Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Pankaj Behl as the hotel’s new Director of Rooms. Behl’s appointment reinforces the property’s focus on guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
Behl joins the Chennai property with more than 14 years of experience in rooms division leadership at global hospitality brands such as Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, Starwood and Taj. His expertise spans service optimisation, operational efficiency and team mentoring.
In his most recent role, Behl served as Executive Housekeeper at Andaz Delhi and Hyatt Delhi Residences, where he oversaw operations for 401 guest rooms and luxury serviced residences, managing a team of over 150 associates. Under his leadership, the property achieved a 98 percent room cleaning score year‑to‑date and top-tier Green Zone Brand Audit results. Behl led guestroom refurbishments, introduced sustainability-driven bathroom amenities and steered his department to earn both Department of the Year and Leader of the Year awards in 2022.
In addition to his hotel-level responsibilities, Behl serves as Area Guest Experience Specialist for Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s West Region. In this strategic role, he oversees guest experience enhancement across 11 Hyatt hotels, including implementation of Medallia-based insight programmes, service recovery protocols and hotel audits. He coaches cross-functional teams to elevate CES and NPS performance metrics across the region.
Earlier in his career, Behl held senior roles at The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa and Crowne Plaza Today Gurugram, where he led large-scale rooms operations and initiated process improvements that strengthened operational standards. His earlier tenure at JW Marriott, The Leela and Taj Bengal further sharpened his operational acumen and commitment to innovation, training and quality.
Behl said, “Joining Hyatt Regency Chennai as Director of Rooms is a proud milestone in my professional journey. I believe that every moment of the guest experience counts, and I look forward to leading a team that strives for excellence, consistency, and heartfelt hospitality at every touchpoint.”
At Hyatt Regency Chennai, Behl will oversee all rooms division operations, including front office, housekeeping, guest services and serviced residences. His mandate includes streamlining workflows, enhancing guest experience and fostering a culture centred on care and accountability.
Joining Hyatt Regency Chennai as Director of Rooms is a proud milestone in my professional journey. I believe that every moment of the guest experience counts, and I look forward to leading a team that strives for excellence, consistency, and heartfelt hospitality at every touchpoint. – Pankaj Behl
Hyatt Regency Chennai is a luxury hotel featuring 327 rooms, including 21 suites. The property offers dining venues, spa facilities, an outdoor pool and convention space, and is located on Anna Salai in Chennai’s Teynampet district.
Behl’s appointment highlights Hyatt Regency Chennai’s strategic investment in leadership capable of elevating guest journeys and operational efficiency in a competitive hospitality market.
The new leadership move positions the property to meet evolving guest expectations and maintain its brand promise in South India’s bustling luxury hospitality segment.