GlobalSpa
07-May-2026
At The Leela, she champions refined luxury rooted in heritage, personalised service, and meaningful guest experiences.
In the realm of Indian luxury hospitality, Anjali Mehra brings a refined sensibility shaped by experience, intuition, and a keen understanding of guest expectations. Thoughtful and detail-orientated, she approaches hospitality as both an art and a responsibility — one that balances tradition with contemporary relevance.
Working within one of India’s most celebrated hospitality groups, The Leela, Mehra contributes to crafting experiences that are rooted in culture, personalised service, and understated sophistication. Her approach mirrors The Leela’s enduring philosophy: that true luxury lies not just in opulence but in warmth, care, and the quiet precision of exceptional hospitality.
1. Was there a pivotal moment or decision in your career that significantly shaped your journey in brand and communications within the hospitality industry?
There have been several defining moments in my career. The transition from aviation into hospitality was one such moment. Then when I moved out of India, I went into a role that had a much larger geographical purview, which was the Middle East and Africa. These moments have taught me tolerance and that leadership is not just about visibility; it's about stewardship, and championing what you really believe in.
2. What is a moment in your professional journey that made you pause and feel especially proud – either for yourself or for the brand that you represent?
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work for a brand like The Leela. When I look back at my six-year journey with them, there are many moments that I feel very proud of. The most emotionally satisfying moment was when we became a listed company in June 2025. That moment, standing there and watching that bell ring on the National Stock Exchange, was really a proud moment.
3. As a woman in leadership, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build careers in hospitality, branding and communications?
My advice to the next generation looking at building careers in hospitality, marketing and communication is, firstly, this is not as glamorous as it looks from outside. So please be prepared for a lot of hard work. It is also thankless. On a deeper note, my advice to every young woman who's aspiring to be a leader someday is to embrace yourself and develop a voice for yourself.
4. Do you believe strong leadership and mentorship can shape the next generation of women entering the hospitality industry?
I think mentorship is at the core of development, especially if you want to grow into leadership positions. My advice to every young woman who's aspiring to be a leader is to not be afraid of seeking mentors. Find the right mentors because they can really shape you, both personally and professionally, and help you achieve what you want in life.
5. Looking back, how would you describe your journey so far, and how has it shaped the leader you are today?
My journey unfolded at the intersection of storytelling and brand building across geographies. I've been privileged to work with some of the best brands in hospitality and have had the ringside view of evolving global situations. It has really enriched me in terms of the role of communication and its overall impact.
6. Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the future of luxury hospitality in India and the roles brands like The Leela will play in shaping that experience?
India is entering a remarkable moment in global hospitality. The world is curious about what India has to offer. Brands like The Leela, which are rooted in Indian culture and philosophy, in the ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava, and have been built on art, architecture, craftsmanship, heritage, and music that define India in its various facets, can really play a large role in putting India on the global map and strengthening our position within the hospitality landscape.
7. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in building and maintaining a luxury brand voice, and how did you navigate it?
My biggest challenge revolves around two things: resonance and relevance. For luxury brands, we must find interesting ways of continuing to stay relevant to the evolving needs of today's luxury consumer to create experiences that will help us connect with them emotionally and continue to resonate with them throughout their journeys with us.
8. How do you personally define success today, and has that definition changed over the course of your career?
When I was younger, success was defined by launches, campaigns, and the Vanity Matrix. But today it's about impact, leaving something meaningful and enriching behind that you can look back and call your legacy.
