From Polishing Glasses to Shaping Futures: The Humble Beginnings of a Hotelier

Every leader starts somewhere. For Tarun Seth, it began at Grand Hyatt New Delhi, where he entered the hospitality world through the Food & Beverage department. Unlike glamorous notions of hotel management, his early days were marked by hard work, humility, and learning the unspoken language of service.

From setting tables to shadowing senior staff, he discovered that hospitality is about making memories, not just serving meals. Guests remembered not only the food but the warmth in the service. These lessons planted the seeds of his guest-first philosophy.

A Young Professional in a Changing India: Building Character Through Hyatt’s Ethos

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw India’s hospitality industry changing. International chains were entering, and Indian luxury brands were reinventing themselves. For Tarun, it was a crucible moment.

At Hyatt, he saw how global service excellence could be married with India’s culture of warmth and generosity. This dual perspective became the cornerstone of his leadership DNA: blending precision with empathy, structure with soul.

Learning the Languages of Luxury: Oberoi and Taj Years

Before returning to Hyatt in senior roles, Tarun spent formative years with The Oberoi Group and Taj Hotels, two giants of Indian hospitality.

• At Oberoi, he absorbed the discipline of detail — where every service step was orchestrated like a performance.
• At Taj, he experienced heritage-driven hospitality, where warmth and storytelling created bonds that lasted beyond a guest’s stay.

These experiences broadened his worldview. He was no longer a Hyatt-trained hotelier alone; he had become a polyglot of hospitality cultures, fluent in multiple service philosophies.

Reimagining Hyatt Regency Chennai: Turning Dining into Destination

When Tarun returned to Hyatt as General Manager of Hyatt Regency Chennai, he faced a big question: How does a business hotel stand out in a crowded city?

His answer was bold: Food and Beverage must become the differentiator.

He repositioned the property as Southern India’s premier dining destination. Restaurants were no longer “in-house perks” for guests — they became culinary landmarks for locals and business travelers.

Through menu reinventions, curated dining experiences, and partnerships with chefs, he built a reputation for Hyatt Regency Chennai as a culinary hub, proving his belief that F&B is not an afterthought — it’s a brand-builder.

A Defining Assignment: Grand Hyatt Gurgaon

In 2022, Tarun stepped into one of Hyatt’s most ambitious roles: General Manager of Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. This wasn’t just another appointment — it was a statement of Hyatt’s trust in his leadership.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon is not only a hotel — it is a flagship project in the NCR, India’s most competitive market for luxury hospitality.

Tarun’s responsibilities included:

• Overseeing pre-opening operations, ensuring no detail was missed.
• Building a pipeline of Hyatt leaders, focusing on mentoring young talent.
• Positioning the property as a lifestyle destination, not just a business hotel.
• Designing a guest experience strategy that combined global luxury with Indian sensibilities.

This role cemented his status as one of Hyatt’s most strategic leaders in India.

The Indian Hospitality Industry in Context: Why Leaders Like Tarun Matter

India’s hospitality sector is unique — it thrives at the crossroads of ancient traditions and modern luxury. Global brands like Hyatt compete with legacy Indian giants like Taj, Oberoi, and ITC.

Hyatt’s India strategy has been selective but ambitious — fewer properties, but each designed to set benchmarks. For this strategy to succeed, leaders like Tarun Seth are indispensable.

With his ability to innovate in F&B, manage large-scale properties, and inspire teams, Tarun ensures Hyatt Hotels India competes at the highest level in luxury hospitality.

Grand Hyatt Goa: A Benchmark of Scale and Ambition

Although Tarun has not been General Manager of Grand Hyatt Goa, the property represents the kind of scale and ambition that leaders like him influence.

Sprawling across 28 acres at Bambolim Bay, Grand Hyatt Goa is one of India’s largest luxury resorts. With 547 rooms, multiple specialty restaurants, vast event spaces, and one of the country’s largest resort spas, it epitomizes what Hyatt stands for in India.

It also highlights the type of iconic properties that demand the kind of strategic vision and operational discipline Tarun has demonstrated in Gurgaon and Chennai.

Leadership Philosophy: The Values That Define Him

Through his journey, Tarun has shaped a clear leadership philosophy:

• Guest-Centricity: Every decision starts with the question, “How will this impact the guest experience?”
• Empowering Teams: He believes in creating leaders at every level — a motivated employee translates into a delighted guest.
• Innovation Through Food: Culinary experiences are the heart of hospitality, not just a department.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Global standards must harmonize with local traditions to create authentic luxury.
• Sustainability: The future of luxury lies in responsibility — eco-conscious operations, ethical sourcing, and community partnerships.

Looking Ahead: Tarun Seth’s Vision for the Next Decade

As Hyatt continues to expand its presence in India, Tarun’s role is set to grow in influence. His next decade goals may include:

• Spearheading Hyatt’s entry into new Indian markets, especially emerging metros.
• Leading sustainability-driven hospitality initiatives in India.
• Developing Hyatt’s culinary identity in India, making it synonymous with premium dining.
• Mentoring the next generation of Hyatt leaders, ensuring talent pipelines remain strong.
• Positioning Hyatt Hotels India not just as competitors, but as trendsetters in global luxury hospitality.

Conclusion: A Story of Evolution and Vision

Tarun Seth’s story is not a career ladder — it is a journey of evolution.

From his first role as a young F&B assistant at Grand Hyatt New Delhi, where he learned humility and attention to detail, to his transformational leadership at Hyatt Regency Chennai, and now his strategic stewardship of Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, his trajectory reflects resilience, creativity, and foresight.

In him, Hyatt has found more than a General Manager. It has found a visionary leader who represents the future of luxury hospitality in India — one who blends global standards with Indian soul.

As Hyatt expands, Tarun Seth will likely remain at the forefront, shaping properties, mentoring leaders, and redefining what luxury hospitality means for a new generation of travelers.