. Reflecting on his early days, he humorously described the challenges of front-office roles, where one must seamlessly balance between being a friend or foe to guests. His passion for hospitality took him beyond India, leading him to London, where he spent eight years. Recalling the £10 Ryanair flights, he emphasised how travel broadened his perspective and allowed him to experience the finest hotels while learning the nuances of global hospitality.

Over the years, Mr Phillipose took on leadership roles across diverse locations, including Mumbai (Wellington Mews), Mauritius, Seychelles, New York (The Pierre), and Boston (Ritz-Carlton – later Taj Boston). His first General Manager role came at Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, a property he helped transform into an iconic luxury destination.

Lessons in Leadership & Industry Insights

Drawing from his Fauji exposure – his father was in the army, he spoke about discipline, respect, and leading from the front. His philosophy of leadership revolves around mentoring teams, setting an example, and empowering others to become leaders.

His tenure at Taj Exotica Goa saw him oversee key events such as BRICS and the Defence Expo, showcasing Goa’s potential beyond leisure tourism. When leading Taj Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic, his primary focus was on protecting livelihoods and ensuring the well-being of employees and guests. He also highlighted the operational challenges of bio-bubble hospitality during the IPL for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the significance of the Abraham Accord, which strengthened ties with Israel, expanding Taj’s footprint in the Middle East.

Goa’s Evolving Hospitality & Culinary Landscape

Like GMA, Taj Hotels celebrates 50 years in Goa. Mr Phillipose reflected on how the culinary world has changed dramatically. He shared anecdotes of dining at Michelin-starred restaurants like The Fat Duck, emphasising the importance of understanding flavours, wine pairings, and culinary storytelling.  Goa, he noted, has moved beyond just a beach destination and must leverage its rich cultural heritage, unique gastronomy, and improved flight connectivity to attract a more diverse traveller base.

The Future of Hospitality: ESG & Vision 2030

With the hospitality industry shifting towards sustainability, Mr Phillipose touched upon IHCL’s ESG framework and its alignment with the company’s Vision 2030, which aims for 700 properties globally. He also paid tribute to Raymond “RT” Bickson, calling him the last great innkeeper of Taj Hotels, who played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s ethos.

Advice for Young Professionals

For aspiring hospitality professionals, Mr Phillipose had a clear message:

• Step out of your comfort zone – Growth happens when you embrace challenges.
• You are only as good as your team – Leadership is about surrounding yourself with people who are better than you and empowering them.
• Adversity is an opportunity – The hospitality industry is fast-paced, and the ability to adapt, innovate, and market ideas effectively is key to success.

Conclusion

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where attendees gained deeper insights into the hospitality sector and Goa’s potential beyond beaches. Mr Phillipose’s journey serves as an inspiration for young professionals, reinforcing the idea that learning, adaptability, and leadership are the cornerstones of success.

Ahead of the session, Mr Deepak Bandekar, Chairman of GMA, welcomed the gathering and introduced the speaker to the audience highlighting his experience and profile and spoke about the Golden Jubilee celebrations of GMA.  Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar, Past Chairman of GMA, compered the session and coordinated the interactions.

GMA expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr Ranjit Phillipose for his time and invaluable insights, as well as to Mr. Harshvardhan Bhatkuly for moderating the session.  Mr Deepak Bandekar presented a memento each to Mr Philipose and Mr Bhatkuly.