Noor Mahal Delhi NCR – Autograph Collection has appointed Teena Nichani as Director of Operations, reinforcing the leadership team at what is Marriott International’s first Autograph Collection property in India. The appointment brings a seasoned commercial operator to the helm of overall hotel management at a critical phase in the property’s growth – one that carries significance not only for the Noormahal Group, but for Marriott Bonvoy’s expanding footprint across South Asia.
Nichani brings over 26 years of experience in hospitality, with a career that has spanned sales, marketing, revenue management and hotel operations across some of India’s most recognised brands. She has held leadership roles with Radisson Hotel Group – most recently as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur – as well as with Sayaji Hotels, The Park Hotels and Fern Hotels & Resorts, now rebranded as Series by Marriott. Across these assignments, she built a reputation for delivering consistent year-on-year revenue growth, achieving strong RevPAR performance in competitive markets and driving business across corporate, MICE and wedding segments.
Her transition into an operations leadership role marks a natural evolution of that commercial grounding. The breadth of her experience across the full guest cycle – from pre-arrival commercial strategy to in-stay service delivery – positions her to align revenue performance with operational execution in a way that operationally focused leaders often cannot. It is a profile well suited to the demands of a property that is simultaneously managing brand standards, heritage identity and growth ambitions.
In her new role, Nichani will oversee all hotel operations with a sharp focus on maximising revenues and driving sales strategy. She will also lead the marketing function, including digital marketing, public relations and strategic participation in industry events. A further dimension of the role involves ensuring seamless implementation of Autograph Collection brand standards – a globally curated framework that requires individual properties to maintain their distinct identity while upholding Marriott International’s benchmarks for service and experience.
Noor Mahal Delhi NCR – Autograph Collection occupies a compelling position within India’s luxury hospitality landscape. Located along the historic Grand Trunk Road in Karnal, Haryana, the 176-room palace hotel was envisioned by Colonel Manbeer Choudhary and Mrs Binny Choudhary – descendants of Maharaja Ranjit Singh – and draws on centuries of cultural confluence in its architecture and design. Mughal domes, intricate jali work and Persian arches define the exterior, while the interiors house one of the region’s most extensive collections of Indian art and artefacts. The property blends this heritage grandeur with contemporary amenities that include a full-service spa, outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a range of wellness and adventure activities.
The hotel’s four dining venues – The Frontier Mail, Colonel Saab, The Polo Bar and The Cake Factory – each reflect a distinct culinary personality, from royal frontier recipes to modern interpretations of Indian classics. Its event infrastructure is among the most ambitious in North India, with over 300,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space encompassing signature lawns such as Rani ka Bagh and Raja ka Bagh, alongside palatial indoor venues including Sheesh Mahal and Darbar Hall. This positions the property as a premier destination for destination weddings, large-scale MICE events and social gatherings across the northern corridor.
The hotel’s entry into Marriott International’s portfolio represents a landmark moment for the group. Its opening brought Autograph Collection to India for the first time, making it Marriott Bonvoy’s 19th brand in the country and bringing its South Asia portfolio to 235 properties. Autograph Collection is represented across more than 55 countries with over 360 hotels globally – each chosen for its individuality and commitment to immersive storytelling.
Commenting on the appointment, Roop Partap Choudhary, Executive Director of the Noormahal Group, said the hire reflected the property’s ambitions for its next phase of growth, expressing confidence in Nichani’s strategic vision and her ability to deliver exceptional experiences for guests and partners. Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, CMD of the Noormahal Group, echoed this view, highlighting her track record in revenue leadership, sales and operational excellence as pivotal to the hotel’s continued success. General Manager Mahesh Singh Jasrotia added that the appointment demonstrated the property’s commitment to innovative leadership and to setting new benchmarks in service and guest satisfaction.
For Nichani, the role represents a landmark in its own right. “Being part of the first Autograph Collection hotel in India by Marriott International is truly special,” she said. “I look forward to driving strong commercial performance while ensuring exceptional guest experiences that reflect the unique identity and spirit of the brand.”
