ITC Hotels Ltd. has promoted Swaroop Nagarajan Udupa to Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage at ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Effective August 2026, the promotion follows his progression through the company’s management trainee programme, during which he gained experience across food and beverage operations, guest services, outlet management and large-scale hospitality events.
Udupa joined ITC Hotels in August 2025 as a Management Trainee – Associate and subsequently completed assignments at several properties within the group’s portfolio. His training included ITC Mughal, ITC Grand Bharat, ITC Maratha, Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, and ITC Grand Goa, alongside exposure to event operations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
In his new position, he will take on managerial responsibilities across the resort’s food and beverage operations, supporting service delivery, team coordination and commercial performance.
This leadership change supports ITC’s growth strategy, reflecting hotel appointments.Swaroop Nagarajan Udupa Takes on Managerial Responsibilities at ITC Grand Goa
Udupa assumed his new position as Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage in August 2026, following several months of operational training at ITC Grand Goa.
His promotion comes after serving as Trainee Assistant Manager at the resort from March 2026, where he worked across multiple food and beverage outlets and gained experience in daily operations, guest engagement and service management.
As Assistant Manager, he will support the effective functioning of the resort’s food and beverage operations, including coordinating teams, maintaining service standards and contributing to commercial performance.
The appointment represents his transition from the management trainee programme into a formal managerial position within ITC Hotels.
Career Progression Through ITC Hotels’ Management Trainee Programme
Udupa began his professional journey with ITC Hotels in August 2025 as a Management Trainee – Associate.
His initial assignment was at ITC Mughal in Agra, where he began developing practical experience in hotel food and beverage service operations. He subsequently moved to ITC Grand Bharat in the Delhi NCR region, continuing his training within the group’s luxury hospitality environment.
In October 2025, he progressed to Management Trainee – Supervisor at ITC Grand Bharat. The position introduced supervisory responsibilities, allowing him to gain experience in coordinating service activities and supporting the operational requirements of food and beverage teams.
His training programme also included deputations at ITC Maratha in Mumbai, Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur.
These assignments provided exposure to large-scale catering, event operations and private functions, extending his understanding of food and beverage management beyond regular restaurant service.
Operational Experience Across ITC Grand Goa’s Dining Outlets
In March 2026, Udupa moved to ITC Grand Goa as Trainee Assistant Manager, where he worked across several of the resort’s dining venues.
His assignments included Pavillion at The Village Square, Farol Bar and Kebabs & Kurries. Working across these outlets provided experience in different service environments and operational requirements.
His responsibilities covered daily outlet operations, team deployment, guest engagement, service monitoring and commercial performance.
He also supported initiatives aimed at improving the dining experience and encouraging guest engagement.
Among these initiatives was the reintroduction of a welcome drink at Kebabs & Kurries. He also contributed to the launch of the Lobby Lounge, gaining exposure to operational activities associated with introducing a new food and beverage offering.
His work further included menu recommendations, suggestive selling, private dining and encouraging guest feedback.
These responsibilities contributed to his understanding of how food and beverage service, operational planning and commercial performance are connected within a luxury resort environment.
Early Hospitality Training at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru
Before joining ITC Hotels, Udupa completed an industrial training programme at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru Hotel Conventions Residences between December 2023 and April 2024.
During this period, he gained exposure to several hotel departments, including food and beverage service, in-room dining, food production and housekeeping operations.
The training provided an introduction to hotel operations and the coordination required between guest-facing and support departments.
His experience at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru formed an early foundation for his subsequent development within ITC Hotels’ management trainee programme.
Focus on Service Delivery and Commercial Performance
In his new position at ITC Grand Goa, Udupa will support food and beverage operations with an emphasis on service standards, team coordination and guest satisfaction.
His responsibilities will draw on experience gained through outlet operations, team deployment and guest engagement during his trainee assignments.
The role also involves supporting the commercial performance of the resort’s food and beverage outlets, including attention to menu recommendations, suggestive selling and private dining opportunities.
His previous involvement in operational initiatives at Kebabs & Kurries and the Lobby Lounge provides relevant experience as he takes on wider managerial responsibilities.
Internal Talent Development at ITC Hotels
Udupa’s promotion follows a structured progression through ITC Hotels’ management trainee programme, from Management Trainee – Associate in August 2025 to Management Trainee – Supervisor in October 2025 and Trainee Assistant Manager in March 2026.
His transition to Assistant Manager – Food & Beverage in August 2026 reflects the progression from training assignments to departmental management responsibilities.
With experience across multiple ITC Hotels properties and exposure to food and beverage service, catering, events and resort dining operations, Udupa will continue his professional development at ITC Grand Goa.
His new role will focus on supporting the resort’s food and beverage operations, maintaining service standards and contributing to the performance of its dining outlets.
