Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited has appointed Manish Bhagat as Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel, effective September 21, 2026. Bhagat succeeds Atul Khosla, who has stepped down from the position to pursue a new professional opportunity.
Bhagat brings more than 20 years of finance experience across hospitality, retail, engineering, aviation and aerospace. Prior to joining Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, he served as Vice President of Finance at SAMHI Hotels Limited and has held finance roles with Devyani International Limited, AirWorks Engineering Pvt Ltd. and InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which operates IndiGo.
Leading Finance and Strategic Financial Management
In his new role, Bhagat will be responsible for the company’s finance function, with his experience spanning financial planning, strategic financial management, treasury, cost optimisation, audits and digital finance transformation.
His appointment comes as Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels continues to develop its business and expand its hospitality portfolio. The CFO position will involve working closely with the leadership team on financial performance, operational efficiency and long-term business planning.
Bhagat’s background across multiple industries also provides experience in managing finance functions within businesses with varied operational and commercial requirements.
Experience Across the Hospitality Sector
Before joining Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, Bhagat was Vice President of Finance at SAMHI Hotels Limited. His experience in the hospitality sector has provided exposure to the financial requirements of hotel operations, including planning, performance management and cost control.
The hospitality sector requires finance teams to work closely with operations and commercial functions, particularly around budgeting, financial performance, treasury and efficiency initiatives. Bhagat’s previous experience positions him to work across these areas in his new leadership role.
A Career Across Diverse Industries
Bhagat’s professional career spans more than two decades and includes finance roles across hospitality, retail, engineering, aviation and aerospace.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Devyani International Limited, AirWorks Engineering Pvt Ltd. and InterGlobe Aviation Limited, providing experience across businesses with different operating models and financial requirements.
His work across these organisations has included responsibilities related to financial planning, strategic finance, treasury management, cost optimisation, audit and finance transformation.
This cross-sector experience adds breadth to his finance background, while his recent hospitality experience provides direct exposure to the industry’s financial and operational environment.
Focus on Financial Performance and Efficiency
As CFO and Key Managerial Personnel, Bhagat will have a broad mandate covering financial management and supporting the company’s wider business objectives.
His responsibilities will include strengthening financial performance, supporting operational efficiency and managing financial processes in line with the company’s business requirements. Digital finance transformation will also remain relevant to his experience, reflecting the increasing role of technology in financial reporting, controls and decision-making.
Working alongside the leadership team, Bhagat will contribute to financial planning and strategic initiatives as the company progresses with its business plans.
Leadership Transition at Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels
Bhagat’s appointment follows the departure of Atul Khosla, who has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer to pursue a new professional opportunity.
Commenting on the leadership movement, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, said,
“We thank Atul Khosla for his valuable contribution, commitment and work ethics and wish him the very best for the next chapter in his journey. We are delighted to welcome Manish Bhagat to Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels.
“His extensive experience across hospitality and diverse sectors will bring valuable perspective to our leadership team as we continue to scale our business and drive sustainable growth. We look forward to his leadership and contribution in the journey ahead.”
Bhagat on His Appointment
Speaking about his appointment, Manish Bhagat said,
“I am delighted to join Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, a legendary Indian hospitality company with a distinctive legacy and a strong platform for the future. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and contributing to the Company’s next phase of growth, with a focus to further strengthen financial performance, driving operational efficiencies and creating sustainable long-term value for the business and its stakeholders.”
Strengthening the Finance Function
Bhagat joins Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels with a finance career that combines hospitality experience with exposure to several other sectors. His immediate remit will centre on financial performance, efficiency, strategic financial management and supporting the company’s broader business priorities.
With more than 20 years of experience, including his recent senior finance leadership role in hospitality, Bhagat will work with the company’s management team as it focuses on financial discipline, operational efficiency and long-term value creation.
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