Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa has appointed Ather Raza as Director of Operations, marking his return to the property after an earlier tenure between 2018 and 2021. Raza brings more than two decades of hospitality experience spanning hotel operations, pre-opening projects, renovations, financial planning and operational performance.
His professional background includes leadership assignments at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre. With experience across resort and hotel operations, Raza returns to Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa with an understanding of the property and expertise in guest satisfaction, team development and operational management. In his new role, he will support the resort’s operational performance while working with departmental teams to maintain service standards and strengthen the guest experience.
Ather Raza Returns to Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
Raza’s appointment brings him back to Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, where he previously worked between 2018 and 2021. His earlier association with the property provides familiarity with its operating environment and service requirements.
As Director of Operations, he will be responsible for overseeing the resort’s operational functions and supporting coordination across departments. His role will involve working with department heads to maintain service consistency, monitor operational performance and address guest requirements.
Returning to a property in a senior leadership position also brings an understanding of its existing operational structure. Raza’s experience since his earlier tenure will contribute to his approach to managing the resort’s day-to-day activities and wider operational priorities.
More Than Two Decades of Hospitality Experience
Raza brings over 20 years of experience across the hospitality sector, covering hotel operations, pre-openings, renovation projects and operational excellence.
His career has included leadership roles at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre. These assignments have provided experience across different hotel environments, including resort operations and properties serving corporate, leisure and events-related demand.
His professional background also includes exposure to financial planning, guest satisfaction and team development. These responsibilities require coordination between operating departments and management teams to maintain service delivery while meeting business objectives.
Experience across pre-opening and renovation projects adds another dimension to his operational background. Such assignments involve preparing hotel facilities, teams and processes for operational requirements, often while coordinating multiple departments and maintaining attention to brand standards.
Focus on Operational Performance and Guest Satisfaction
In his new position, Raza will focus on supporting the resort’s operational efficiency and guest experience.
The Director of Operations role involves oversight of hotel functions and coordination between departments to ensure that daily activities run effectively. At a resort property, this requires attention to accommodation services, food and beverage operations, guest facilities and the wider range of experiences offered to visitors.
Raza’s background in guest satisfaction and operational performance will inform his work with the resort’s teams. Maintaining consistent service standards while responding to guest requirements will form an important part of his responsibilities.
His experience in financial planning will also support operational decision-making, particularly in areas involving resource allocation, departmental performance and efficiency.
Experience in Pre-Openings and Renovation Projects
Alongside hotel operations, Raza has worked across pre-opening and renovation assignments during his hospitality career.
Pre-opening projects require coordination across recruitment, training, operational planning and the establishment of service processes before a property begins operations. Renovation assignments introduce different operational considerations, including the management of facilities, service continuity and coordination between project and hotel teams.
His experience in these areas provides a foundation for managing operational changes and maintaining standards across different stages of a hotel’s development.
At Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, this background will complement his responsibility for overseeing established resort operations and supporting the property’s operational objectives.
Team Development and Departmental Coordination
People management is another area of Raza’s professional experience. His background includes team development and working with operational departments to support performance and service delivery.
As Director of Operations, he will work with departmental leaders to strengthen coordination and ensure that teams are aligned with the resort’s service expectations.
The role also involves supporting employees in managing guest requirements, maintaining operational procedures and addressing challenges that arise during daily hotel operations.
Raza’s previous experience at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa provides an additional understanding of the property’s working environment as he resumes a leadership position.
Supporting the Resort’s Next Phase of Operations
Raza’s return brings together his earlier association with Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa and experience gained through leadership assignments across the hospitality industry.
With more than two decades of experience in operations, financial planning, pre-openings, renovations and team development, he takes on responsibility for supporting the resort’s operational performance and guest experience.
His appointment adds an experienced operations leader to the property’s management team, with a focus on service standards, departmental coordination and consistent operational delivery.
