A multi-award winning hotelier with more than 29 years of experience, Ranjit Phillipose’s professional achievements include overseeing multiple hotel openings and rebranding projects across IHCL hotels, resorts and palaces in Asia, UK, the USA, and the Middle East. Throughout his career, Ranjit has had a proven track record of success at providing the vision and leadership required to translate conceptual business models into specific growth strategies, expand market shares, and increase revenues.

Some of his notable accolades include the JRD Tata Award for Quality and Excellence, Best New Hotel in the MENA region at the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 (Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers), Favourite Business Hotel at the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2017 (Taj Dubai), Best of Best Hotels 2011 by Robb Report, and Elite Traveler USA’s 100 Best Suites (Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives). For four consecutive years, from 2018 to 2021, Ranjit was recognised by Hotelier Middle East as one of the most influential professionals in the hospitality industry in the Executive Power 50 list.

Ranjit’s career started with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) in 1993 at the luxurious Taj Coromandel Hotel in Chennai, India. Rising through the ranks and after six successful years in various positions, in 1999 he moved to St James’ Court, London, a Taj Hotel. In London, he continued to advance through front of house management roles and was instrumental in opening three new Taj Hotels in Mumbai, Seychelles and Mauritius. In 2005, Ranjit took on new challenges in the United States; first as Director of Rooms at The Pierre in New York, and then as Hotel Manager at the Taj Boston. During his time in America, he also managed the successful pre-opening of Taj Campton Place in San Francisco.

In 2009, Ranjit was appointed as General Manager of the majestic Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, overseeing the ambitious USD 50 million restoration project of the brand’s fourth heritage hotel. Known for his exceptional knowledge and expansive expertise in strategic planning, revenue management, and brand growth strategy, Ranjit then moved onto the role of the General Manager at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives in 2012. Further on, he was promoted to Area Director and General Manager at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Goa, with a total of four hotels under his management.

Following his stellar tenure across a diverse portfolio of IHCL properties worldwide, in 2016 Ranjit took on yet another exciting project to head Taj Dubai in the prestigious Downtown area of Dubai. He rapidly established Taj Dubai as a force to be reckoned with by blending the brand’s essence and India’s rich heritage with Middle Eastern elements. Following the success of the hotel, he was soon promoted to Area Director across the Middle East.

In 2021, under his inspiring leadership, Ranjit yet again led another successful opening of the Middle East's first Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, a luxury beachfront resort located in the heart of Palm Jumeirah. Today, he oversees the company’s vast expansion plans across the region, while still managing three hotels in the UAE, including Taj Dubai, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai. On a personal front, Ranjit considers people to be his strongest asset. He drives a culture of excellence and leads by example, ensuring his teams are involved and engaged with the brand’s goals and initiatives.