Veteran hospitality leader, Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL spoke to Hook at Fortune India’s event celebrating India’s Best CEOs 2025. In a brief conversation, he discussed the meaning of the recognition, the leadership traits he refuses to delegate, and the core values that guide him every day.
Recognition Rooted in Service
When asked how it felt to be included on the Best CEOs list, he began by acknowledging the long-standing business relationship with the group hosting the recognition.
He added that leading the Taj brings an inherent responsibility: “When you serve the Taj, you serve the nation.”
For him, the recognition is simply part of that ongoing responsibility.
What a Leader Should Never Delegate
He was clear about the one aspect of leadership he keeps personally: Caring, empathy, and compassion.
Leadership, he said, must remain grounded in these traits while still being progressive. Helping people grow, he believes, ensures the organisation grows as well.
The Daily Anchor: Core Values
On what keeps him focused, he pointed to core values as non-negotiable.
“Business plans and strategies can change. Core values cannot.”
For him, the values represented in “TAJ” act as daily guidance:
- T — Trust of all stakeholders
- A — Awareness in the communities the group operates in
- J — Joy in doing the work
These, along with the Tata Group’s foundational philosophy—that the community is the purpose of business, not just another stakeholder—shape his approach.
Closing Thoughts
He expressed appreciation for the recognition and reiterated that the values of the Taj and the Tata Group continue to guide both his leadership and the organisation’s direction.
