Hotel Sircle has appointed Harish Chandra as CEO and Founder, with responsibility for shaping the strategic direction of the platform and expanding its network of hotel owners, promoters, founders and chairpersons.
Chandra brings more than 30 years of experience across hospitality technology, digital transformation, IT strategy and business development. At Hotel Sircle, he will focus on developing the platform, growing its owner community and creating initiatives that provide hotel owners with access to industry expertise, resources and peer support.
Leading Hotel Sircle’s Strategic Direction
Hotel Sircle is a private network created exclusively for hotel owners and is positioned as a dedicated platform for the ownership community in India.
The network began as a WhatsApp community and has connected more than 500 hotel owners. It is now transitioning to a digital platform, with new owners continuing to join the network.
As CEO and Founder, Chandra will lead the platform’s strategic direction while working to expand its reach among hotel promoters, founders and chairpersons across the hospitality sector.
Building a Digital Platform for Hotel Owners
Hotel Sircle’s digital platform is intended to provide hotel owners with a trusted forum to exchange experiences and seek support on areas relevant to hotel ownership and operations.
These include hiring, brand negotiations, procurement, technology, marketing and promotion, along with other ownership-related matters. The platform also aims to connect hotel owners with experienced hospitality professionals and relevant industry resources.
Chandra’s background in hospitality technology and digital transformation will be central to the development of this platform as Hotel Sircle expands beyond its original community format.
More Than Three Decades in Hospitality Technology
Chandra has built a career spanning more than three decades, with experience covering technology strategy, information systems, digital transformation and business development.
Alongside his new role at Hotel Sircle, he serves as Chief Technology Officer at Twigs Direct and is the Co-Founder of Dropwise Sustainability Pvt. Ltd. He is also the Founder of India Executive Search and Travel and Hospitality Technology Professionals (TAHTP).
His current professional engagements also include advising Caravela Beach Resort, Goa, on technology and Universal Hospitality, Nashik, on strategy for its upcoming 80-key hotel.
Leadership Across Hospitality and Technology
Before joining Hotel Sircle, Chandra held several senior technology and transformation roles across hospitality and travel businesses.
His previous leadership positions include Managing Director – Technology at HotelKey and Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Interactive12, the technology partner to SpiceJet. He also served as Head of Information Technology at International Travel House, an ITC associate company.
Chandra spent a decade as Chief Technology Officer at Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, where he was responsible for technology strategy, IT infrastructure and hotel openings.
Early Career Across Global Hotel Brands
Earlier in his career, Chandra held technology and information systems positions with Avaya GlobalConnect, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hyatt Regency Mumbai, Le Royal Méridien Mumbai, now Hilton Mumbai, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, now ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Goa, and The Park Hotels.
This career progression has given him exposure to technology requirements across hotel operations, travel businesses and hospitality development, alongside broader experience in business transformation and strategic planning.
Industry Representation and Advisory Roles
Chandra has also held industry and advisory positions within the hospitality technology ecosystem.
He is a former Member of the Board of Governors of Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), Chicago, USA, now part of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. He was the first Indian elected to the HTNG Board.
His industry involvement has also included serving as an Advisor on the Asia-Pacific team of Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN), as well as IT Advisor to FHRAI and HRANI.
Expanding Hotel Sircle’s Owner Community
At Hotel Sircle, Chandra’s priorities will include building the digital platform, expanding the hotel owner community and developing initiatives that connect owners directly with relevant expertise and resources.
The appointment brings together his long-standing experience in hospitality technology with Hotel Sircle’s focus on creating a dedicated network for hotel ownership. As the community moves from its WhatsApp origins to a dedicated digital platform, his role will include shaping its technology and strategic development while strengthening its value for hotel owners.
