Radisson Hotel Group has elevated Faisal Nafees to senior regional director for West & South India, a strategic promotion that recognises more than two decades of hospitality excellence and positions the group for accelerated expansion across two of India’s most dynamic markets.
The appointment, announced in early November 2025, comes as Radisson Hotel Group pursues ambitious growth targets in South Asia. With over 200 hotels now operating in India and plans to reach 500 properties by 2030, the group is strengthening its operational leadership to manage this rapid expansion. Nafees will oversee strategic growth, operational excellence and revenue performance across the western and southern regions, which represent critical markets for the company’s long-term success.
A career built on operational excellence
Nafees brings 22 years of hospitality experience to his new role, marked by consistent recognition for his leadership capabilities. He has received Radisson Hotel Group’s prestigious Centre of Excellence general manager award multiple times and has been recognised among Asia’s Top Hospitality Icons. His track record includes successfully managing multi-property operations and leading complex pre-opening projects across diverse markets.
Before his promotion, Nafees served as general manager of Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala, where he elevated the property to ICON Hotel status within Radisson Hotel Group’s South Asia portfolio. The resort became celebrated for its exceptional service standards, creative food and beverage concepts, and immersive guest engagement programmes under his leadership.
His expertise in food and beverage operations has been particularly notable throughout his career. At Lebua Hotels & Resorts, where he managed multi-property operations across India and Thailand, Nafees oversaw Lebua Bangkok’s acclaimed culinary programme. The property, home to Michelin-starred dining venues, became one of the world’s most recognised food and beverage destinations. Working alongside renowned chefs, he drove both revenue growth and operational excellence at what was ranked as India’s first and most successful nightclub, which reached number 14 on the global list of best nightclubs.
Pre-opening expertise and brand development
Nafees has demonstrated particular strength in launching new properties, having spearheaded successful pre-opening projects for Radisson Kufri in Shimla and Radisson Resort Goa Baga. These projects required not only operational planning but also the ability to establish new market presence in competitive leisure destinations.
His career encompasses leadership roles with several prestigious global hospitality brands, including properties affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World and recipients of the Michelin Key award. This diverse experience across luxury and upscale segments has equipped him with cross-brand expertise that will prove valuable in managing Radisson’s varied portfolio across West & South India.
Strategic timing for regional leadership
The promotion comes at a pivotal moment for Radisson Hotel Group’s South Asia operations. The company has entered 47 new cities across India in recent years, with over 130 hotels now in operation and more than 70 in development. In 2025 alone, Radisson surpassed 210 hotel signings and openings globally, with India representing a key growth driver in the Asia-Pacific region.
The group’s expansion strategy emphasises a balanced presence between metropolitan hubs and high-potential emerging markets in tier two and tier three cities. This approach creates opportunities whilst also requiring sophisticated regional management to ensure consistent brand standards and guest experiences across diverse locations.
Nafees’s appointment is part of a broader leadership restructuring designed to strengthen operational capabilities across South Asia. Vikram Berry was simultaneously promoted to senior regional director for Central & East India, having previously served as area director for marketing and communications. Together, these appointments reflect Radisson Hotel Group’s strategy of promoting internal talent with proven track records in the region.
Challenges and opportunities ahead
The West & South India regions present both significant opportunities and operational complexities. These areas encompass major metropolitan markets such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, alongside emerging destinations in Goa, Kerala and Karnataka. The regions serve diverse traveller segments, from business professionals in technology and financial centres to leisure tourists seeking coastal and cultural experiences.
Managing this geographic and demographic diversity whilst maintaining brand consistency across multiple Radisson properties will require the operational excellence and multi-property expertise that Nafees has demonstrated throughout his career. His background in food and beverage operations may prove particularly valuable as Radisson seeks to differentiate its properties through culinary experiences and local partnerships.
The promotion also positions Nafees to play a crucial role in Radisson’s sustainability commitments. The group has set a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and is implementing responsible business practices across its portfolio. Regional directors will be instrumental in ensuring these initiatives are effectively executed at property level whilst maintaining operational performance.
A model of internal talent development
Nafees’s rise from general manager to senior regional director exemplifies Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to nurturing talent from within the organisation. His six-year tenure with the company has seen him progress from managing individual properties to overseeing pre-opening projects and now to regional leadership.
This internal promotion strategy aligns with the group’s broader approach to leadership development across Asia Pacific. By elevating executives with deep knowledge of local markets and proven operational capabilities, Radisson aims to maintain continuity whilst accelerating growth. The strategy also demonstrates the career pathways available within the organisation, which supports talent retention in a competitive hospitality market.
As Radisson Hotel Group continues its ambitious expansion across South Asia, leaders such as Nafees will be essential to translating corporate growth targets into operational reality. His combination of food and beverage expertise, multi-property management experience, and proven ability to elevate brand standards positions him well to drive the group’s vision for West & South India.
The hospitality landscape across India continues to evolve rapidly, with growing domestic travel, increasing international arrivals, and rising expectations for service quality. Nafees’s appointment signals Radisson’s intention to not merely expand its footprint but to strengthen its operational capabilities to compete effectively in these dynamic markets.
Key Take Aways:
- Faisal Nafees promoted to senior regional director for West & South India at Radisson Hotel Group
- 22 years of hospitality experience with multiple industry recognitions
- Previously general manager of Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala (ICON Hotel status)
- Managed multi-property operations for Lebua Hotels & Resorts across India and Thailand
- Led pre-opening projects for Radisson Kufri and Radisson Resort Goa Baga
- Multiple recipient of Radisson’s Centre of Excellence general manager award
- Recognised among Asia’s Top Hospitality Icons
- Radisson Hotel Group currently operates over 200 hotels in India with target of 500 by 2030
