REGENCY LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Celebrating distinguished hospitality leaders, accomplished professionals and successful Regency alumni who have demonstrated excellence, leadership and outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry.
Celebrating Excellence, Leadership & Legacy
Regency Leadership Awards by Regency College of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management is a prestigious annual event celebrating excellence and leadership within the hospitality industry.
The awards ceremony honours distinguished industry legends, accomplished alumni and outstanding professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in culinary arts, hotel management and related fields.
It recognises lifetime contributions, professional excellence and emerging hospitality talent, fostering a spirit of legacy, innovation and commitment to the future of hospitality.
The event also showcases Regency College's dedication to student success, academic excellence, skill development, leadership, sustainability and industry trends.
It serves as a platform connecting students, alumni and industry leaders while reinforcing Regency College's reputation as a premier institution in hospitality education.
Leadership. Excellence. Legacy.
Celebrating the people who have shaped hospitality, the professionals leading it today and the successful Regency alumni representing the future of the industry.
Four Distinguished Levels of Recognition
Each Regency Leadership Award recognises a distinct level of professional achievement, leadership and contribution to the hospitality industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honouring individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to the culinary and hospitality industry.
Grand Regent Award
For top-level management and senior leadership of the hospitality industry.
For senior hospitality leaders responsible for strategic direction, major operations, business performance and organisational growth.
Elite Regent Award
For middle-level management and HR professionals of the hospitality industry.
For professionals responsible for operations, people management, talent development, training, employee engagement and organisational culture.
Star Regent Award
For Regency College alumni who are extremely successful in hospitality.
For Regency alumni who have built outstanding careers and achieved significant professional success in hospitality.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Legacy & Contribution
Mr. K.A Madhava
Former Principal, IHM Hyderabad
We take this moment to respectfully acknowledge the remarkable contributions of Mr. K.A. Madhava, former Principal of IHM Hyderabad.
His tenure was marked by vision, dedication and a steadfast commitment to academic and professional excellence.
Under his leadership, the institute flourished as a centre of learning and discipline, shaping countless students into accomplished professionals in the hospitality industry.
Mr. Madhava's guidance, values and unwavering pursuit of quality education continue to serve as an inspiration for faculty, students and the larger community.
His legacy at IHM Hyderabad remains one of integrity, growth and lasting impact.
Grand Regent Award
Top-Level Hospitality Management
Mr. Pankaj Sampat
Mr. Pankaj Sampat is the esteemed Area Director of Hyderabad and General Manager of Taj Krishna, bringing over three decades of exemplary experience in the hospitality industry.
His leadership and operational expertise have been instrumental in elevating standards of service and guest satisfaction.
Having started his career in 1993 with The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Mr. Sampat has held key positions across prestigious hotels, including significant international assignments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Malaysia.
He is also a distinguished alumnus of IHM Ahmedabad and NMIMS and has contributed actively to industry associations.
Mr. Rubin Cherian
Mr. Rubin Cherian is the distinguished General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
With over two decades of extensive experience in hospitality, he is renowned for strategic leadership, operational excellence and commitment to sustainable practices.
Under his guidance, NHCC and HICC have emerged as leading destinations for luxury stays, large-scale conferences and elite social events in Hyderabad.
His visionary approach has reinforced Hyderabad's reputation as a leading MICE destination.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh
Mr. Sukhbir Singh serves as the General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport and brings over 25 years of rich experience in hospitality.
He has led multiple properties for Accor across India and internationally, bringing extensive knowledge of market dynamics and hotel operations.
His tenure at Novotel Hyderabad Airport has been marked by significant growth in revenue and guest satisfaction.
His strategic vision and guest-centric approach continue to drive innovation and excellence.
Mr. Reginald Corbett
Mr. Reginald Corbett, Regional General Manager of Lemon Tree Hotels South based in Hyderabad, has been honoured with the prestigious Grand Regent Award.
This accolade recognises his outstanding contributions to hotel management, exemplary leadership in enhancing guest experiences and unwavering commitment to operational excellence.
His leadership continues to have a positive and lasting impact on the hospitality industry.
Mr. Dharmender Lamba
Mr. Dharmender Lamba is Hotel Manager of Trident Hyderabad and President of the Telangana Chefs Association.
With extensive experience and leadership in culinary and hospitality sectors, he has significantly contributed to the growth and development of the industry.
He has been recognised for dedication to excellence, innovation and nurturing future hospitality talent.
Elite Regent Award
Middle Management & HR Professionals
Mr. Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta
Mr. Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta is Director of Talent and Culture at Novotel Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
With extensive expertise in talent management, organisational development and human resources, he has played a pivotal role in driving performance and nurturing talent.
Mr. Dutta holds distinguished certifications including SHRM-SCP and CPHR and has been recognised with the Accor Asia Excellence Award and Hotlier Award.
Mr. S.V. Satyam
Mr. S.V. Satyam is Director of Talent & Culture at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
Recognised for exceptional leadership in human resources and talent management, he has played a vital role in innovative talent acquisition strategies and comprehensive training programmes.
His dedication to fostering a positive organisational culture and developing employee potential has contributed significantly to the success of Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
Mr. Srinivas Indukuri
Mr. Srinivas Indukuri is the Director of Human Resources for Taj Exotica Maldives and has extensive experience in human resource management within IHCL.
Previously, he served as Director of Human Resources for Taj Krishna and Taj Deccan in Hyderabad, where he was noted for strategic HR leadership and commitment to employee engagement.
He holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Andhra University.
Star Regent Award
Successful Regency Alumni
Chef K. Venkateswara Rao
Chef K. Venkateswara Rao is an esteemed alumnus of Regency College of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, graduating in 1997.
In recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding contributions to the culinary field, Regency College honoured him with the prestigious Star Regent Award.
His commitment to excellence, innovative culinary skills and leadership have significantly advanced the standards of the hospitality industry.
Chef Ashok Manga
Chef Ashok Manga is the Executive Chef at Fairfield by Marriott Hyderabad.
He has extensive experience working with Marriott Hotels and is an alumnus of Regency College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology.
Chef Manga is known for his culinary expertise and active presence in the culinary community, including his passion for Asian cuisine.
Mr. Syed Azhar Ullah
Mr. Syed Azhar Ullah is an alumnus of Regency College of Hotel Management and currently serves as Executive Assistant Manager – Front Office at The Lemon Tree Hotel Company, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
He has developed a successful career specialising in front office operations within the hospitality industry, contributing to guest services and hotel management.
Mr. Y. Abhilash
Mr. Y. Abhilash is an alumnus of Regency College of Hotel Management and the owner of Ancient Stone Grills, a renowned dining concept in Hyderabad.
With a deep passion for food and operations, he has built a successful career starting as a chef and progressing through various leadership roles in the food industry.
He has also been a key figure in business development and marketing strategies, leveraging his experience with Absolute Barbecues India and Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd.
His expertise includes new store launch, operations management and customer experience enhancement.
A Legacy of Hospitality Education
Regency College is one of the leading hotel management institutions in Hyderabad and was established in 1994. The institution has grown substantially while maintaining a cordial atmosphere and intimate learning environment for students to mature and develop.
Celebrating Those Who Lead Hospitality Forward
Leadership. Excellence. Achievement. Legacy. The Regency Leadership Awards honour the people who continue to shape the future of hospitality.